Still in a Holding Pattern

My appointment at Emory yesterday was less putting together a definitive action plan and getting questions answered and more information gathering/expanding than expected.

They took a biopsy. Actually, more like five of them, depending on how one defines a unit of biopsy. Hopefully we’ll get results by early next week.

My doctor–after a very thorough exam, reviewing my CT scan, and having a consult with other Emory specialists–outlined a list of things my cancer could be and why a definitive identification (i.e., biopsy) is necessary. It seems that lymphoma is a possibility, and if it is that, treatment wouldn’t be with surgery but with chemo, for e.g.

So, yeah, still in a holding pattern. But it’s a different, “moving forward” sort of holding pattern.

I’m feeling pretty positive. We were at Emory for nearly five hours straight (and the place is a labyrinth!), and in that time, the Emory health care folks really REALLY engendered confidence.  My doctor’s team was totally on the ball. The nurse practitioner recognized/anticipated my symptoms and asked me focused questions about them before I brought them up. I really do feel I’m in the right place to get the best care for this.

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21 Responses to Still in a Holding Pattern

  1. Rachel Helie says:

    You are in good hands, Eugie. My mom was at Emory for her first round of cancer and walked through to the other side of cancer in their care. They took great care of our family also. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband.

  2. John was sent to Emory to see a neurosurgeon for neck/nerve issues. Although I think of surgeons as existing to operate, this doctor did detailed pictures and a thorough exam, and then he said he didn’t think surgery was the best way to go. John has made a fair recovery and still hasn’t needed surgery. I had NO idea how good Emory is until that experience. Glad you are a bit more hopeful. When I was dealing with cancer, every tiny bit of optimism was HUGE!

  3. I’m so glad it went well.

  4. Liz Williams says:

    Glad to hear that it went well, and very best for your continued treatment.

  5. Mary Iverson says:

    You are where you are you are supposed to be! They will find the way…xoxo

  6. Amy Herring says:

    With family & a good friend working at Emory, I’d known about their excellent patient care for a long while. I am so glad you have then on your side. Stay positive and keep your immune system happy.

  7. Lisa Rains says:

    Many prayers,we love you!

  8. Such a relief to have action! Sending you lots of energy, Eugie.

  9. Melissa Mead says:

    I hope it’s something very treatable, and as gentle on you as possible.

  10. Sending up prayers and hugs.

  11. Eric Krock says:

    Thanks for the update. When there was initially no post Friday, I’d worried you’d gotten bad news. Not like you’re obligated to post your personal medical info to the web realtime, or ever, of course. 😉 I’ll pray it’s readily treatable!

  12. Sounds like you have a good team on your side. Fingers are crossed!

  13. Janice Clark says:

    I think almost anything is easier to face when you get as much information as possible and have a good team supporting you. Glad to see you bouncing back emotionally. You’re going to beat this thing.

  14. Eugie, I’m glad things went well and you’re feeling confident. Sounds as though your doctors are terrific. I’ve heard that one of the best perks to living in Atlanta is the availability of treatment at Emory if one needs it.

  15. All my love, strength, and good thoughts are with you!

  16. Mike Allen says:

    I’m glad you got some positive directions from this.

  17. Anita Allen says:

    Good News ! And Hoping the ‘parasite’ was shrunk by the steroids. Did they tell you anything about that? Hoping and praying it withers in despair until they can suck it out completely with a needle biopsy!

  18. Robert Stephenson says:

    Thoughts with you Eugie… stay rested and maybe meditate a little… not a big sting but it is good to detress away all the might bes and possibilities

  19. Teresa says:

    I’m so glad that your appointment went well. Sounds like you are exactly where you need to be. I hope the next few days go by quickly so you can find out exactly what you are facing. I know (from experience) that the waiting is one of the hardest parts. It seems like once we have a plan, everything becomes easier (not easy … easier).

  20. J Mangold says:

    Sounds like you have the best team in your corner.
    I am glad to hear you are being taken care of so well.
    Stay positive and know we are all praying for you.
    As was said before, you got this. No problem.

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