First visit to Sunnybrook

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Dr McDonald

Today was our first visit to Sunnybrook. After doing the incoming paperwork, we met with Dr. McDonald around noon today. After reviewing the history of the last week, she informed us that the 2nd cat scan revealed two things.
  • there is a mass in the chest; most likely cancer; "extensive involvement", most likely originating from the lungs
  • there is a "cancer spot" on the 6th rib on the front
At this point we don't know what kind of cancer, how fast it's spreading, or if the two things (the mass and the rib spot) are related. 

Dr McDonald tried for a quick biopsy by feeling for lymph nodes around Mom's neck. None were palpable, as she thought they were located too far inside her chest cavity, so she recommended going for a "endo-bronchial ultrasound". This involves mild sedation, and an endoscope probe into the lungs. Dr. McDonald will scrape or swab some cells and have them analyzed at their lab. This is an out-patient operation, scheduled for next Tuesday.

In all, these are the tests she wants to do:
  • endo-bronchial ultrasound (aka bronchoscopy); Tues. Sept 26; Sunnybrook; Dr. McDonald
  • CT brain scan; not scheduled
  • bone scan; not scheduled
  • breathing test; optional but it would help; not scheduled
Our Nurse Navigator Zameera will schedule the latter tests. A week or so after these tests, there should be enough information to form a diagnosis.

Meds

There is no fundamental change to the meds. We continue with the Naproxen for pain and the Baclofen for the back spasms. 

Except for the 5 day period before the ultrasound. For those days (Sept 21-26) replace the Naproxen with extra-strength Tylenol. [It's written in the book]

Going Forward until Diagnosis

If there is a marked change in pain level and increased meds need to be considered, we are to contact the doctor. 

Comments

  1. Unknown19 September 2017 at 03:32

    Thank you sibs for being there with our mom.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown19 September 2017 at 14:56

    Michael and I will be taking mom to her Tuesday appointment at Sunnybrook

    ReplyDelete

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