The Oncologist Appointment!

Yesterday Sheri met with her oncologist, Dr. Graydon W. Harker. He works at the highly specialized medical practice, Utah Cancer Specialists. http://www.utahcancer.com/specialists.asp



It's funny (not that any part of cancer is funny...) how she came across Dr. Harker. She received a call from her cousin, Travis Gunther, when he found out about Sheri's diagnosis and he told her that he works with Dr. Harker and would highly recommend him. Then, Sheri gets a call from the office of Dr. Harker to confirm an upcoming appointment. Turns out Dr. Erika Lloyd (the surgeon) had scheduled an appointment for Sheri to meet with Dr. Harker. Funny that they both put Sheri in contact with the same oncologist! Don't you think? And then, after Sheri actually met Dr. Harker she really liked him -- and loved it when he said, "I could treat you in my sleep I've done this so many times." That is ALWAYS good news when someone has that much experience and expertise, especially when it comes to your health.

At this appointment with the oncologist Sheri found out the following:

• the mass on her Thymus is 3 x 5 x 9 cm (convert: there are 2.54 cm in each inch)


• she is in Stage 2, Type A (Scroll down to diagnosis and Staging header)http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=7085

Dr. Harker filled up Sheri's calendar quickly with more tests, so it will continue to be a week of doctor's vists for her.

• Today: EKG http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ekg/ekg_what.html


• 1/29: PET Scan http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=PET&bhcp=1


• 1/30 (day): Bone Marrow Biopsy http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bone_marrow_biopsy/article_em.htm


• 1/30 (evening): Chemo Prep Class


• 1/31: Diffusing Capacity Test http://www.drkoop.com/ency/93/003854.html

Sheri will have her first treatment of Chemotherapy on February 15th. Dr. Harker would like to do a port http://newscenter.cancer.gov/Templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=45035 so that treatments will be easier on Sheri and only ONE POKE (ouch -- I hate needles!) will be necessary for each visit. Only problem is, will it show on her wedding day??

Speaking of the wedding, tomorrow is Sheri's final dress fitting. YEAH!! So exciting. We may have to use a Sharpie to draw the neckline of her dress, then send Sheri back to the doctor to make sure the port can be inserted within the boundaries marked. (Gotta love Sharpies -- they really do come in handy for many, many things!)

Sheri's sister, Christy, flew in from California last night so that she can be here for the Bridal Shower (which, YES, is still on) this weekend. Christy is all-too-familiar with cancer, as her daughter Eliza has Leukemia! Christy had t-shirts made for her and Sheri that has "Cancer Sucks!" on the front of them. And, seriously, it really does!! See her blog: "Brett & Christy"

#1 Item on the To Do List for today: Start addressing wedding announcements and get them in the mail!!