LB Diagnosis and On the Go with Rod & Deb

On Monday, Deb was able to talk via phone with both the Gastroenterologist, Dr. Kadir and her new Oncologist, Dr. David Brodeur, MD. I was not able to conference in so this is only brief update.

There was not much update from Dr. Kadir other than recommendations to meet with Oncologist. Also talked with Deb's new Oncologist, Dr. Brodeur from Cumberland facility and who is very good. He has reviewed Deb’s liver biopsy results and we were able to get a copy. The results were brief and not conclusive in that they did not determine the origin or type of neuroendocrine cancer cells .

Liver Biopsy diagnosis summary for our Doctor friends, “Liver, fine needle aspirate and core biopsy: Neuronendocrine neoplasm. The aspirate smears demonstrate sheets and small groups of small and uniform neoplastic cells with round eccentrically located nuclei, inconspicuous nucleoli and limited amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm. The core biosy show neoplastic nests embedded within the fibrous stroms. Rare mitotic figures are present. Immunohistrochemical studies demonstrate immonocreactivity of the neoplastic cells for synaptopysin and pakeratin AE1/3, and negative reactivity for chromogranin, CK7, and CK20. These findings are consistent with neuroendocrine neoplasm.

At this point, Dr. Brodeur is requiring some additional tests before he can share his treatment recommendations with us.

Next Steps

1) TODAY. Follow up CTScan with contrast on Deb’s chest and complete pelvis area (Northside Emergency). This was originally scheduled for tomorrow morning at 1030am but she is having this performed as I am writing this update from the NorthSide Emergency center. Deb had a bad night due to unbearable pain in her right side around her liver area and so we went into the emergency room this morning around 9am. The only guess at this point is that it was related to the liver biopsy. Dr. Brodeur indicated that Deb’s hormones are all messed up due to all of this and can be the cause of additional weakness, fever, and nausea. They were able to give Deb morphine for the pain and some anti nauseating medicine so she can handle the barium liquid required for the CT Scan. Dr. Joe Funk will be working with Radiology to facilitate the CTScan with instructions from Dr. Brodeur.

UPDATE (08/05, 9pm) The CTScan fortunately did not show anything new in Deb's chest and lower pelvic area. They were unable to determine root cause as to why Deb was experiencing additional abdomnen pain and gave her new prescription for a patch style pain medicine that last 72 hours and less intense as the hydromorphin that she was currently taking. Deb is resting much better tonight. Good night beautiful!

Thank you so much Pam for the wonderful home cook meal and you are a great cook. Deb, the boys and I absolutely loved it! Do you want to come live with us? ;)

2) Tomorrow @ 1030am. MRI of the brain and neck with/without contrast (Gwinett Medical). Dr. Brodeur ordered this MRI most likely to get some imaging of Debbie's parathyroids (neck) and pituitary (brain). This is similar test that Deb's sister Susan had to have back in 88. Thank you for update Susan.

3) Next Monday, 08/11. Nuclear Medicine Octreotide Test (GlenLake Medical). This is a two day test. First injection at 1030am on Monday and return back the same day at 230pm for additional injection. Return on 08/12 Tuesday @ 230pm for pictures. .

The boys are doing fine. They are loving the juice machine and are now our new certified juicers to help me keep their Mom energized daily.

Love to all and KTS!
Rod and Deb