5/2 Trixie AMBG109 - Dad's Penn visit

[Amy&TrixieCat]

Not much to report for Trix...we've had a wonderfully happy appy (huge huge huge anti-jinx), Mannie Fuds Dance, snuggles, feisties....all the good stuff. That's about it.

Yesterday's trip to Penn with my Dad was long, but well worth it. She was very happy to see my Dad, because - as she said - after his extensive diagnosis last summer, she wasn't sure if she would see him again. There are people who respond to treatment, and people who don't - and not much in between. She was very happy to see that he not only responded, but responded well. She said that at this point, knowing where the cancer originated from isn't nearly as important as the fact that he does respond very well to chemo.

For now, she wants him to take another month off from treatment, so he can further recover from the pneumonia. She wasn't fully convinced that the lung inflammation was a drug reaction (the local onc's thought), and she said that it can take lungs a very long time to heal from an infection. So we don't really have a definite answer there, but she won't rule out the pneumonia as a cause for the inflammation.

Once this month is up, she wants him to have another scan, and then she'll make her final treatment recommendation after that. But, she does NOT agree with the local onc's recommendation for the next protocol (much to my relief; I did not have a good feeling about that protocol at all). She doesn't want to make a final decision until this month is up, but she's thinking since he responds so well to chemo that we might be able to try a single agent, at least for a while. She's thinking of just eliminating the platinum drug from his current protocol and seeing how that works. Her goal is to control the cancer without killing him with the treatment.

It pays to seek out someone with more experience...

It's going to be a busy work day - we have the bead society coming in for a gathering. Have to get moving. Have a great day, L&LL!

Amy

 

[tiffmaxee]

What a gem this Penn doctor is! Sometimes we get lucky and find one that is both knowledgeable and really cares. I hope your dad continues to improve and get stronger each day. Go Trixie!

 

[Dyana]

Ah, that's a good report from the Penn doctor.
I hope you have a good day

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

So happy to read this report! Your dad must be thrilled that he is doing so well and can take a whole month off from treatment!!

Trixie, keep up the good work!

Hugs and scritches,

Ella & Rusty

 

[Anne & Zener GA]

Great report for DF! And great report for Trixie! Happy Caturday, Amy!
Liz

 

[Patricia & Noodle]

That's an excellent report from the Penn doctor. You must all feel a bit of relief at what she had to say! Hope you were able to get in some time with your family after the appointment. Have a nice day!

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

What a wonderful report! I'm sure your dad is thrilled to get a whole month of feeling great. Building up his strength before the next round makes sense to me. Sending more vines and prayers.

Trixie, you darling kitty! So good of you to give mama no extra worries (anti-jinx).

 

[Marilyn and Sheldon]

Excellent. For Trixie. For your dad. Makes such a difference to have a doctor you trust, who keeps options open, and believes in the patient. I know.

Marilyn and Polly

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

sounds good! Continued prayers for your dd. Hope he can kick that pneumonia.

after last year with my dm, i've learned so much about lung issues...
our lungs definitely can be our achilles heel if we do anything in our lives at all that hurts them...
the damage is permanent for so many and they don't even realize it at the time.... but those lungs don't heal themselves.
my dm was a smoker... and even if someone did it for a short time, the damage is there and shows up later in life.

 

[carfurby (GA)]

What a great report from the Penn doctor. I'm sure your dad was relieved. I'm glad Trixie is doing so well.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Scritches to Trixie for being such a good girl. Awesome Penn doctor report - definitely a keeper. Vines for your dad for his lungs.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I'm glad the the oncologist is feeling positive. These are not docs who are typically given to platitudes or optimism.

 

[Laura&Chichi (GA)]

So glad to hear the great report on your Dad! Im sure he is happy to get a break from the treatments too. Trixie seems to be a happy cat today as well.

 

[Michelle and Mannie (GA)]

HI Amy

WooHOO! An awesome Trixie report, and a GREAT Dad report too. Good news on all c0unts.

Hope your day has been a good one.

 

[Vyktors Mum]

Remember in the olden days when you used to think all doctors and vets knew what they were talking about and there was an answer, and only one answer, for everything! So good for dad to be getting a break and Trixie

 

[Marycatmom]

It would be wonderful if they could eliminate the platinum drug. For me, that one cause all my bone and joint pain.

 

[Chris/China (GA)/Garfield]

Great doctor visit for your DF! Sounds like this doctor really knows what she's talking about, and I'm sure your dad will enjoy having the month off to rest and recuperate.

 

[Tiger(GA) and Ruth]

Wonderful reports all around--continuing vines and prayers for your Dad and Trix!

 

[julie & punkin (ga)]

Sounds like this doc really knows her stuff. I appreciate it when people consider the whole picture - ie, let's not make dad sicker than he has to be!

Lungs do take a while to recover. Think how long a cough can linger even just from a common virus, even when a person is very healthy. They can just hang on for weeks.

 

[suki & crystal (GA)]

So glad to hear your good Dr report for your dad, good call on getting a second opinion.