I had an appointment with the Urologist for Friday but the office called today and asked if I could come in at 130. My dad came and picked me up. They asked for another urine sample and I said no I don't have anything to give. It was the truth! So, didn't have to do that again. I felt there was no need anyway.
Dr Chen came in and I think my dad scared him. ha ha my dad said he might have to hit him with his newspaper if it wasn't good news. Well, it really wasn't good news. I think I pretty much knew what was coming so I haven't had any change in my emotions yet. I think my dad is taking this harder than I am.
I have Renal Cell Carcinoma, Kidney Cancer, afterall. My options now are to be referred (which is already done) to the urology cancer center at the University of Washington medical center in Seattle. Dr Chen says that surgery might not be an option because the tumor on the lymphnode is closing around my aorta but they'll know more at the other office. Most likely though, surgery or not, I'm gonna have to do Chemo.
I was looking at all the paperwork they gave us and was reading through all of Dr Chen's notes. The last I had seen any info on actual measurements of the tumors was I guess a big guess. The lymphnode one has a measurement of 10.6cm. That's huge. I mean, it sure looked like it on the CT imaging on the computer but that's pretty big. So even with surgery, they'll have to zap away a lot of the rest of the tumor(s).
It's also all a little complicated by the fact that I have no insurance. My parents are trying to figure it all out. We're hoping to get me set up with some program at the hospital but we'll see. It's all very fresh at this point.
I'm not really sure what else to say. It's weird because Dr Chen said this type of cancer is not common at all for people my age. He's pretty sure the cancer is aggressive because of my age and just how fast it has grown (even though he's not entirely sure). He said if I was like in my 60's he would guess that the tumors have grown to this size over a course of 4-5 years. He does not think that is with my case. It's all very strange.
Well, as you all know me, I always look to the brighter side. If I do have to have chemo, and all my hair falls out, I certainly have a large collection of stinkin cute hats to wear. You're more than welcome to contribute to that. haha
Thanks everyone!
-Mallory
PS If you're getting sick and tired of praying for me, cause truly I know it'll happen, :) pray for my grandma. She has a cracked rib and the pain meds do nothing. Hopefully that heals up soon.
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13 comments:
Mallory - Patty has been keeping me updated. That most certainly is not the kind of news we wanted to hear. You will be in my prayers. Keep Smiling!
Mallory-
My whole family is praying so hard for all of you. If you need anything, or if in any way we can help you out with ANYTHING, please, please let us know. <3 We love you,
Katri
Hi Mal,
It's been a long time, huh. Well I'm sorry to hear about these turn of events for you. I hope it's ok if Jared and I keep looking at your blog for updates because we want to hear about things, even if unpleasant. We love you!
Hey Mallory, I'm sorry to hear those are the results, but now that I know I'll be sure and keep you in my prayers, and I hope that the treatment and everything goes as well as possible! Best wishes.
Mal, I love how positive you are and I will definitely keep you and your grandma in my prayers. But just know that I will never tire of praying for you because I know that if I were in the same place you would do the same:) More hats coming your way!! Love Always--Abby
Thanks everyone so much. Please continuing reading. I have this public blog for a reason. :) I will definitely keep posting as different news comes up and what not.
Hey, Grandma H, um.. who are you? You certainly aren't MY grandma h cause she doesn't know how to use a computer so..... yeah thanks for praying for me anyway. :)
Mallory,
Heard the news and wanted to let you know you are in our prayers. I know I'm a long lost cousin, but we're still family and we're all praying for the best.
Hey Mal, Sorry to hear that, but I have lots of hope. My mother-in-law was diagnosed with Breast Cancer about 6 months ago. She started Chemo a few months later. Her tumor was 6 cm, not as big as yours, but her cancer was aggressive and substantial. Anyway, after a few months of chemo they can't find the tumor anymore and she is doing well. I hope for the same result for you! We're in the Seattle Area, you know. If you ever need anything please let me know. I know sometimes people say that and you think to yourself "Yeah right..I wouldn't feel comfortable calling her for help." Don't think that in this case. I know it's not like we're best friends, but that doesn't mean we can't be. :)
I'm Patty's sister (Abby's aunt). You have come to dinner at my house a few times with Abby.
Ah yes ok I know who you are. ha ha just couldn't make heads or tails of it from before. :)
Hey Mal
I have to agree with you -- you DO have a lot of stinkin' cute hats. I love you!
Well chica, I'll never tire of thinking of you! So sorry these are the results you got. But yes, you just have to keep looking on the bright side of things and stay close to your Heavenly Father.
Mal I work with cancer patients at UW Medical Center so be sure to let me know when you're there and I will be sure to come visit you (you most likely won't be on my floor because I work with bone marrow transplant patients). They have excellent Drs there and the treatments they have these days are great. I admire you so much fot staying so positive.
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