Nobility, Humility, Loyalty
by Grandpa R
The first test results are back, and they contain cause for rejoicing. The news came one week from the diagnosis — to the hour! Blood tests are all normal. CT scan and MRI show only one problem — the “lesion” in the eye.
So we will offer prayers of rejoicing and continue to get paper work squared away.
by Grandpa R
Marilyn at MD Anderson called this evening to report that we have a tentative appointment with the center. Sept. 10 check in at 6:30 a.m. with our first meeting with Dr. Gombos scheduled for 7:30 a.m. There is an ultrasound test scheduled after the appointment.
The appointment is tentative currently, because they are still dealing with paperwork exchanges, insurance, and so forth. We have been told to expect the first visit will be 3-5 days and that we will receive a packet of information shortly that will include more paperwork for us to fill out.
by Grandpa R
I checked into Lubbock Radiology at 7:30 this morning, and by 7:45 they had me on the MRI table. After the first half hour or so, the tech actually found a vein in my left arm (right arm had several holes already, but he wanted to go “the road less traveled”) and got an iv set up for the rest of the morning. He then ran me through the machine with some kind of dye running through my body.
After that, he gave me two large cups of some terrible tasting gastro-something, told me to get my things, go out and walk around the lobby and drink that vile stuff. Well, the college football preview issue of SI was in the lobby, so I had something of interest. Get this — they did a huge special section / report on spread offenses, and there was Mike Leach explaining how the Texas Tech spread offense works. Really cool.
About 9:45 they called me in for the CT scan and gave me one of those stylish hospital gowns. Then as I sat on the machine table, they gave me another small dose of that gastro-cyclin something or other. I complained, and the nurse apologized, saying she was not a very good cook.
Well this machine was not nearly as confining, and it talks to you. It tells you when to breathe. Luckily, I passed all the breath-holding tests, and I was out of there by about 10:30. Now, we just have to wait for results. But I do have some more information about the folks in Houston.
by Grandpa R
I got to Dr. McCarty’s office before they opened. The receptionist let me in, and as soon as the doctor arrived, they took me in. We chatted a bit as he went over the notes he had from Dr. Allison. He had my blood work from last month handy, so I asked him about liver functions (which I did not remember discussing with him). He said the liver panel they were going to do today was different.
A nurse came and drew three color-coded vials of blood. By the time that was over, the doctor came back in and said that one of the gals in the office would make arrangements for the CT scan and MRI and then they would get back with me. I had paid the co-pay on my way in, so I was on my way out the door, and had actually made it out through the first two sets (of three) doors leading to the parking lot, when Doc McCarty came running (yes, Jack McCarty running — I wish I had a camera) after me.
Emily had already lined up the MRI and CT scans….
by Grandpa R
The second eye doctor today wasted little time in diagnosing the problem with my right eye: Choroidal melanoma. He did some confirmatory tests, and then did an immediate — real time — referral to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He then got hold of my primary doctor and discussed the “work-up” that needs to be done before I go to Houston.
I start Thursday morning on the first phases of the work-up that will include brain scan, MRI and a raft of blood tests. All this will be done in Lubbock.
If I understand correctly, he is expecting to send us down to Houston some time about 2-3 weeks from now. I don’t know a lot right now.
I went into the doctor’s office at 2 p.m. By 2:45 my eyes were wide open. By 3:15 he had completed the first exam of both eyes. His first words were, “I’m afraid it’s not good,” and then he used the “m” word. He was very blunt. He said sometimes they can do radiation, “you may lose the eye,” and he suggested, “or worse,” depending on what they find.
The preliminary work-up is designed in part to find evidence of metastasis / other cancer.
I called Nancy in Phoenix almost as soon as I knew, and then I fulfilled my regular Wednesday night temple assignment. At the temple I received a wonderful blessing from President Hendricks and Scott Wells after the 8 p.m. session.
Now you know as much as I do.
