Saw the Oncologist

Blake had an appt with Dr. Whisenant last Monday. His CEA (tumor marker) increased from 1.6 to 2.0 but overall, Blake feels pretty good; he just tires easily.

Dr. Whisenant was less "pro" about the HIPEC procedure then he was at the previous appt. Interesting. He also told us of one of his patients who had a successful procedure only to have a recurrence in the lung a few months later. How horrible to endure the “Mother-of-all-surgeries” and then have tumors pop up in a different place.

We’re told they will not be able to cure peritoneal carcinamatosis with chemo. But, and most importantly, it can be controlled by chemo. Blake’s already proven that, right? The problem is that it can't be measured by tumor markers or scans. I guess, eventually, it will show again - but, that's when the disease has become fairly large and active. What they worry about now is catching disease progression before those damn rouge-tumors take up more space in his abdomen; causing too much burden on his system or a blockage.

An appeal has been filed with the insurance company and we'll probably find out the result in a few weeks. I'm doubtful it will be an approval; much more doubtful then before. I learned about the HIPEC procedure last year when Blake had his recurrence. The procedure is controversial. It's performed more often back east and by more docs & facilities. The doc that does it in San Diego came from Cincinnati and he's done over 200+ procedures himself. One of the reasons for denial was that it was not considered "standard of care" by NCCN. It's interesting, about half of the NCCN hospitals are actually DOING the procedure. Hypocrites.

In light of everything that has happened over the last few weeks, Blake has decided to take a wait & see approach. If the insurance company approves it, then he’ll consider visiting Dr. Lowy in San Diego. Otherwise, he’s not interested in pushing it.

I’m really not sure if anyone reads this. It just feels good to get my thoughts out. Thanks for caring. Kathy

P.S. I love this Man. I am “Pro” this procedure because it may buy more time. I guess that’s selfish of me. He’ll make the decision if there is a decision to be made and I know it will be the right one. No regrets.

P.S.S. Have I mentioned how much I love this Man?