Liver Biopsy Scheduled

After a day and half on the phone between Kaiser and Piedmont, we were able to finally expedite Deb's Liver Biopsy from August 5th to Wednesday (07/30) morning at 730am, Piedmont Hospital (1968 Peacthree Street, Atlanta)

The test was ordered by Gastroenterologist, Dr. Rodney Harris from the Jonesboro facility.


Updated 07/30: Radiologist Dr. Liou performed the biopsy with Lori Little, PAC (physician assistant certified). The test began at approximately 1030am and took less than hour between prep and actual biopsy. Recovery is a 4 hour bed rest to be sure Deb's liver shows no elevated internal bleeding from the puncture necessary to take the tissue samples. Dr. Liou will do high level view of the cells via microscope to be sure that he received enough samples for full lab test. From the lab, they will run a standard sub set of over a total 1000 tests possible on the tissue for full diagnosis.

Biopsy went normal as scheduled with no complications and Deb is resting fine. After the biopsy, we talked with the Dr. Liou who completed Deb’s liver biopsy around 1130am.. Based on what he has seen so far, he feels the cancerous cells originated in the pancreas and are neuroendocrine type tumors. Where any news of cancer cells in your body is not positive news, it is good news to have cancerous cells that are neuroendocrine type since he indicated they respond quite well to treatment. Although not much but this little bit of good news has brought a much needed smile to Deb.

More information here on neuroendocrine type tumours

Upon completion of the liver biopsy, the Radiologist will send the test results to Dr. Rodney Harris who will schedule a review/follow up with us. Because he is in Jonesboro which is way south of Atlanta, we may try to reschedule to a Gastroenterologist closer to our area.

Most likely and hopefully shortly after meeting with the Gastroenterologist, there will be an immediate follow up with a Oncologist to discuss the origin of lesions and what Deb's treatment options will be. In fact, Deb is already proactively contacting Oncologists from list that Susan provided.

What you learn real quick .........
Not that we are not totally grateful in every way imaginable for Deb's great care but never be afraid to pick up the phone and help assist these medical facilities with the nightmare of scheduling for tests between different networks. Otherwise, you can be just like another email sitting in somebody's inbox waiting for response.

Thank you Nika. You have a hug coming from me tomorrow morning!
Update 07/30: Hug completed :)

KTS!

Rod and Deb