Postby musiclover » Wed Oct 11, 2006 12:56 pm
Wow Holly. That was very thorough and inspiring. The one thing that stands out is "MD Anderson". I continue to hear great things about that hospital. I've called and been told, unfortuntately, that they do not do second opinions. If Mark wants to make an appointment he has to put up $13,000 before he walks in the door. It almost seems worth it but then what? How does he pay for the treatment? He only has insurance in Los Angeles and that is only for the County Hospitals.
This goes through my mind constantly. Now he is waiting (and Waiting!) to be considered for the second trial to begin. They finally took a PET scan yesterday - who knows how long it will take to get the results for that. Meanwhile I dream of flights to Texas or other hospitals to get yet another opinion (had three already - Mark's prognosis is "poor" - extensive cancer throughout liver, lungs including soft tissue).
He's so tired and just wants to get started and believe in whatever treatment he gets. He trusts his doctor here, a new 30 year old on the scene. He truly cares for Mark, I can see that. I wonder if more opinions and disappointments will effect his healing. Soon he'll be on the trial and in my mind if it doesn't work, I'm finding a way to raise the money to take him to MD. Right now HIS decision is to go on the trial. This is what HE wants. Sometimes as a caretaker it is difficult to listen to the patient and what they want. That is probably because I've caught so many mistakes.
If I weren't there from the beginning the first surgeon would have butchered him. I did piles of research about rectal surgery and found the best surgeon in NY who performs the least invasive type made to preseve one's manhood with a reversable iliostomy. He referred Mark back to L.A. to a magician that worked a miracle. Mark's first County surgeon said he would definetly have a permanent colostomy. Wrong!!
I keep thinking there is an answer that will cure him. Then I wonder if I'm not creating more stress and if should back off and let Mark settle into treatment, whatever that may be.
I know this is rambling. Thanks SO MUCH for your input. I so appreciate the time you took to post those letters. Hope to hear more from you and so happy you are doing well.
Talk with you soon.
ML