Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Perfecting the wait!


Our trip to MDAnderson felt more like a day-cation than a medical trip.  So what felt like fear, turned out to be anxiety. 

It's been tough playing the waiting game, so our experience must be making us better at it, right?

I appreciate that the docs are trying to cover all bases. First, we have to go back for more tests and to meet with at least three more specialists.

Right now the buzz is opening Bert back up and trying to take more tumor out.

Hence, more specialists.  Nothing is set yet, it's just out there right now, on the table for more discussion, more research.

It's incredible how emotionally draining health issues can be.  The worry, the cost, the unknown, the fear, the baby steps, the small miracles that pop up outta nowhere.  All encompassed in a big bubble called 'the waiting game'.  I just wonder what we're waiting for.

I'd like to freeze Albert's current state.  Beautiful.  Strong.  Not completely wrecked with stress and anxiety.  


I'm sure as the next visit approaches that we will once again face the high alert of emotions and tension.  It's just the way it goes.




Wednesday, February 5, 2014

MD Anderson!




Well, we are here!!

It was a beautiful drive, nice and sunny, not a lot of traffic , considering we are in Houston, that's saying a lot!

We checked in early and started the back to back appointments immediately!

So far, we have seen an oncologist, a physicians assistant, a clinical researcher, a nurse, and a very sweet patient specialist!  

After seeing the doctor, we were already almost two hours behind schedule, funny thing, no one is very worried about that!  Which is nice because we don't feel rushed.  

We got lunch at almost 3!

Next we went to the lab and Albert got 16 vials of blood pulled and they took a urine sample!  He just HAD to beat my 15 vial record!!  Brat!

Next, he got checked in at X-Ray and they said there was a message from the lab that they need more blood!

So he got an X-Ray and went back to give more blood!!  (Just one more vial.)

So now we are at the last area where Bert will get two more tests.  A CT and a octa-something, something test that will specifically check the neuroendocrine stuff.

He's currently in the back getting his green radio active junk pumped into him so he can get the CT in two hours.

So, we wait now...

I'll check back soon!