Oncologist Appointment Information & Path Forward

Kathy had her endoscopic ultrasound Thursday morning.  She had to "prep" for the test and she got really sick.  And on top of it she had a migraine and was up basically all night-throwing up, none the less.  So the drive and appointment was not that great.  Luckily, Wendy and Emily were able to take her and they took great care of her! As soon as she got home and was able to take some Imitrex, eat and rest she felt a lot better. 

Her Oncology appointment was today and this is what they found out: 

The appointment went really well and Dr. O Brien seems like a great Oncologist. Next Friday she will have a pic line placed for the chemo that she will receive along with radiation. This should start a week from Monday and last for 5 weeks. After her 5 weeks of treatment they'll let her recuperate then surgically remove the tumor. After surgery she will have a colostomy bag which may end up being permanent, we'll have to wait and see. Afterward she will have a more intense round of chemo lasting 4 to 5 months. 

During this time she will be off of her RA drugs and will need to protect herself from the sun.

The tumor is very low, 1 cm away from the anal sphincter so a permanent colostomy bag may be imminent. 

Her Endoscopy staged the cancer at 3 since its grown into the wall of the rectal muscle.

Her CT Scan showed some very small nodules in the lungs which is common with RA, however, if they end up shrinking after chemo her cancer will be stage 4. Hopefully there is no change and it's related to her RA!

Dr. Mark Whiteford at Providence in Portland is a colorectal surgeon and will be removing the tumor. If possible he will also implant the port for the chemo she will receive after surgery.

Wendy was able to go with her and send me this information to post.  I hope we can keep it all straight! 

Thanks again for all of the prayers and support.  We are going to really need all we can get!