TIme for a new Doc

I don’t think that’s it’s an overstatement to say that everything changes with a diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer.  My relationship with my Primary Care Doctor – Dr. LeMay has, by nature changed as well. When I went to see him yesterday, he pulled his chair over and sat only inches from me.  We talked about family, work and cancer and medications. Right now one of the things that’s especially important is good communication.  It always is, but now two of the topics that are imperative to review at each meeting are side effects and symptoms – especially pain.

Dr. LeMay began talking immediately about finding a good balance between length of life and quality of life.  We will be constantly juggling these two aspects of life as we go forward- for me and Johnny.  He’s so helpful when decision-making becomes so blurred.  Right now nothing is crystal clear.

It became obvious in the time that I spent with him that I must find a new Oncologist.  Dr. LeMay talked about doctors that distance themselves from their patients as the patients get sicker and closer to death.  This is apparently their coping mechanism.  In contrast, I felt embraced, with as much comfort and care as Dr. LeMay could possibly provide.  I believe he truly cares for me he’s not just treating another patient.

I’ve always been a partner in my care it’s the only way I know how to be and Dr. LeMay likes that.  It’s my life and the decisions made are ones I do not want to regret because I gave up control or didn’t have adequate information.  With that said, treating cancer is certainly not an exact science.  And while I get the satisfaction of partial control, it’s my jagged little pill if the decisions I make don’t turn out as hoped.

So, Monday morning I’ll meet one more time with my current Oncologist (Johnny calls her “The Princess”) for another scan and a discussion about medications.  But in my heart, I believe this will be our last meeting.

As always, we’re constantly looking for ways to increase both the quality and quantity of our lives so both Johnny and I are looking forward to our meeting with Dr. Eric Serrano in about two weeks.  Dr. Eric is another great guy to have in our lives.

Until then, we have all sorts of plans for Mary Jo and Brian when they arrive.  It’s going to be a good weekend.  Love you all.

 

Just a little off from our normal diet

We’re continuing on with our “Enjoy Every Minute” motto.  So last weekend we had dinner with Jake and his family at Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza.  We’ve been thinking/talking about our dinner ever since.  What a nice evening spent with family and some really great pizza.  We can’t wait to go back.  Jake also introduced us to the meditation of Vinny Ferraro http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/215/ we’re going to be listening this weekend.

My Oncology appointment was Monday and the only way to describe it is, “Houston, we have a problem”.  My cancer has definitely spread.  It is pervasive in my liver, possibly in my lumbar spine and left femur bone.  Some of the contrast shows that it could be in my brain also…but that is yet another test.  I’ve been offered all sorts of poisonous chemical brews, I started to list the names and side effects here but it turns my stomach to even think about it-let alone put it into writing.  We go through the same thing next week with Johnny and his Oncologist.

I know that sounds morose but we’re not giving up.  I’m meeting with my primary care doc, Dr. LeMay this week and then after the July 4^th holiday Johnny & I will be meeting with a new member of our medical team, Dr. Eric Serrano.  We’re excited for this appointment-Dr. Eric is regarded highly by his peers.  He’s known for looking where other doctors don’t when it comes to common roadblocks in health and fitness.  He’s a details guy, and he makes you think about every aspect of your life and fitness.  There is no cure for us, but we’re hoping for a better quality of life than our Oncologists are offering.  I’ve gotten to know Dr. Eric over the past few months and he is genuinely one of the kindest, most thoughtful doctors I have ever met.  We won’t be making any final decisions on treatment until after our meeting with Dr. Eric.

And finally, this weekend is filled with work and getting ready for visitors. Mary Jo and Brian will be here next week and we are really looking forward to having them here. 

                                   HAPPY FATHERS DAY JOHNNY!

                                   From the dogs that drive you crazy,

                                   take up all the room in the bed,

                                   and test your sanity on a daily basis.

                                   And you know you love it!

                                              Rose & Tillie

Not your average Tom and Joe

We’re continuing on with Johnny’s new motto: “Enjoy Every Minute” so Wednesday night we saw the Joe Walsh/ Tom Petty 40^th Anniversary tour.  Joe opened up and if the concert had been over after Walsh’s performance, I would have left very happy.  He played “Rocky Mountain Way” and “Take it to the Limit” as well as other favorites before closing out with “Life’s Been Good To Me So Far.”  His show was completely different than it was just a few months ago when we saw him.

Hitting the stage soon after, Petty and the Heartbreakers kicked off their show with the first song off of their first album, “Rockin’ Around With You.”  Petty’s voice sounded excellent, the Heartbreakers were on the top of their game, they really connected with the audience and they were clearly having fun on stage – a very good evening.  We walked out wondering why it took us 40 years to see Petty live.

But I’m dreading the appointment next week with my Oncologist.  I’ve had a battery of tests, including a liver biopsy and bone scan.  Whatever is going on, I want real results.  I need forthright guidance from a professional and sadly I do not believe Dr. Knoble is the right doctor at this time.  We’ll see next week, but I believe a change may be coming.  When these appointments are imminent, I fall into an emotion that I can’t describe.  This visit should bring knowledge and a plan, but it’s also a milestone that can change everything.  The following week we go through the same thing- only then it will be Johnny with his Oncologist…what can you do?

So this weekend will be filled with more green smoothies, taking the dogs out on a late night walk so we can see the full moon tonight , sauna time and relaxing with Johnny.  Happy Weekend.  We love you all.

Working on fun stuff

Not much new to report on the medical front this week. Last week was enough, wasn't it? I did have a bone scan Friday. In another week I meet with my oncologist. A week later Johnny meets with his to see if he has any alternatives that my former boyfriend might find a bit more acceptable. But in the meantime we've been busy steaming ahead with life. Johnny has decided he's not wasting any more time working. He'll wind down and/or sell off the business. And he applied for Social Security. He became officially eligible Sunday. But by waiting around he lost out on one months worth of benefits. Oh well.

But even more exciting we're planning some trips. Already on the books, my birthday trip. We'll spend late July and early August in New York, New Hampshire, and Maine. All the reservations are in and we're plotting the exact stops but already have a real good idea of what we'll be doing. And now we're sketching out a trip to the west including a cruise on the Pacific Coast Highway. It's all in keeping with Johnny's latest motto: "enjoy every minute".

Celebrating his birthday at the neighbors