Emory University Consultation

Deb and I met with Dr. Kevin Kim at Emory University School of Medicine early Monday morning. He was able to go over medical records that I sent along with images that Lisa sent.
Dr. Kim appears to be quite tech savy and I was already impressed when I noticed dual 24" monitors in his office along with dual blackberries on his desk. Technology is king in the journey to conquering cancer!

Dr. Kim called me today to let me know that he completed review of Deb's diagnosis and treatment options with his staff. In summary, Dr. Kim indicated that if Deb were his patient, he would recommend the following:

1) Thyroid nodule - Neck
Because Deb was diagnosed with Primary HyperParathyroidism, Dr. Kim and staff agreed on removal of this nodule in her neck which could also possibly help stabilize Deb further. We have completed the parathyroid ultrasound test last week and nuclear medicine sestamibi test on Monday. We are waiting test results from Head/Neck surgeon, Dr. Lucarini who if determines tests are positive, will want to move forward with surgery to remove 3 of 4 parathyroid glands. Tentatively already scheduled for November timeframe and will try to expedite with the idea that it can help mitigate some of Deb's current symptons.

2) Pancreas / Kidney

From viewing Deb's ctscan images, Dr. Kim's team agreed that tumor in her pancreas most likely is small enough to be re-sected using microscopic surgery which means they go in thru a small incision and camera to remove the tumor. His opinion was that it was most likely a functioning tumor and causing high insulin levels in Deb's body. For surgical removal, he provided us list of local surgeons with this expertise at Emory if/when we go down that path. Because kidney contains small coritcal cyst, no further treatment recommendations for kidney were recommended at this time.

Medical Oncologists - Dr. John Kauh and Dr. David Lawson

Surgical Oncologists - Dr. David Kooly and Dr. Charles Staley

3) Liver
Dr. Kim confirmed that Deb's liver tumor is not resectable due to the size and should experience shrinkage well using a chemoembolization treatment. We were also able to get his experience with Emory's SIR-Spheres microspheres which is similar to Chemoembolization. If/when we pursue this treatment, he recommended the chemoembolization and indicated that further research is required to determine if there is any more treatment benefit with SIR-Spheres microspheres.

Overall wonderful visit with Dr. Kim and he has offered his treatment services to us if we are able to pursue at Emory.

Current Treatment(s)

1) First monthly Sandostatin injection received last Wednesday at Cumberland

2) Today marks end of 3rd of 4 week treatment of daily Sandostatin injections for Deb

3) Received call today from Cumberland that Dr. Brodeur has recommended change from monthly injection to every 2 weeks. Reason was not given and will find out tomorrow.

Next Steps
1) Follow up and Q/A Oncologist appointment tomorrow with Dr. Yaffe
2) Follow up call to MD Anderson, Chief Medical Director, Dr. Steve Sherman
3) Finalize/schedule date for Parathyroid Gland removal surgery with Dr. Lucarini
4) Research specialists, Dr. Phil Boudreaux and Dr. Lowell Anthony. Both these men have LONG Carcinoid histories and both are highly respected for their successful treatments. Thank you Carol-Anne for sharing these names with us and I owe you an email :)

Sincerest special thank you again to Dr. Kim. We really enjoyed meeting you and tremendously valued your expertise/treatment recommendations. And you too Lisa for emailing the specific images and help making this all happen!

Love to all and KTS!

Rod and Deb


You are the love, the great love of my life.
Carly Simon