We had an appointment with Dr Travis (the Oncologist) on Oct 14th. Dr Travis said "I can see that you are in pain." Doug told him of the details of the appointment with the surgeon. Dr Travis said according to the C.T. scan there was a small hole that was leaking air outside of the bowel. If it were leaking inside the pain would be unbearable. Dr Travis asked Doug "what would YOU like to do?" Doug said he'd like a 2nd opinion and that Dr Treptow had mentioned St Louis be we were thinking more on the lines of Mayo in Rochester, MN. Dr Travis suggested getting a 2nd opinion from a colorectal specialist in Fayetteville and then possibly going somewhere else for treatment. He did think that Mayo would be more conservative. Meaning he thought they would recommend a permanent colostomy. (He too mentioned St Louis or K.C.) He agreed to see someone locally and we are (still) waiting for them to call us with an appointment time for Dr Hollis Rogers in Fayetteville. I also said I needed to check with both St. Louis and Mayo to see where my insurance was accepted.
On Tuesday 10/21 he had another appointment with Dr Treptow (the surgeon.) Doug had just finished his 10 day round of Cipro and Flagyl. It did seem to help the pain although he had to take pain meds in addition. Doug told him about the 2nd opinion locally and possibly checking with Mayo. We said we had family "close" to which he perked up and said "oh you do?!" Dr Treptow doesn't react to much of anything (at least in our experience) so that was different. He said he'd just sent a neurology case to Mayo. He is in favor of them reviewing Doug's records and seeing if they had any advice. He said they get every specialty involved that might be able to have input in his case. I asked about Hyperbaric chamber treatments. My sweet sil Ronda had them after her bout with colorectal cancer (and radiation burns, etc LONG story and treatment.) It is where you lie in a "chamber" with infused oxygen which promotes tissue growth. That's how I understand it anyway. Dr Trepow said Dr Friesen (whom Ronda had also) is in charge of that clinic now and would check with him to see if he thought it would help Doug. In the mean time he is going to continue on the Flagyl for another round of 10 days and go off the Cipro - which is fine as we don't want the C-diff to return!!!! We are to see Dr Treptow on 10/30 to check in and see how Doug is feeling at that time. He said Doug won't be finished with the Flagyl yet but he is going on vacation and he wants to see him before and get the recommendation process going before he goes on vacation.
Monday Doug was at his "wits end" and said "I can't sit around the house any more!" So he's been going in to work for 2-4 hours per day on pain meds. Not working on airplanes of course but helping where he can in the office and ordering parts, etc.
That's where we are right now, in mid-limbo decision time. Your prayers for wisdom and complete peace and favor would be soooo appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Jan, Doug and Eric
(And yes, I still have hives)
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