What's the Stage and Prognosis?

Oncologist

I just met my Oncologist for the first time just this week.  I selected a cancer center closer to home and not in the Bay area.  It just would be too hard to manage the treatment schedule and the long drive to the Bay area. 

I am impressed and relieved by the Oncologist which is the oncology director of two regional hospitals.  I liked his positive attitude, expertise and willingness to get molecular testing done, and also willingness to collaborate with any of the Cholangiocarcinoma oncology specialists I will actively be seeking appointments with over the next 6 months.

Do you know the Stage? 

The results of the PET scan just done on May 8 and Caris molecular lab results will help us determine stage and praying it hasn’t spread and I have the best biomarkers for the best treatment options in clinical trials.  The initial standard treatment for this form of cancer, can start now without knowing further details yet.

I won’t know the full results until the end of May with an anticipated next appointment with the oncologist to review.

When do you start, what’s the schedule?

As of May 11^th, I don’t yet know the start date.  I am having the port installed in my chest under anesthesia (I have help lined up), and approvals are underway for the chemo treatment plan. Once this established, my first treatment day will then be determined when they call me. The treatment schedule is initially 6 mos that takes me into November, and dates may shift based on my tolerance to the treatment

Prognosis and Motto

As much as I may generally know what the statistics are through Google and research papers, I am going to beat this thing to the best of my ability.  I don’t want to live by a manufactured, guestimate of an expiration date, for whatever long or short time I may or may not have.

My prognosis: I am going to be here as long as possible and give it my best fight. 

I welcome all the strength, resilience, hope and survivorship encouragement as I can get.

Fight with me!