Oncology Consultation - 10-14-10

Today's meeting with Dr. Pritchard went well. We were pleased with him and what he is doing. He had reviewed all the data that had been previously collected and had consulted with previous doctors prior to our visit. He revealed to us two concerns that were going to require further research before moving forward with any treatment. The first concern was that the blood work that was run yesterday showed anemia. Previous blood tests had never shown any signs of anemia, the last one being drawn in May by Dr. Murray, the primary care physician. Dr. Pritchard was not sure if this was either low iron or anemia of chronic disease. Both scenarios would have to be properly diagnosed and treated before starting chemo. He ordered more blood work to be drawn, which was done before we left, and said that there was a specific test that was exactly for this and he would know the results by Monday. The second concern was the scale that they use to judge the cancer itself. The results were so high that Dr. Pritchard has ordered a PET scan to be performed this upcoming Monday. This full body x-ray will allow him to be able to know for sure the extent to which the cancer has spread. The PET scan is scheduled for 10:00 am. Right after the scan we will meet with Dr. Pritchard and discuss the results of both blood work and PET scan. We will then know better the next steps to be taken. One thing that also was given more clarification was our understanding of the chemotherapy. We had mistakenly thought that the treatments were going to be for three weeks total. It is actually three weeks per each chemo therapy treatment. Which there will be between 3 - 4 treatments needed before the surgery. So it looks like no surgery will be performed this year but early next year. We will keep everyone posted Monday after the PET scan and next consultation. We greatly appreciate all the kind comments and kind words from everyone. The picture was of our group after the consultation enjoying a little time at Mom and Dad's favorite local restaurant, Vinnies.