Tuesday I went to the hospital because I had an appointment with a haematologist. It was also the scheduled day of chemotherapy but the results of my blood test on Monday was 1.1 so in theory too low for chemo. I will talk further about it later. In the absence of Dr L this week I met Dr. C. a haematologist who returns from a one-year fellowship in Australia. We were told she was excellent and very nice. She saw my file for the first time. As soon as we entered the office her first comment was.
-Wow! You have an excellent response to Folfox. Marie-Josée and I have looked at each other with an amused look. Our faces seemed to say: Well! We kind of thought so but we were waiting for confirmation from a haematologist.
At this point I said:
-In fact, it's over with Folfox since I had a severe reaction to the oxaliplatin, so we started Folfiri two weeks ago and that is why we have this appointment... a question of checking if there is any issue with the new treatment.
- And how are you?
-Very good. I answered her.
Then she takes a glance at my record, she looked at me and said: "I imagine that you want to receive your treatment today. Again Josée and I looked at each other with a smile. Well, for sure it would be great but I'm 1.1, we are kind of resigned for a delay.
She replied:-There is no reason.
She continued.
-Recent studies have shown that the treatment may, in some cases be given at 0.5. As you were at 1.1 yesterday, I am convinced that you are this morning at 1.3 ... 1.4. Plus you look young and fit then I see no indications against treatment today.
Should I prescribe it?
-Let’s go!
That sums up the story of the treatment that was cancelled but finally got prescribed. Nurses were kind of ready for it to happen because it seems that since Dr C. returned she is somewhat rewriting the established guidelines, with a smile of course. Looking at my records she raised another important point.
-You have consulted Dr. W.
-Yes, we were referred, and we wanted a second opinion on the exploratory surgery in July (see blog of August). In addition, this allowed me to be listed as one of his patients for surgery when appropriate.
It was a question of planning.
-What did he say?
-He confirmed the report and confirmed with great empathy that I was a very advanced case. He also opened the door to hope by saying that if the chemo worked well and I became a candidate for surgical specialist (called Hipec), he would submit my case to his colleague.
-Dr Younan.
-No, Dr Loungnarath.
-I know Dr. Younan and if you want I can submit your file to get his opinion as to the suitability of your case for surgery. Naturally in agreement with Dr. L.
Here, I went wild. A month ago I had the idea that it would be a longer battle than I had visualized. Finally, the doctor gives me hope that a late spring early summer could be possible. In any case it is the first haematologist to open the door to the surgery which was the objective from the beginning.
I was so pleased that throughout my treatment Josée observed that I had a smirk just like a little boy. She smiled widely herself.
In conclusion, an excellent day for our family. I continue to work on the remaining small spots around the liver and we’ll be talking about surgery soon.
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