Oncology update - July 13th

So, what a whirlwind since last post.  I apologize for not getting this done in a timely manner.

We were unable to get into my "urgent" CT for a while.  Monday last week, I went in as a walk in with the prerogative that I would be there as a walk in until the CT happened.

I went into the walk in for the CT prep'd and ready to go at 7 am, even though the walk in didn't start until 8 am.

Being that I was there and ready, they put me in as soon as the machines warmed up at 7.35.

I had an appointment with the surgeon on Wednesday.  This time, there would be no aspiration biopsy--they would go ahead with the surgery and take the offensive lymph node.

The surgeon admired her former handiwork on my right leg...then examined the left.  I told her that the pain left Thursday the week before--suddenly but it had returned-not in an aggressive way.  But I still felt pain.

She then took me into her office and showed me slice my slice my CT scan and there was absolutely nothing in my CT.

She assumed that the voice recognition software the radiologist used to dictate my ultrasound report had an error.  It stated I had a 2.8 cm lymph node--instead of what was there a .8 cm lymph node.  They investigate any node over 1 cm.  That's why there was such urgency in getting the CT done.

My surgeon phoned the radiologist and asked that he/she look at the ultrasound again, check his/her work and reissue an amended copy of the ultrasound for my records.

I then wrote a letter to the "complaints and compliments" line at the Island Health Authority.  I had to read it first, but they will be getting back to me.

Three points I made:

1.  The stress on my family for a typo was insane.
2.  The cost to the health authority for someone not double checking his/her work. (an unnecessary oncology appointment to say, you need a CT.  An unnecessary CT, An unnecessary appointment with a Surgeon.  Time of work for all 3 appointments.)
3.  What if this had gone the other way?  No Mr. Jones, you have no aggressive node in your leg...

I am thankful for Dr. Savage, the oncologist extraordinaire who took my pain issue seriously and called for the ultrasound.

Thankful today that my labs and CT (and soon to be...my ultrasound report) are completely normal.

I am thankful for Kent who as horrifying as this news was to him, stoically pushed his fears down and completely supported me.  Again.

Thankful for my kids, who in their own ways dealt with this and completely supported me....Rejoiced with me when we got the news.

I have the best husband, kids, family and friends a girl could hope for.  Somehow, someway, I'd love to show my appreciation for you.  Watch out...one day--I'll show you!