To the Oncologist
Print ViewOur trip began early. Due to special instructions given by Dr. Brierre’s office, Scott and I had a few errands to run prior to joining my in-laws for the appointment. One of those instructions was to avoid using strongly scented deodorants, colognes, or perfumes. Being a teen boy, he refused to wear my “for women”, but lightly scented, deodorant. We also needed cash from the ATM. With a few minutes to spare, we headed to church to spend that time in prayer. I lit a candle while doing so. Quiet, alone time in church is so peaceful!
Then, it was off to the oncologist’s office. Parking for his patients is in a tower. Level one - full. Level two - full. Around and around we go hunting carefully for a parking spot. Finally, at the top level - on the roof - we find one.
As we exited the vehicle, we called Angela’s cell phone (PRAISE GOD for those little gadgets!). She tells us that they were able to find a spot to park at level three. We head down in he elevator to meet them. During our restroom break, Scott realized he had forgotten the car’s headlights on. He hurried back up to turn them off. As he did this, we were allowed a few moments to breathe. When he returned, we entered the elevator and headed to level two which is where the office is located.
Upon entering, the usual procedures of paper work and such were done and soon after completing that, Carl’s name was called. We could not help but laugh at the length of the line as we - myself, Scott, Angela, and Hilda followed close behind him. During a VERY brief wait in the patient room, we made a quick calculation of Carl’s current weight and amount lost. Prior to all of this, his weight was somewhere near 198 pounds. On this day, the scale read 171 pounds - fully clothed, pockets filled, and shoes on.
The physician’s assistant entered - last name Buller. He explained that Dr. Brierre would be in shortly, but that he would “start the ball rolling”.
While with Mr./Dr. Buller, I noted the following:
The reason that Dr. Vincent ordered a colonoscopy was due to his blood work showing some anemia. That anemia may well have been caused by the Myeloma.
This type of cancer effects the bones and marrow.
The mental confusion which was present upon bringing Carl to the hospital, was most likely caused by the elevated levels of calcium.
He complimented the care that Carl received. He said the doctors in charge did a good job with the testing that had already been done.
More minor blood tests would be ordered.
X-rays of the bones would be ordered.
He said that the treatment options available today for Myeloma are far better than they were ten years ago. Within the last five years, those options have been improved.
With those better options of treatment, patients are living longer and better lives.
The outlook for Carl is far better today than it would have been ten years ago.
Lots of help is available today for patients with Myeloma.
Chemotherapy - of some sort - will be prescribed. The type will depend on the blood tests and x-ray results.
This disease is NOT hereditary.
This disease is close to that of lymphoma.
Carl’s medical history was noted.
Steroids are often used in treating cancers. Cautions will be taken if prescribed to Carl due to his diabetes.
At that point, Dr. Brierre entered. I noted the following:
He questioned about Carl’s career and work places.
He questioned about insurance and prescription policies.
He said that this will be treated with chemo to treat the blood.
New drugs are available - He mentioned REVLIMID.It is promising.
It is taken orally.
Cost is approximately $7000/month.
He expressed that he felt the ideal chemo for Carl would be those taken orally.
Those do, still, have some possible side effects including nerve damage, blood clots, lower blood counts, need for blood transfusions
They offer the patient the opportunity to continue to live a more normal life.
He ordered more, specific, blood tests (drawn in office) and metastatic skeletal survey - June 18 in Crowley. These are being done to help him characterize and stage the Myeloma.
He wants to see Carl and review those results. That appt. is for Wed, June 25th .
The chemo by mouth is dispensed differently than medications prescribed; pharmacies do not dispense them, they are sent directly to the patient. Lots of paperwork is involved with this. They will begin that paperwork. It may take approx. two weeks before he begins that treatment.
He ordered an IV drip (Zometa was mentioned) to be done monthly - beginning June 25. This drip will be that of medications normally prescribed to patients with Osteoporosis. This will help to keep the bones stronger and healthier. This will be administered in the Crowley location and takes approximately one-half hour.Diet - It was advised that Carl maintain the current diet prescribed for the kidney and blood pressure, but to that, he added, “If you want to eat; EAT. If you want to drink a beer, drink one.”
Exercise - Walking was recommended. Activities of heavy impact were discouraged.
The blood was drawn.
The appointment ended.
They went their way and we went ours. Scott is enrolled in Summer CCD - a must for his upcoming confirmation. We left Lafayette at 12:30PM. His class begins at 1PM. God must have been holding the clock in His hands. Timing was perfect.
Parts of the journey ahead remain unknown. The words used are scary. The encouraging information given by the doctors are comforting. I do not know how to “feel” regarding all of this information. I am wise. I am strong in faith. Still, it makes me want to say, “NO! I don’t want it! ITs not fair! This can’t be! Someone made a mistake!” These are my thoughts. I think of Carl. I wonder what his thoughts are. He rarely expresses them. If asked, his answers are brief. Hilda said his sleep was not sound last night.
Our hands are folded in prayer. Our minds digest the information. Our hearts regurgitate that information in the form of tears. Silent tears - in our alone time. Remain positive! Keep looking up - for THAT is where God is, with arms reaching down, watching carefully over all of us.
The journey may not be an easy one; The journey is one in which we will not travel alone………preaching to myself here…………
Today is Mike’s birthday. He is 45. He was quiet this morning.
Keep those prayers going. They ARE helping!
Your post touched my heart; your compassion is HUGE and your understanding, though you may not realize it, is so helpful. My Daddy had squamous cell carcinoma of the lower mandible (mouth cancer) and his journey is a very long and still going-on story. Perhaps I will post some of it when I am able. But what I did want to note is something I don't think many people know about. My newly-graduated-from-college now-an-employed-chemist son works for a pharmaceutical company that makes some cancer treating drugs. They (the pharmaceutical company) have a program to assist people with the cost of the drugs. I looked at their site and they do not make the drugs you mentioned, but perhaps the pharmaceutical company that does make them will have some program in place like that. Maybe someone close to Carl with internet access can look up the drug manufacturer and see? I send up prayers for your strength. With GIANT friend-love, Loree
Posted by loree — Jun 29, 2008 04:51