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Re: PET Scan Results - More Cancer???

Posted: Fri Jul 28, 2017 7:10 pm
by NHMike
I just went through this whole thread and I'll have to say that mpbser has done an incredible job going to bat for her husband. The amount of time and energy and commitment shows. I assume that you live somewhere in Vermont but you're making appointments in Boston where the quality of care is very, very high. I'm in a similar situation in NH where we have local services but I went to DFCI/B&W for second opinions. You are right in that DFCI feels like a factory. I was ready to go with Mass General as I had a hard time getting the folks at DFCI to return my (or the doctor's) phone calls. Once you're in their system, though, things seem better for contact. But it is nice to have the option to consult with Mass General and Dana Farber.

Count me incredibly impressed and hoping the best for your husband.

Re: PET Scan Results - More Cancer???

Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2017 5:13 am
by mpbser
Thanks, NHMike. My tenacious nature can be a double edged sword, but my loved ones always get the good side.

I looked again at the abdominal MRI report and the spot actually IS 1.5 cm, so there was definitely misrepresentation by the liver surgeon at yesterday's consultation. I wonder if the "90% chance" still applies to this size of a mass. I am going to call him first thing Monday morning.

Re: PET Scan Results - More Cancer???

Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2017 6:11 am
by mpbser
Liver RFA/colon resection has been scheduled for August 21st.

His prep at MGH is very different from what he did at our local hospital.

Basically, for his first surgery at local hospital, they has him drink two protein shakes starting 3 or 4 days pre-surgery. The day before surgery, no solid food but a couple protein shakes. Then he was to take tylenol and iboprofen for the couple days prior and a dose of lyrica the night before. Enema the morning of.

At MGH, no protein shakes. Instead, they want him to eat a diet high in complex carbohydrates starting two weeks before surgery (two days ago). No NSAIDs for the days prior to surgery (at least none prescribed, but he can have them if he's having back pain or whatever). No lyrica. No enema. They will give him a couple of painkillers the moment he checks in at the hospital at 6:00am.

I find the difference quite interesting but I am too swamped with work to look into it.