Meet Buster: My Big, Fat Tumor

Dr. I, the oncologist who diagnosed Morgan left the country to vacation, as planned.  Morgan and Kasha were told that Dr. I’s associate Dr. B would be managing his case and visiting the hospital.  Well, we had all been waiting for Dr. B to show up and felt we were being neglected.  It turns out it wasn’t Dr. B’s turn to do the rotation at JCL.  So, I stand corrected, we have not been neglected.

Morgan has been receiving excellent treatment from Dr. K, of Dr. I’s office.  He is thorough and clear in his communication and has a great bedside manner, which is important to all of us.  He makes his rounds in the early morning and my mom, (Marsha) the early riser, has been able to get to the hospital to capture notes and ask our questions accumulated on the pad we pass around.

Morgan’s kidney function has been a concern and the cause for delay in Chemo.  Buster has really moved his insides around and he has had difficulties with #1 and #2 for some time now.

Here are the treatments Morgan has undergone this week:

• IV
• PICC line
• Kidney stent on each side
• CAT Scan
• EKG
• Catheter
• Enema
• ½ jug of GoLytely
• Cat Scan
• MRI
• And a lot of blood work

Through the CAT Scan and MRI they found that Buster had grown from 18.5 cm to 20 cm.  They ran the blood work again and the creatinine levels had gone down as they hoped so Dr. K gave the orders to start chemotherapy today.  That was an all day event.  The chemo nurse K kept us informed and was kind to spend extra time with us to make sure we understood everything taking place.

Morgan was quiet and weary today, he didn’t look well and wasn’t himself.  He hasn’t been sleeping well, he’s been clogged (#2) for over a week, and today was tough to witness.  My heart goes out to him and praying is the only thing that brings me comfort.

The Chemo cocktail was finally started about 5:00 p.m. today.  I had to leave, but Mom & Kasha said Morgan slept through most of it.    We are hopeful and praying this first round of chemo will give Buster and all his friends a real knock down!  Dr. K said they expect a good response with this first dose.  We will keep you posted.

Make sure you check out Morgan’s about page.  If you don’t know him personally, you’ll be able to read more about him and see what he looks like.   I’ve always called him my big, little brother…he’s a gentle giant.