My Visit with the New Oncologist and Update

As you all know, I was scheduled to meet the oncologist who took over my case due to the death of my doctor back in December.  I saw her on the 25^th. and I like her very much.  She seemed familiar with my case history, so she had obviously done some homework prior to my arrival.  She is very young, but I see that as a good thing, as I won’t have to worry about her retiring any time soon!

She looked at my most recent scan, which was a year ago, and agreed that no more scans were indicated.  She feels that what appeared on my liver last time is most likely a benign hemangioma.  I told her that if something had been malignant, I most likely wouldn’t be sitting there talking to her, and she just smiled and agreed.

We discussed my other issues and she feels that the malabsorption and history of blockages are both due to the radiation treatment.  We also discussed my kidney issues and she agrees that several things in my case could be contributors, including the contrast used in previous scans.  My medications were reviewed and she was glad to hear that my internist had cut the dosages on several of them to give my kidneys a break.

A CBC was done and was normal, so there were no concerns there.  She didn’t order any kidney function tests, so I’m not sure what my status on that day was regarding that. 

We discussed when I should see her again.  She suggested either 6 months or a year from now.  I told her that, given the fact that I see my colorectal surgeon every 6 months, I just had a complete physical and gyno exam, I see a dermatologist once a year, and I go back to the nephrologist in June, I felt that I was being monitored by the other doctors closely enough that we could wait a year.  She was agreeable so I am very happy about that!

I see my colorectal surgeon on March 3^rd. for my usual 6 month DRE and anoscope and hope that I’m in and out of there in a flash.  On March 10^th., I am scheduled to see a doctor who specializes in rheumatology and osteoporosis to discuss my bone issues, as per the recommendation of my gynecologist.  She was not happy that I was no longer taking the Fosamax, so she wants me to see a specialist who may be able to offer other options to protect my bones.  While I don’t look forward to having one more doctor to see, I decided it would be worthwhile to get his opinion.  I have been having a bit of hip pain lately, so I need to get that checked out by him.  My mammogram is coming up in March as well.  So, I have lots going on in the next few weeks.

I still need to schedule an appointment with the nutrition department at the hospital to discuss dietary issues and what I need to do to protect my kidneys and avoid further intestinal obstructions.  For someone who loves to eat and used to be able to eat anything they desired, I sure have become a complicated person! 

I am happy to report that my new kitty, Chopper, is doing well.  While my other two cats still get easily irritated by her playfulness, everyone is tolerating each other.  When my big male cat has had enough, he gives Chopper what I refer to as a “courtesy hiss.”  LOL!  It’s his way of saying “that’s enough.”  We will be taking a trip up to see my Mom in a couple of weeks and my neighbor will be caring for them, so I hope everyone gets along in our absence.

That’s it for now.  Thank you all for your ongoing support.  You’re the best!

Martha