The testing begins...


October 16, 2009: Essentially today I have found out nothing new. I saw an oncologist today, who is recommending that I have several tests done. It sounds like will be back for appointments Monday and Tuesday next week.

October 19, 2009: Today I had blood work done, along with multiple CT scans of my chest and abdomen.  I also saw the oncologist again so she could go over the test results. The day is a blur, but I’m exhausted and I just want this to be over. I want someone to tell me what is wrong with me, but the doctor says that more testing is necessary to figure out exactly what kind of cancer this is.

October 20, 2009: Had to be up early this morning for more testing. My parents and I spent the night in a hotel last night. I don’t think any of us really slept all that well even though we are drained. Today I had another CT scan done, but of my head and neck this time. They used a contrast dye today, though I’m not really sure what that does.  The doctor said that the scans reveal the size of the tumor in the mandible.  The size of the tumor is 1.5 x 2.0 x 1.0 cm; I haven’t really measured this out yet, so I don’t have a very good idea of its size.  The scans came back negative for signs of metastases in the chest, abdomen, and other areas of the head and neck.  I was hoping that I would be able to go back to classes this week, but apparently the oncologist scheduled more testing and appointments for Wednesday and Thursday this week.


October 21-23, 2009: This is just too much. I had more testing done the last couple of days.  Let’s see…I had a bone scan which revealed that the tumor has completely eaten away at the bone in my mandible leaving it hollow. I also had an adrenal scan which revealed that there is no sign of tumor on my adrenal glands, however there was something in the scan which indicated it might be beneficial to have another test called a PET scan done. I have been referred to a pediatric oncologist now.  Dr. Arndt will be overseeing my case for now, but remain in contact with the adult oncologist Dr. Banck.  The reason for this is that the doctors believe that I may have the type of cancer called neuroblastoma. This is a cancer that is seen in pediatric patients, so that is why my case has been transferred to pediatric oncology. 

The new oncologist feels that it would be beneficial to have another biopsy procedure done, and also have my bone marrow checked. This has been scheduled for Monday. I feel like this is NEVER going to end.  

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