Breaking news

California appointment at UCSF (Univ of CA, San Fransisco) is officially scheduled for August 10th. Yes a month away, but we have now been reminded numerous times that most cancer patients first fail Doxil therapy (the chemo I'm currently on) before seeking a referral from a specialist of this caliber. SO: on one hand I'm ahead of the game; on another I may find that my problems are taken lightly until (or IF - what a nice, smiley thought) I do fail this current treatment.

Pessimists out there: try not to dwell on the irony that one must be nigh unto death before the "cool" docs see you. It really just means there are a whole lot of really sick folks out there and unfortunately they more than fill the dockets of these famous doctors.

Another bit of news:
our Dr Jones here in town has a friend he went to med school with who is now practicing oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center. He telephoned her, reviewed my case with her and now they are requesting my records as well. SO... I may be having to pick and choose who to see, but this is exactly what I was wanting: for my case to get lots of 'big-wig' attention.

And just because I like to add photos to make these posts more fun, here's Andy with one of our little ones:

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Does this mean Andy will be able to go with you or will he still be really busy with haying? Him being able to go would definitely be a perk! Sorry the wait is a long time - but glad you are on the chemo until then. I hope it is working hard to do its job! How many colts do you have? The kids will love the picture of the colt and Andy when they get up from their nap. Thanks for the update. Hugs from ours to yours!

ant Vik said...

Thanks for the update! Good news that they have set an appointment and that another dr. may be there for you too. Good to have choices, especially when it comes to your health.

My friend in Cal. really has appreciated your blog. She goes in next month for anothe CT scan to see what the monster is doing.

Have loved the fun posts too. I had to copy the pic of the outhouse for my outhouse bathroom. Yep, it is decorated in outhouse pics etc. Even a miniture outhouse for the TP storage. :-)

Anonymous said...

The plan sounds wonderful!! Glad the date is set! Don't forget to write up your list of questions and email/send ahead so they can read over them before your appointment. I am anxious for you to sit face-to-face with the experts and hear what they have to say! Thanks for taking the time to do an update!! We will be in California on August 10th too, but a little further south in Sequoia National Park. We will be thinking of you!
With Love & Care, Chris

Anonymous said...

That's fantastic news, Michelle! Even if you have to wait a month, you'll know even more by the time you get out there. We've been thinking so much about you and Andy and we've really enjoyed your blog!! :) Love, Luc and Amity

Nesting Instincts said...

This is so weird. Just last night I had a dream about you, and two dr's were fighting over who got to treat you. Then, when I woke up today and I get on to your blog I find out that there are 2 dr's interested in your case!!! I am so excited for you, and I have my fingers crossed! Love, Beth

Sara M. said...

Michelle- I am so glad you are a step ahead of the game! Everything helps, especially your amazing spirit! Glad you got the appointment!

Anonymous said...

Jocelyn's comment from awhile ago pops into my mind - DEATH TO CANCER CELLS! Hopefully that's exactly what's happening between now and Aug 10th! Glad you got the appt lined up and the other Dr. looking at your files - all of us who feel so helpless do continue to stand by, pray, and think of you every single day....several times. So, while we're doing that -hopefully those who can help you medically are coming up with the grand slam to take care of this once and for all!!!
Wade loved the picture of the colt - his first question was "How soon will they get to ride it?":)
Love you guys!

Anonymous said...

Ok, Michelle, is a detective and figured out I was the poem writer...so I will sign my name to this one....without promising that there will be more!


Michelle has a problem, oh what will you do?
For two expert doctors both want to treat you!
I know…lets have an auction, let the highest bidder pay,
For the right to treat your cancer, and to see you day by day.
One post mentions fighting, but they’ve likely too much class
To stoop to fist and punches, naw, that’s really way too crass.
The fact is, it’s a good one, if a problem must be had,
To have two expert heads together, just couldn’t be so bad.
So, here’s to science and experts, we are thankful for each one,
And for folks like M. and Andy who make blogging so much fun!!!

Renee in NE

andy and michelle said...

Thanks for the smiles everyone. Such fun to come home from tests and blood draws to a page full of notes from friends, and cousins who write fun poetry.

THANKS ALL. I need you and appreciate every effort you make to encourage and cheer.

Anonymous said...

So good to hear you now have an appt. And two doctors that would have to be a good thing. And no I didn't get any of the poem writing talent from Grandpa Theodore and my Dad so will leave that to my sis and say 'We are all with you 100%'
Retha

Kate said...

I am so glad that your appt. is set! Also I loved your post before about your house/pets. I am sure you are never bored. I wish I could say we are heading your way, but with haying it cannot be...
Chris has been fixing tractors all day. I guess that is what happens from time to time. Thanks for the updates and let us know if we can do anything! :)

Anonymous said...

Oog. A month before the appointment, eh? Keep your chin up while you wait. Trust in God's timing, okay. :) I'm sure it'll be a tough wait, but, like the rest who've commented, I'm just GLAD you were able to get an appointment! Do trust that you are never far from my thoughts and prayers! Love ya!

Anonymous said...

I must agree with the other posters...two heads are better than one! I am glad that you are starting to get the attention that is needed, and in the mean time we are thinking of you often over here! Oh and when I showed this to Cassidy she bemoaned "They have horses too?!?" Now she is really feeling like she might just move in with you! Watch out!!!

Anonymous said...

Your month of waiting will fly and it will drag and before you know it that day will finally arrive. How comforting to have 2 top-notch doctors interested in your case. And one Great Physician even more interested =) Hoping for the best. Thanks so much for keeping your great updates so up-to-date.

jay are said...

Hi there...my friend Amy who is now in Kansas sent me the link to your blog. I have been reading with interest your situation and prospects. My family and I live south of San Francisco about 40 minutes. If you happen to wind up out here (and I'll be reading your blog to find out!) I would love to come meet you and help in any way that's possible. Wishing you all the best.

andy and michelle said...

Thank you for the offer! It is such a worry when you don't know a city, trying to rent a car and get around. I'll keep you all posted here on what's new and what happens.
Again - THANKS.