1st Radiation Oncologist appointment

Yesterday we had the first appointment with the radiation oncologist, Dr Hershey Garner.  He is an eclectic kind of guy with long gray hair pulled back in a ponytail.   We liked him!   After the obligatory 20 pages of medical history (that you fill out on every first visit:) we watched a 20 min video about radiation, expectations, side effects and several testimonies.  Then we saw the nurse who basically verified all of our personal information, then finally Dr Garner.  He explained how they take the PET scan and put it together with the CT scan and make a 3-D image of the area to be radiated and put together a plan.   He asked when the PET scan was and we told him we were still waiting for them to call us with that appointment.  Also that our next visit with Dr Travis was Sept. 6th.  He asked "why so long, what is the hold up?"  So next thing you know the nurse comes in and hands the phone to Doug and said "they are going make your appointment to get your PET scan!"  That scan is Friday at 1:45 (and nothing to eat after 7:45, and only water to drink after that.)  Doug again asked if all of the doctors are communicating with one another and he said they are.  He asked that Dr Garner talk to Dr Travis about getting things moving along a little quicker.  :)  

So this morning (Thursday) Doug met again with the surgeon Dr Treptow about have a port inserted.  Yes, after research and advice from others who have been there (thanks June and Ronda!) Doug changed his mind and decided to go with a port.  Since we've been this route with Eric already he knew what to expect, etc.  Dr Treptow also pulled up Doug's CT scan and they went over it together. So the outpatient surgery to get the port is Monday at noon.

This afternoon we went to Highlands Oncology in Fayetteville so Doug could have the simulation done.  That is where they do ANOTHER CT scan and mark his body so it will be in the same position every time.   He will have the radiation done in Rogers but they only do the simulations in Fayetteville.  They sent extra tape strips just in case.  With Eric when the mark started to get a little lighter if it was on the weekends they just had me mark over it with a sharpie.  Yes, I drew on my kid with a permanent marker :)

So tomorrow is the PET scan and labs.  They called and have my FMLA paperwork done so I will pick that up tomorrow and hopefully we will be able to speak to them about moving the apt with Dr Travis (the oncologist) up.

We had Eric's Open House at the High School tonight.   Because things could get crazy around here I told 2 of his core teachers and asked for their assistance should they see grades drop, etc.  Doug was a bit irritated that I did but upon the advice of our trusted friend and teacher it is for the best.  (Thanks Cathy:)  Last years film and broadcasting teacher quit the Thursday before school started so they have someone but not sure if he is permanent.  He wasn't there nor was Eric's Algebra teacher or his AP English teacher who is out on maternity leave until October.

Thank you all for your prayers.  We appreciate them so much.

Jan