Meeting with Oncologist Dr Maen Hussein

 First off, Dr Hussein is an amazing Dr.  He had not been in the room 3 minutes and I already felt like I was talking to an old friend.  He was so kind, and caring.  He asked a lot of questions about me and was able to read that I was a NERD, in less than 10 minutes.   He explained things to us in a wonderfull way.  Great analogies and gave his honest opinions.

Observations about the office.  Since it was a Saturday, and our first visit, they let Debbie come in with me.  It seems that the standard procedure is for ONLY patients to be in the area.  We will have to see how that is when it comes to treatments.   The nurse that took my vitals was very nice and understanding that it was my first time seeing a Dr after the Biopsy results.  My blood preasure was 117/76, surprizingly normal under the circumstances.

Hussein explained to us what the biopsy showed and what it didn't show.  He was hopefull that the lack of any pancreas signs in the biopsy meant that it was not pancreatic cancer.  But we cannot rule it out.  He explained that the new cancer fighting therapies have come a long way, and he would like to do some DNA and genetic testing on me to help target a more direct treatment.  He send I should get a gastroenterologist, so he is going to have Dr Mix (I think) contact me.   

There are 2 more tests that Moffit would like done, and he agreed.  They are MRCP/MRI of Abdomin and CT of Thorax.   These tests will show a more detailed picutre of the stomach and Upper GI area.  He also said I may need an Endoscopy.  For Moffitt I was only able to schedule the MRCP and CT for Feb 6th, which is AFTER my first meeting with them.  Hussein thought(hopes) that we could get them all in before the 26th meeting with Moffitt.

He stated that since my Cancer markers were negligible, that there is a possibility (NOT a probability) that this may be Bile Duct Cancer (cholangiocarcinoma).  IF that is the case, it may be able to be removed with surgery and this would be a better prognostication.   We are not saying this is the case, but it did give us some uplifting thoughts.   

We asked him if there was any reason for us not to go on the cruise.  He said, GO!!!, it may be good therapy before starting any treatment.

We asked about a PET scan, and he explained to us that that scan would show the areas where there was cancer, but would not show a detailed picture of the infection/spread.   The other scans/tests we are performing will show the details of where things are.   He mentioned how we are still in the planning stages of this war.   I can not emphasize how much he was a very comforting Dr in explaing everything to us.   I have a follow up appointment with him the 30th, to discuss all the Moffitt findings.