Well today we went to visit a new local oncologist to see if we could get one that could treat me up here in an emergency, prescribe blood tests and drugs and carry out the instructions of Dr. Kipps if I wanted to be treated locally instead of in La Jolla.
We had to choose one that is under our insurance, can admit to my insurance covered hospital (LB Memorial), and that would agree with Dr. Kipps on a treatment plan. This is not an easy thing to do, but we may have succeeded. Dr. Curti was recommended by my friend Tom B. who knew him thru Los Alamitos Hospital. He is on the younger side, and seems open to having a 'worldwide expert' (his words, not mine), who would be directing the treatment plan.
He listened intently to my ordeal and seemed genuinely interested. He of course, treats CLL using the protocols that he has found effective. He told me that he would want to treat me a certain way, but he would call Dr. Kipps and find out what his recommendation would be and unless it was off the wall, he would follow his recommendations.
He was curious as to why I had not had a Cat Scan done, and was going to ask Dr. Kipps that question as well. He was impressed by the binder that we brought in, and about our knowledge of the disease and the treatment options. He also liked that we got a second opinion from a leading doctor in the field. He did take some blood and my Red Count has gone up slightly to 11.8 (from 11.6) and my whites have gone down a little to 116,000 (from (119,000).
He is going to call Dr. Kipps and talk to him about my case, and treatment options, etc. I have an appointment with Dr. Kipps (along with another IVIG therapy) on Thursday of next week, and then an appointment with Dr. Curti next Friday to discuss what the plan will be. We are still unsure it we want to get treated up here or down in La Jolla. I guess we will have to cross that bridge when we come to it.
I hope next week will give us an idea of where the Auto Immune Hemolytic Anemia is going, and if I can start tapering off of the Prednisone.
Overall, I am still felling pretty good, not overly tired or short of breath. Still trying to get over a pulled muscle in my back that I did at golf last week, but that seems to be healing.
Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, and you will have a Great New Year.
Terry
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2 comments:
Cool Blog, Boss! Very familiar with many of the terms and medications due to the experience with Vene's dad's treatment for Esophageal cancer. Glad you're feeling better. Hope your new doc in Long Beach works out. How did your IVIG Infusion go on the 2nd? Stay positive, be strong. Our thoughts and prayers are with you for continued improvement. -sam
Son,
Mainly, I am posting because I want to see if I can figure out how to do this.
Sounds like progress all the way around. Good on you.
Dad
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