Good news...so far (Page 1 of 2)

Hi Randi
I'm glad you posted, and cautiously pleased at your recent biopsy.  I remember the day before my dad's whipple the surgeon held us all in suspense for a few minutes whilst he checked a 'spot' on my dad's liver.  He quickly came to the conclusion that 'it's just a benign thing, the sort of thing most of us have on our livers, but would never notice'.  I'm wondering if he would call this inflammation.
Lets really hope so, and hoping that you are continuing to do well.
Kate

Hi Randi Girl, you know how happy I was! My best friend out here has liver biopsies every few years because of something like that but it has never been anything more. Live it up kid and enjoy!

Randi....my uncle loved to use this expression:  "don't put the cart before the horse."  Often times I have to remind myself of that also.
All my best wishes,
Marion

Hi Randi,
Congrats on the good news.

I like the phrase too. I've heard a couple of others I like: "Don't let worry live in your head rent free" and "Worry doesn't pay any benefits". By the way, I have inflammation which often shows up on scans caused by infection. 

God Bless!
bob

Hi Randi, Great news! I love all the sayings about trouble and worry!
Antibiotics will not help inflammation unless there is an infection. Your doctor must not think there is an infection, but if you are not sure ask him/her to put your mind at ease. Now girl go and celebrate your milestone and try not to worry.  Hugs. Nancy

Just wanted to let everyone know that I have a followup MRI scheduled for  4/22 here in Rochester, NY and a followup doctor's appointment for the results on 4/26.  I have scheduled an appointment with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN (rochester to rochester!) for 4/27 regardless of the outcome of my MRI I want to be seen elsewhere for a fresh set of eyes.  I will be seeing Axel Grothey at the GI Oncology clinic.  Has anyone heard of him or seen him?  I will start with a blood test and then who knows.

I am hoping that the results of my MRI are good and this is just a precaution to have a look at my records and give me some guidance as to anything I can do for myself going forward.

Love to hear from others who have gone to the Mayo. 

Here's to everyone's continued good health!
-Randi-

Hi Randi, congrats on your MRI!

Tomorrow I leave for Mayo (MN) for the 4th week in a row... more tests... After 2 doctors/2 hospitals at home, I called Mayo Clinic. The first doctor (oncologist), told me that there was no cancer on my liver or anywhere. But he decided that he needed more tests. The next week, I get more tests and then meet with Dr Rao and Dr Sanchez and and find out that I do have cholangiocarcinoma but it is not near the liver and can be cut out. (And they think I have colon cancer also.) So I leave tomorrow for a few more tests and then on Tuesday I go back and I meet with the doctors and surgeons for a game plan. But they were very blunt and if the tests show I have cancer on my lymph nodes, they can not help me. (I have Plan D ready).

What impresses me the most with Mayo Clinic is that there are hundreds of doctors in each category and they talk and consult with each other. (Mayo employs over 33,000 people in Rochester only)

I have stayed at many hotels, but stay at the Kahler Grand, which is across the street from the hospital and clinic. They have a cheap rate for $79.00 and it is worth the convenience.

Good luck with your appt and keep us posted!!

Cathy, I didn't know you also have colon cancer, 2 CC's to deal with and a plan D. You are wonderful and an inspiration for others. I also wish you much good luck at Mayo. Too bad you and Randi don't cross paths there. Take care and I will be waiting to hear the results.

Thank you all for your responses and I hope I hear from more people as time goes by.

Marion:  It's nice to know that Dr. Grothey is so well thought of and you know him personally.

Cathy:  You have a lot on your plate and I am so grateful that you took the time to give me all the information you did!  I hope your tests all go well and you are a surgical candidate.  I hope you live close to the Mayo and haven't had to travel for hours to get there (4 weeks in a row!).

Lainy: I will keep you posted on what happens at the Mayo (and here for that matter).  Thank you for the kind words of support.

Nancy: I am hoping that the Mayo is the well-oiled machine that I have heard it is and that I can see the people I need to.  And April in MN sounds much more appealing then December in MN!

How have people handled making plane/hotel reservations?  They say I could be there from 1 to 3 days and I am not sure how I should plan for this.

Thanx again everyone!
-Randi-

Randi, make your return flight on Friday and the last flight. Because so many people leave for weekends (Mayo staff) that if you make your return flight on Thursday, you will not be able to fly standby on Friday because it is over booked.

I have been flying every week from Chicago every week and the tickets run over $500 because I never have an advanced purchase. BUT I keep reminding myself that you can not put a price on health and especially CC.

Because I have flown so much, I immediately learned that the airline staff in Rochester understands patients do have appts that cancel or finish earlier, so I have never been charged a penalty in Rochester. But remember that they are very small planes and only delta & american go there. Now another option is fly into Minneapolis and take the scheduled bus which is only 90 minutes away. Hope this helps....

Tests finished today and flying home tomorrow am. Learn all my results on Tuesday.

Ray - Sounds like you are holding your own and, since your doc is not concerned, I think you should remain positive.  Thanks for the good news....Nancy

Randi, don't underestimate yourself, you have the 'moxie' that is required for CC. If you feel up to 80% most of the time that is btter than most people who are healthy! Keep up the good work Randi girl.