meeting with Dr Mena on Jan 11 at 10:15 am

Here is what Arden and Rosie sent out in email.  Since email threads can get confusing, here is the info and a place to comment for everyone =)

Hi everyone:
Dr. Mena is coordinating care for Doyle and came in to meet with Rosie and me a little while ago.


The news is not what we hoped for, but we don't know the full story yet.  A lot will depend on tests yet to be done.  There is no prognosis because we don't know what we're up against yet.


From the MRI and Ct and X-ray images, "abnormalities" that are tumors are visible.  There are tumors on her spine and in her liver, but none in her lungs.  Her lungs are OK.  (There is some smoking-related emphysema, but it is not a big problem.)


There are two fractures in her vertebrae that are causing much of the pain.  The spine tumor "ate" the bone making it susceptible to breaking.


We are waiting for a meeting with the assigned oncologist (cancer specialist) today.  A treatment plan is being formulated and a tumor biopsy is scheduled for 4 pm.  It will take 2 to 3 days to get the results of the biopsy and then the results will guide what can be done for Doyle. 


Right now, we don't know the origin or type of tumor.  The liver, at this point, looks like the primary source. There is a high probability of malignancy, since there are tumors in multiple locations.  An MRI of her brain has been scheduled for today to look more carefully for tumors there.  Just another diagnostic step, according to Dr. Mena.


Dr. Mena says some tumors respond to chemotherapy quite well and of course others do not.  We will pursue treatment based on the best possible outcomes.


Sorry this sounds so clinical.  We all can pray for the best.  She is as comfortable as possible and slept well last night.


We know you are sending prayers. Be sure and take care of yourself and take the time to emotionally process this. Talk with each other. Rosie is planning to start a blog today where we can all share about Gramma and record our memories and stories.