Michael was only sedated during the biopsy, and he said the doctor told him that part of the growth off his kidney (from which they were doing the biopsy) had necrosis. I've learned that means that as the tumors grow, they outgrow their blood supply and parts of them die. I emailed our Dr. Joey about that right away and he said it's very common.
We should have pathology results by Thursday. Michael will be traveling that day, but the oncologist said he would call Michael to discuss the results. I may have to have a phone call with the oncologist, too. I want to make sure I hear all the important details so I can share them with Dr. Joey. Once we know the cell type, Dr. Joey will be networking to help us find the best doctor(s) out here for us to see.
We've learned some more about our insurance options/limitations. In order to change medical groups if we want to see a different doctor who specializes in the sort of cancer Michael has (what that is, we do not yet know), we will have to get a letter from that medical group permitting us to join the group. That could present a problem. I guess some medical groups would deny us permission to join because we are with an HMO and they don't want to be reimbursed at HMO rates for cancer treatments.
Our next option is to change from HMO to PPO during the next open enrollment period which is in August, but wouldn't take effect until October 1st. But, once we switch over to PPO, we can see any doctor anywhere. We could go to MD Anderson or the Mayo Clinic if need be. So, I think we will probably do that. That just leaves us with four months of possibly more limitations to treatment options. Hopefully, it won't become too much of a problem.
So, now we wait for those results...
10 comments:
You are both in my thoughts and prayers.. hope all is well. and the test will come back ok..
"BIG HUGS".. think happy thoughts.....
Hope you are feeling better...
Kim
I'm glad everything went as well as could be for such a procedure and that you have doctors you can trust to help you take each step! I think your plan to switch to a PPO is a great one too. Now I will pray that you get some definitive results that will allow you to set your path, and that God will make that path clear. Oh, and healing MOST OF ALL!!
Wow. I hope you are able to continue to work with docs you trust. Making decisions & changes during such a stressful time is so difficult.
I had good experiences with Hoag. I worked St. Joe's for several years, even tho it has a good reputation, it is undeserved. Hoag is a good place for him to be.
Continued prayers for your health & wellness, peace in difficult times.
Hoping that Thursday provides answers so that treatment can begin...the next step forward. My grandmother, who is 86, has had colon cancer twice, breast cancer once, a kidney removed due to a benign (I think) growth, and most recently endometrial cancer. But she just keeps on keeping on. She even just did a course of chemo (her first one, despite her history -- her other cancers were handles surgically only). Never once has there been any option for her other than to seek treatment and to fight through it...and she's come out victorious every time. I am sure it is incredibly scary for you and Michael right now, but there IS light at the end of this tunnel...
Lots of love,
Sara
Still praying.........
Praying, praying, praying and then praying some more....
I am glad you are feeling better from your flu (how unfair of it for kicking you when you're down), and glad the kidney biopsy is behind you both-- I am glad you have such a good medical advocate in Dr. Joey. And most of all, I sure wish none of this were happening to you.
You're right-- what you said in your sweet comment to me is so true-- we have so little control over so much of this, but we can control how we respond (sometimes anyway!)--
Hang in there, and know you have a whole lot of support from many different people wishing and praying for you-- I truly think it matters.
Warmly,
Kate
Hey friend,
I lift you and Michael up by name right now to our Heavenly Father and ask Him to continue to hold you in the palm of His hand.
May the results come back soon!
Hope you recieve some good news today. I am with a PPO and it works for us. Do everything you can fight them and don't give up insurance companies try to make things so hard so you will give up and if you keep fighting them they will eventually give in. I know you are stronger then they are.
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