MD Anderson Tuesday

JDuke
JDuke Member Posts: 438
edited March 2014 in Anal Cancer #1
I got phone call from the GI Coordinator at MD Anderson, Wednesday, to let me know the ball was rolling and to get some preliminary info from me. Was not expecting a second phone call Thursday at 5:30 pm telling me that I have an consult appointment with Dr. Cathy Eng on Tuesday, June 15 at 1:00 pm. Holy smokes!!! They requested all my biopsy slides, anal, liver and lung and want me to have a CAT scan before I come (bring CD with me). Got on the phone at 8:00 am Friday. Six hours later and everyone is working toward these goals. Many emails back and forth with Dr. Hoffe my RAD/Onc...she is a gem!!!.

Completed: CAT scan scheduled for Monday at 8:30, contrast picked up. Liver biopsy picked up from hospital pathologist. Plane reservations made: only first class available on such short notice. Two tickets to Houston, $1960.00. My dear friends, Julie and Danny, insisted they donate his frequent flyer miles to pay for them. Should have left us with a $200 processing fee, but the agent was kind enough to waive these as well. Final cost $10. Julie and Danny also insisted that I use his priority points for lodging. So Julie made my reservation at the Holiday Inn, 1/3 mile from the hospital. I am so blessed to have such loving and generous people in my life.

In progress: Moffitt working on preparing lung biopsy. Relunctant to release it to me, want to overnight it, I will be calling again tomorrow. Anal biopsy in storage 30 miles away, confirmation that it had been retrieved, and they will work toward getting it re-read (?) and delivered to the Tampa facility tomorrow a.m. so I can pick it up. Fingers crossed on all of this.

My best friend Teresa will be driving down from North Florida tomorrow (missing three days of work) to accompany me. Our flight out of Tampa is 6:35 pm. She is a seasoned traveler and I am so glad that she will be leading the way as I hear Houston is a ming boggler!!! We plan to return Tuesday evening as things stand right now.

Such high hopes for Dr. Eng to have a fresh perspective on treatment options. I will let you know something as soon as I can.

Blessings to all,
Joanne

Comments

  • lizdeli
    lizdeli Member Posts: 569 Member
    #2
    MDA
    Joanne
    I was just thinking about you and was going to send you a message and then I saw your message. I'm glad you are on your way and you know I wish you the very best. Did Dr. Eng's office indicate that you may be consulting with other doctors? Probably not until she sees you. Reason I ask is because you have a flight back that night and I was thinking you may need to stay a day or so. But one day at a time.

    Safe travels and I'm sending you good vibes and will keep praying for you.

    Liz
  • sissy310
    sissy310 Member Posts: 300
    #3
    I am new to this site Joanne
    I am new to this site Joanne but I'm starting to follow individuals by reading all their posts and blogs. Just wanted you to know that I will be saying prayers for you and will anxiously look for your next posting. Marilyne (Sissy)
  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    #4
    Joanne
    Joanne,

    Holy Smokes, is right, everything is in a whirlwind, in a good way, and nothing like getting things moving. It sounds like everyone is working to get all the information you require. You have some very good friends, that are willing to help in any way they can. I wish you the very best on your consultation with Dr. Eng. Have a safe trip, and let us know how it goes.

    Sincerely, Lori
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #5
    Hi Joanne!
    I'm so glad to read your post and hear that everything is falling into place for your consult with Dr. Eng. It sounds like a whirlwind of a trip, but I hope you will get a plan in place for treatment. I truly believe she is the best physician you could be seeing and I'm so glad you got the consult. Your friends sound amazing and bless Teresa for accompanying you on the trip. I heard MDA can be quite overwhelming, so it's good that you have a traveling partner. I will be getting an MRI about the time of your appt., so while I'm in the tube, I will be thinking of and praying for you! My very best wishes to you!

    Martha
  • pjjenkins
    pjjenkins Member Posts: 173
    #6
    Whew!
    What a whirlwind! What great friends! And everyone here has said it all - just want you to know I am on your cheering squad, too. We will wait for further posts meantime sending the best possible vibes and prayers your way.
    Priscilla
  • lisa09
    lisa09 Member Posts: 32
    #7
    Joanne,
    I am also new to
    Joanne,

    I am also new to this site. Best of luck to you!

    Lisa
  • SueRelays
    SueRelays Member Posts: 485
    #8
    Hi Joanne
    So glad to hear
    Hi Joanne

    So glad to hear this is all happening!!! So blessed to have such great friends!
    I'm sure your brain could use a nice nap :):)! Hoping and Praying great things for you!!!
  • JDuke
    JDuke Member Posts: 438
    #9
    SueRelays said:

    Hi Joanne
    So glad to hear
    Hi Joanne

    So glad to hear this is all happening!!! So blessed to have such great friends!
    I'm sure your brain could use a nice nap :):)! Hoping and Praying great things for you!!!

    Thank you all for your sweet
    replies and words of encouragement. Got everything taken care of and am packed and waiting on Teresa to get here.

    Martha, good luck on your scan I will be sending positive thoughts your way as well.

    Blessings to all,
    Joanne
  • gypsy509
    gypsy509 Member Posts: 11
    #10
    JDuke said:

    Thank you all for your sweet
    replies and words of encouragement. Got everything taken care of and am packed and waiting on Teresa to get here.

    Martha, good luck on your scan I will be sending positive thoughts your way as well.

    Blessings to all,
    Joanne

    Thinking positive for you
    Hi Joanne,

    I am sending positive thoughts your way!!

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