Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Surgery has been postponed to tomorrow, May 13

I really don't know why but have several theories on this.  I think the doctor who was scheduled to do the surgery thought it was going to be a needle biopsy again, but when I explained about removing the lymph node to do testing for the EGFR mutation, he reconsidered and now it is being treated more like major surgery than an office procedure.

At first I was instructed to do a sterile wipe down after showering this evening and in the am, but when I showed them the ulcerations on my legs (courtesy of the Tarceva) they backed off and will do a sterile wipedown of the neck region prior to surgery tomorrow.  I had another creatinine blood test done to make sure my kidneys are operating ok and an EKG.  I assume if the results are poor, I will find out tomorrow when I show up at 10:45 for the pre-op.  Surgery is set for 12:45 and should take a half hour with another hour to hour and a half for recovery.  Then we hope that the tissues are sent to UW or the place in San Diego where they have a 5-7 day turn around time for the results as opposed to the 2-3 weeks that GH was saying it would take.  My new oncologist at GH, Dr. C, seemed to be on board with the expedited testing.  If I remind him about that, would I been seen as a pushy patient?  Hmm......

3 comments:

The Subtle Rudder said...

May 13th is my beloved sister's birthday, so I am taking this as an EXCELLENT sign. You are free to do the same, and I hope you will. Good luck!

Deborah said...

Really, isn't it appropriate that they treat this seriously?! Will keep holding you in my heart, as always. S

Unknown said...

Do not worry about being seen as a pushy patient. First of all, if you had not done such a good job of advocating for yourself thus far, Group Health would probably still be wondering about whether to get you an oncologist or a bottle of Tylenol. Second, I know you and you are not pushy in any bad way, just professional and focussed. If they want to see pushy, give them my phone no.
XXOO Katy