On Friday (July 31) I was able to meet one of my oncologists. Dr. Kuhn is my radiation specialist. It was amazing to watch the doors open for us as I have not even seen a Primary Care Specialist in Idaho yet! When I called St. Luke’s Cancer Center here on Thursday the 30th, I spoke with a woman named Jen. She listened to my story and immediately began advocating for me. Within 3 hours I had an appointment with Dr. Kuhn scheduled for the next day. She and her counterpart Mary worked on my behalf to get me in quickly. And now I am scheduled for my PET scan this Friday, rather than having to wait to see the PCP, then see an oncologist, then schedule a PET. Incredible!
For those asking, I will know nothing about what stage I am at or how bad the cancer is until we get the results of the PET scan. Here are the possibilities according to Dr. Kuhn:
- The cancer is small enough and contained enough that a simple surgery will remove it and I’ll be on my way. She thinks that’s not likely, given that what they saw in the scope is 3cm. Possible though.
- The cancer has already spread to other parts of my body and I’m in big trouble. There is no reason to believe this is true due to the fact that we know where the cancer came from (immunosuppression meds). But it is a possibility.
- The cancer is contained to the local area and maybe has spread to local lymph nodes. This will require some combo of chemo, radiation and surgery. This is the most likely scenario.
We will update you as soon as we know something. I don’t know if I get results Friday or wait over the weekend.
Meanwhile, due to COVID restrictions, Karen cannot come to any of my doctor appointments. This is not such a big deal for me as every appointment is a party, but is a little more difficult on Karen. Please remember her in prayer as she’s more of an outsider this time compared to last time. Her lack of presence will be harder on me as we move toward treatment. She has always been my greatest human comforter and peace-giver.
