Sunday, January 29, 2012
Improvement
After several weeks of anxiety, anger, and depression, I have finally come to peace with the need to change oncologists. I am looking forward to my appointment with Johns Hopkins on 2/24 with Dr. Dan Laheru. I feel like I'm going to the best doctor at the best clinic in the world for pancreatic cancer. It's difficult not to feel a little upbeat about that.
Still, I don't expect my prognosis to change dramatically. Nor do I expect miracles. I am looking forward to better and competent treatment, albeit in Baltimore rather than local. My weight has been fairly constant throughout this second round of chemotherapy. I am typically about 195 lbs. My appetite is good and I've learned to adjust my eating habits to avoid discomfort to the extent possible. Of course, this routine may all get changed after my visit to JHU, but I am enjoying some consistency in my bodily functions and energy level. I still get very sad and anxious, but my medications help with that, and I've learned how to use them as well, without feeling like a junkie. All in all I would say I'm doing a lot better than when I wrote my previous entry. I'll take it.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Time to change...
Tomorrow (2/11) I have chemo treatment #10 of 12. I usually have chemo on Tuesdays, but this week it's Wednesday. I am anxious about it for all the same reasons I'm anxious before chemo. Will I barf? Will I be able to eat and sleep tomorrow night, etc. I am particularly anxious this time because if have decided that I must change oncologists.
My current oncologist has me on the right chemo regimen, and is a very nice, personable man. However, I do not care for his communication style (or lack thereof). Without going into great detail, I have lost confidence in him because of something he said during my last office visit. He said that Cyberknife and radiation generally are ineffective against pancreatic cancer. This is completely inaccurate as far as I can tell...Johns Hopkins University appears to have a completely contrary view. I emailed my oncologist about this apparent conflicting information, and I have yet to get a reply. He has responded to 1 of the 5 email messages I have sent him since I began with him in August. T me this is unacceptable.
So, I am shopping for a new oncologist, although I intend to complete this round of chemotherapy to get the benefit of it. It stopped the growth of the cancer before, and may actually shrink the tumors this time. I think it would be foolish to stop treatment right in the middle, especially since it is clear that I am receiving the right chemotherapy. It also gives me time to gather my medical records for the next phase.
I have intended to seek a second opinion at Johns Hopkins, and still may, but am now also considering Georgetown University Hospital, which has a similar approach to pancreatic disease as Hopkins. It also happens to be closer to my home. Georgetown is a fine institution, and my late grandfather was on staff there for a long, long time. I've done some reading about it, and am now somewhat conflicted about where to go next. If anyone who reds this has an informed view on the merits of one or the other, please share. Thanks!
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel_cancer_center/centers/pancreatic_cancer/index.html
http://m.georgetownuniversityhospital.org/body_dept_home.cfm?id=489&CFID=148607579&CFTOKEN=19347642
Meanwhile, I will soldier on with my current chemo regimen...tomorrow. Ugh.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
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