CT & PET scheduled for Friday

This is Roni writing

Kev's imaging is scheduled for late morning on this coming Friday, 11/21.

These baseline images will be used to determine if the cancer has grown since the surgery and if so at what rate. I really liked our oncologist's response when I asked him about the typical rate of growth for this rare strain of cancer. He said that since the information available is anecdotal and case studies only -- no systematic studies -- there is no "typical," but that statistics don't really matter anyway. What matters is the rate of growth in Kevin's body, and that's what these scans will determine.

When I pressed Dr. Ratner (oncologist) about prognosis, he replied "Kevin will write his own prognosis." He has already reached out to four other doctors to learn about the latest treatments. We may go to DC to confer with one of the country's handful of specialists on mucinous adenocarcinoma; we will be talking to Dr. Ratner about that possibility this week.

Next step -- finding a nutritionist who can help design a cancer-fighting, immune system-boosting diet that will take the ileostomy into consideration, one that can also work with us to modify the diet as needed for chemo treatment.

This past Sat., Kevin went to his first Shabbat service since the surgery. It was a small service for members only in the rabbi's home ( the place we've been renting was not available this past Sat.). We walked in late (challenging morning), and they stopped the service and everyone applauded. That felt good! We continue to be blessed and humbled by all of the love and kindness so many are giving -- H.O.G. buddies (Harley Owners Group), our rabbi and rebbetzin who are always just a phone call away, the rest of our loving congregation, caring co-workers and of course family. Kev's parents are here now; though a low key visit -- no sight-seeing this time -- it's been nice to laugh, watch movies, show pictures, grocery shop :-) etc. with them.

Kevin goes back to work Wednesday. Not sure if he'll last a full day, but I think it will be good to get back to a more normal schedule and get out of the apartment! Since the treatment plan is still up in the air, for now I'll be looking for temp work and pursuing a business idea.

And that's all the news that's fit to type for now...