Wednesday, July 9th, we were scheduled to meet with the medical oncologist at 2:20 in the afternoon, then the radiology oncologist at 3:30. The radiologist did meet with us on time and we were impressed. He is exactly what we need. Very professional in the respect he had done his reading and already knew his plan of attack. We asked some tough questions and he truthfully answered them. We go back on Friday for another CAT Scan and this one is not for diagnostic reasons, but to analyze the exact position Gus needs to be in for radiation treatment. The doctor plans on starting radiation therapy on Wednesday, July 16th. Gus will have radiation treatments daily Monday through Friday for six weeks. Because of the stomach being so close to the pancreas, nausea will be a reality.
The medical oncologist finally met with us at 6:00 in the evening. She knew nothing of the test results from Seattle or any of Gus' history. We were disappointed in how little was accomplished upon leaving her office concerning chemotherapy. We do know the chemo will be done at the same time as the radiation. One of the chemo treatments will be administered once a week and the doctor did not know how the second chemo will be applied. She needed to talk to Seattle. One possibility is a continuous pump that Gus would carry around with him. Needless to say that is not our first choice. We did realize after meeting with the medical oncologist here in Bozeman that the Seattle surgeon, Dr. Park, is leading the cancer team here in Montana. We are pleased with that because he is so knowledgeable with pancreatic cancer. After treatment, we will wait at least a month before going through more tests to see if the tumor has shrunk enough for surgery. Bozeman does not have the equipment for all the tests, so we will be going back to Seattle for these tests.
Last Monday, we did get the test results of the biopsy. Gus has been diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreatic cancer.
Scott and April are taking Gus golfing on Sunday. I am actually going to let him ride in a golf cart. In fact this time I will be encouraging it. There has to be some benefits for Gus in all of this.
Kathleen
2 comments:
Kathleen, thanks for keeping us posted on Gus' condition. I really appreciate it. I visited with Gus this morning and it was good to talk to him...Jerry and I are thinking of you as well as Gus. God be with you...love the Coopers-
Gus and Kathleen... just want you to know that we think of you often and pray for you daily. I hope as you fight through this battle you can find some comfort in love of family and all the beauty God as provided for you.
If anyone can do radiation and cemo on horseback it's my Uncle Gus.
We love you!!! The Pypers
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