Another Visit to SCCA

Friday, Marilyn and I drove to Seattle for an appointment at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA). Having treated the kidney cancer, it is now time to pay attention to the prostate cancer. My appointment was with Claire Works, Dr. Higano's nurse practioner. We reviewed my blood panel and found that almost everything was in an excellent range. The exception was my creatinine lever which was 2.1. This is a measure of renal function, so it is an important check on my remaining kidney. My last score was 1.8 and they would like it to be 1.5 or lower. It is affected by hydration so I am on a regime of drinking lots of water this week and having another blood panel on Friday. I hope that will lower the score. Dr. Higano suggests that I have an appointment with the renal oncologist to see if any follow-up on the kidney cancer is called for. In addition she has arranged an appointment with a radiologist oncologist to consider treatment for the prostate cancer. One thing I appreciate about the SCCA is that they are meticulous about following every diagnostic option and providing regional experts in each field of cancer care to provide their input. I am grateful for this because I'm a person who needs to know a great deal about what is being proposed and why it is recommended. I want to be a full partner in making informed choices about my care. I hope I don't become a pest to the medical community with my many questions. It appears that the next months will be dotted with various tests and consultations, all of which will give the doctors and me a better understanding of my physical situation. At the same time I will be working to strengthen the spiritual dimension of this process of healing and I still covet your prayers. Posted by Donel at October 8, 2004 12:09 PM