15 Jan 2021

Somewhat stressful afternoon. My telemedicine appointment was unexpectedly moved up by about 2 hours.  The challenge with the change was having Dawn on the line so she could listen and ask questions.  Fortunately, timing was on my side and she missed only a minute or two of the video conferencing.  During the call, it was hard at times to hear as the sound wasn't clear, but did the best.  

I appreciated talking to the UAB oncologist.   He explained his proposed treatment in simple terms.  His intervention was similar to the Montgomery oncologist, but i was more confident of his approach and positive on a better outcome. Knowing that rectal cancer was a bit better than cancer in other parts of the colon provides some hope. However, metastasis of the liver remains the biggest concern (elephant in the room). Eliminating the liver lesions (the part that showed up on previous scans that put me in this position) is the game changer. Of note are three spots on the liver and not together or close by. Thus, chemotherapy is the way forward.  Various steps forward were discussed and premised on results of interventions (possibly ablation, gene sequencing, hepatic artery infusion, etc.). So, starting on chemo 2 weeks after Guardant360 blood test (a liquid biopsy blood test that identifies mutations).  Scheduled for Tuesday in Birmingham. The plan is chemo followed by scans 2-3 months later.  Fingers crossed!

With all that, I'm sticking with UAB for my treatment.  Head to Montgomery next week for a chemo port consult and with any luck, will be surgically implanted soon after (need prior to chemo).  In addition, UAB offers integrative medicine that I believe will need (i.e., stress) if I am to endure and get to the outcome I desire.  

Touched based with 42MDG on the latest and updated referrals (especiallywith UAB and Montgomerysurgeon for implant). Overall, much better state of mind after all the discussions. Still, this is the beginning of a long road with much uncertainty. However, I now have a plan or strategy and the logistics in mind and feel more confident on the way forward. 

Time to juice, relax, and perhaps spin on the bike as the 25-30 mph wind gusts outside make waking unappealing.