Hi Everyone!
I just wanted to give you all an update on my mom after my recent post a couple of weeks ago (doctors gave up on my mom post – if you didnt read it). I just want to thank everyone for the amazing positive feedback I received on my post through MPIP. The advice, encouraging words and resources suggestions really helped me and motivated me to find a solution to my mom's prognosis/insurance issue. I have some good news and bad news.
The bad news is that my mom was recently hospitalized due to a pleural effussion that the doctors said is due to the malignancy so that means that the cancer is advancing fast. My poor mom had to get 2 thoracentesis and will have to get a permanent catheter placed in next week. If any of you have any experience with this process and have some advice on how to better manage the symptoms/catheter related issues, please let me know. They repeated a head CT in the hospital and no signs of new leasions in the brain (thank God for this). The problem is that it has been almost a month since no treatment so this concerns me. Of course the in-house oncologists gave us the same sad story when they came in the room ("I'm sorry there's nothing else that can be done for your mom") but we tried to still remain positive and tried to not let their words bring us down. My mom is doing alot better now compared to this weekend.
The GOOD news is that I was able to find a hospital in Dallas (4 hrs away from us) that has a melanoma clinic and accepted my mom despite having no insurance. She will be seen at UT Southwestern in Dallas and the melanoma specialist she will see is Dr. Arthur Frankle. Does anyone have any experience with him? If so I would appreciate it if you shared. I was told he has 35 years of experience in melanoma and he is the head head of UT Southwestern’s Phase 1 clinical trials. Our appointment is set for next week tuesday and although its great news that we were able to find a new doctor for a second opinion I am terrified of what they would say. I am really hoping he has a positive view on the situation and we dont walk out of that appointment with another "I'm sorry, there's nothing we can do" discussion. I am really hoping that he will be able to give us some insight and provide reasonable treatment options. I am also proactively trying to register my mom in Moffitt hospital in Florida (they also have an assistance program for cancer patients and have melanoma clinic/clinical trials) in case Dallas doesnt work out. We have a family member in Florida who told us about the hospital and said many good things about the place.
Lastly, I am scheduled to take my NAPLEX (pharmacy licensure examination) next week after the appointment and I am really anxious and nervous that the outcomes of the appointment will affect my performance on my exam. I have been studying very hard and I am still trying to keep a positive attitude and remain focused while I study. I thank God for this group and I am certain that God has directed me in the right direction so far despite the circumstances. At this point I am placing all my trust in him. Please if you can, send us positive vibes and prayers as we prepare for next week's busy schedule!
Thank you everyone!
Maria
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