MD Anderson Update

      Big Week!  Arrived on Sunday in Houston and stayed with Mark and Jeanne Marie. Monday we worked with the MD Anderson team all day running tests and scans.  We met Carol (Dr, Flemings P.A) who walked us through all the test and scans like a true pro.
     We arrived back and MD Anderson today to meet with Dr. Fleming and his team to discuss tests and scan results in detail as well as develop of plan of action. The good news is nothing has changed.  The tumor is the same size and there is no sign of the cancer spreading. Dr. Fleming paid the Texas Oncology a huge compliment with Cindy's care and plan moving forward.
    Dr. Fleming recommended the multi- directional radiation in conjunction with Chemo for 28 days followed by the Whipple surgery 6-8 weeks after radiation. The time line has shifted slightly.  We now expect the surgery the first week in November.
    We plan to continue radiation therapy with Texas Oncology and then transfer to MD Anderson for the actual surgery.  Mark and Jeanne are preparing a down stairs suite for me at the house (So Sweet). I will be in the hospital for two weeks post surgery and need to stay in the Houston area another two weeks.  We will
have Thanksgiving in Houston and hopefully family can travel.  It will take 6-8 months to return to normal and as Dr. Fle ming said I will be able to jump out of planes like some of his other patients. (LOL).
    We plan to do the Surgery in Houston with Dr. Fleming due to the amount of surgeries he and his staff have conducted.  Dr McKenzie is fantastic and will remain our back up.  This is a huge surgery and is complicated by the fact they may need to graph a vein that the tumor is resting against. MD Anderson has performed more of these surgeries than any other facility and Dr. Fleming is the lead surgeon for the Whipple with the best results. He has conducted over 45 of the Whipple plus surgery with a 100% success rate.
    The MDA  team confirmed the spot on the liver was a hemangioma and not metastases of the cancer. The Gallbladder is still acting up and will be removed during the surgery.  We are hoping to manage the pain with out a drain tube surgery but only time will tell.  We were dismissed early with a great future prognoses and the renewed confidence in our Austin team.  Dr. Fleming several times what a great job they have done in my current treatment and plan for a full recovery by early next year.
    My main focus now is to get as healthy as possible and train for the Whipple surgery.  It is considered a marathon surgery and the healthier and stronger I am the better the results.  We have added an enzyme to help me retain nutrients in the food I consume.  Now more than ever I just need to work out, eat right and stay focused on training for the surgery.
Thank you all for your prayers.  Again, HE hears you!
Cindy