hello friends,
here is a snapshot of what has occurred and i will post updates as new information is available.
December 2007 first dermatologist examined lump on shoulder, tried to remove it and gave up after 15 minutes of cutting on it. referred me to a surgeon.
January 9, 2007 surgeon removed lump completely, but did not understand pathology report indicating "malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor"
February 21 after numerous attempts to receive clarification from surgeon and obtaining none, we were referred to see an oncologist. Dr Castillo informed me that Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor is actually a very rare and specific type of cancer. it can be an aggressive cancer and most likely i will develop more tumors throughout my lifetime, serious risk is when a tumor spreads to the lymph system or even more serious would be a tumor growing near a vital organ especially a lung.
March 2, 2007, ct scan performed, and follow up appointment with Dr. Castillo made. Also on this date, Dr. Declan Fleming called, prompted by a request from a Texas friend Elizabeth Byrd. Dr. Fleming is a surgical oncologist, specializing in surgical cancer removal, and he offered to help in any way he could.
March 7, 2007 Dr. Castillo informed us of ct scan results. there was a large mass in my right armpit and a small (fingertip size) mass located in my left upper torso area. surgical removal and biopsy was recommended for the large mass and the small mass is too small to pursue aggressively, Dr. Castillo recommends just keeping an eye on it.
March 28, 2007 surgical removal of armpit mass reveals 5 cancerous tumors in my lymph system. Having MPNST in the lymph significantly increases the likelihood of microscopic spread of the disease, it seems like news is getting pretty bad now!
April 4, Dr. Castillo clarifies that the small mass located in left torso is actually located in my left lung, and MPNST is rare enough that we should seek specialized care, he sent a referral to the md Anderson hospital located in Houston.
1 comment:
Isaac,
Our family are friends with the barenakedfamily. We heard a little of your situation and then have just read your blog. We wanted to stop by and say that as we travel the country over the next couple of weeks, we will spread prayers for you and your family in every church we attend. The entire NE of the U.S. will be praying for you!
Dharma Family
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