Joe met with many doctors, including Dr. James Abbruzzese for tests, diagnosis and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. The tests revealed a large tumor on the head of the pancreas and a spot of cancer on the liver. The tumor in the pancreas is pushing against an artery and vein. The pressure of the tumor is causing pain and discomfort for Joe in his stomach and back. This pain is how the cancer was initially discovered.
The course of treatment chosen by Joe and his doctors is a three-drug cocktail of chemotherapy. The goal of the chemo is to stop the cancer from spreading and reduce the size of the tumor. The first round of chemo will take place in Coffeyville with a follow-up at M.D. Anderson to see how the cancer is responding and to reevaluate the condition and treatment plans. The chemo sessions are expected to begin next week (around April 20th) and will last 8 - 10 weeks. We will keep you updated as appointments are scheduled and treatment begins.
An unexpected bump in the road was a troublesome PowerPort. This port was implanted in Coffeyville, Kansas on April 3rd, just below the skin near Joe's right shoulder in anticipation of chemotherapy treatments. Unfortunately, this port had to be removed at the M.D. Anderson Clinic on April 10th due to clotting. At this time, it is unclear if a pic line (peripherally inserted central catheter) will be installed in his left arm. We have been assured that chemo can be performed without a port or a pic.
Due to the blockage caused by the port, Joe is using blood thinning medication to help blood pass through his right arm and get the area back to normal. The blood thinner will also help with the squeezed artery and vein in his pancreas. Here's the kicker: this medication is administered by needle twice a day. By Vicki to Joe. I am so proud of Vicki for tackling this less-than-fun duty with ease!
Now, let's talk about some good stuff! The trip to Houston was not doom and gloom. We still laughed and managed to have some fun! The people at M.D. Anderson were great, the facility was beautiful, Houston was a nice town and we met some other patients along the way. Check out pictures from our trip here!
On Friday, our last day in Houston, Vicki and SallyAnn went to speak with Joe's nurse with a few questions. While on the 7th floor, we ran into a sweet girl we had met previously. We ha
d chatted with her briefly just the day before about her cool rosary bracelet. When we saw her on Friday, she approached us and gave us each a bracelet with a beautiful angel hanging delicately on it. She had made these bracelets and intended them for us. We were so moved! The chances of even seeing this girl again, after our first meeting, were so small. The hospital is huge and so many people are being treated there everyday. This was definitely a sign from God that angels were with us.
One thing that has REALLY amazed me is that Dr. Abbruzzese and his Physician's Assistant, Alicia Ross, both gave me their email addresses. I have emailed both with questions numerous times and have always gotten answers! And I didn't have to wait a long time, either. Alicia usually answers within a half hour and Dr. Abbruzzese within an hour. I can't get hold of local doctors on the telephone that quick.
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