This week: Second Opinion, Fertility Preservation

The two biggest pieces of our week have been obtaining the second opinion from MSKCC, and going through fertility preservation.

We met with Dr. Chung-Han Lee from MSKCC on Tuesday 7/2. MSKCC is, on surface, easily the better option: it has a beautiful facility, free valet parking, philanthropy money to cover expenses that insurance won't, it is 15 minutes away, and everyone there is in the same boat. Unfortunately, there were some other qualities that made is less appealing. The doctor was not super friendly (neither he nor his nurses gave me their card), I did not leave with the piece of paper to set up the "portal," or anything to confirm next steps. Basically, the team is less than stellar compared to the team at Columbia who makes me feel cared-for. 

In terms of treatment, Dr. Lee recommended a different (more intense) treatment from Dr. Drake. (Drake mentioned this treatment, but said he would go with the other one if it were him.) Dr. Lee also is not convinced that the sub-type of cancer is accurate and wants to review the pathology slides again. He also recommends an MRI of the brain, and genomics on the tumor itself. 

Leaving this appointment, I felt entirely overwhelmed to have someone suggest very different things from the team at Columbia, AND to have to decide between an awesome team and an awesome (and awesomely convenient) facility. 

To help us sort through this decision, we met with Dr. Henry Lee (a radiation oncologist who consults with my primary care, and is a Hackley parent). Henry helped us see that we are extraordinarily lucky to have the power to choose; AND that we can switch later if we are unhappy. Ultimately, we have decided that we are going to stick with the hassle and cost of going to the city. We feel more comfortable with the team at Columbia. I am going to follow up with MSKCC to make sure that their triple checking of the pathology slides indicate that it is indeed clear-cell RCC, and to see if some of the other opportunities they have are available to us, but will receive treatment through Columbia. My first infusion is now scheduled for Tuesday July 16, with some scans happening later that week.

We are currently in the throes of fertility preservation. This includes going to the city almost daily (7/1, 7/4, 7/6, 7/7, 7/8...and more!) for 7am ultrasound and bloodwork monitoring, as well as nightly self-injections of three medications. I am super-tired and uncomfortable. We are nearing the end, and will have a minor out-patient surgery to retrieve the eggs this week. 

In addition to all of this medical stuff, we have also been trying to live our lives and not get entirely bogged down in the trenches of doom. We have had some lovely visitors to show around Tarrytown, delightful meals--both on the deck, and at amazing restaurants. I went to a bachelorette at the beach, and visited a friend (and her kiddos) on the 4th.  I've puttered in the garden, done some mending, and visited the farmer's market. We've done completely boring things too, like car maintenance and grocery shopping. While I am feeling a bit uncomfortable and tired, I am trying to savor feeling OK. I know there are tougher days ahead, and am trying to not end the good times prematurely. If you want to see some of the things I am up to, you can check out the 'gram: @makebakesewgrow is my public account with all of the crafty, food-y, garden-y things I do. My private account is @violetcrumble95. Chris can also keep you entertained with beautiful drinks @barletoomis, and Cinder's musings @cinder_the_cat_of_doom.

If you are thinking about visiting--I'd love to see you! 
XOXO