Oncologist Appointment

Hi All, this is Cathy Brown.

Cathy, Joyce, Jen and I met up at the Cross for an appointment with Dr Sawyer. The ambulance ride in from Devon was uneventful and the ambulance crew was great (Cathy has had them before for a trip to the Alex). Cathy had blood drawn at the Cross which makes the visit so much longer since we had to wait for results to see the doctor. This time Cathy had a bed instead of a wheelchair so was much more comfortable.

The hallmarks of the type of cancer Cathy has (cholangiocarcinoma) are weightloss, marked fatigue, hypercalcemia (too high calcium) and hypercoaguability (thickend blood that clots too easily and too often). The concern with the paralysis in Cathy's leg is that it could be a side effect of the chemo, or a blood clot in her hip area or in her brain. It turned out to be a clot in the brain - which is a stroke in non-hospital jargon. The stroke was small and it is in an area of the brain (intenal capsule) through which the motor fibers pass - therefor the paralyzed leg. Cathy does have some movement in the leg but not enough to walk.

Dr Sawyer and Cathy discussed whether she should continue on the chemo or not. In the end they decided that Cathy will have a CT scan on Thursday and then decide based on what the scan shows. If the tumors are smaller - then continue the chemo, if they are larger then perhaps stop the chemo. Cathy has an appointment next Monday to talk with Dr Sawyer about the results.

For now then Cathy is back at Devon where they are taking good care of her. She tires easily and that is why her visitors have been limited. She is not in any pain and her paralyzed leg doesn't bother her, although it does cramp up and stick straight out every once in a while.

Cathy had her head shaved a week ago and Jenn had hers shaved as well. They look like two peas in a pod (a comparison I know all you cousins are all familiar with!). Last time I went to the Cross with Cathy they thought Becca and I were her daughters (which technically is possible since I am 13 years younger than she is). This time - the nurses/volunteers thought it was Mom - Joyce, Cathy and I were sisters (which they thought was weird since we both are named Cathy) and then Jenn was Cathy's daughter. I get a laugh out of my 'relationship' status every time I go there. It's nice to be a member of the family - even is it is only mistakenly.

Jenn says keep emailing her with the visiting requests.

Take care all - I will post when I have more news.