We went to MD Anderson today and got to meet Dr. #2 and #3. Thank you Tracey and Susan for staying with the kids this morning - we were gone all morning. I have made up my mind and David is right there with me. Our experience here today gave us a stronger sense of confidence and comfort. Dr. #2 entered first, did an exam, asked questions and left. He and Dr. #3 consulted with a hematologist, then came back to my room. Again, I had and an exam and recapped the progression of my symptoms over the last 4 years. Through this whole process, both doctors were very professional, positive and educated on Histiocytosis. What a relief!
Here's how some of my dating game questions panned out. When it comes to our confidence in the Texas specialist (Dr. McClain) and his treatment plan, they both agreed that they would make the same choice we have. As for my current prognosis, they agree that it is time I get treatment...to wait would be scarier. Their knowledge of the Chemo "Cytarabine" is greater than the other Doctors. In fact, they considered my starting dose to be so low that they don't think low blood counts will be an immediate concern. For my treatment, the port is the best way to go in their opinion, and can be implanted easily at their facility and the Chemo treatment can also be done as out patient. So, what next?
He said he would be waiting for my call but once I left a message with the nurse that "I would like to go with MD Anderson and to move ahead." She will set up the appointment for my port and I can expect to be starting chemo in the next week or two. I have made this call...O.K., this is real...I feel relief and fear all at the same time. Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, calls and cards!
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