We had the naturally rough start to the morning. Earlier than normal does not sit well with kids, even Ben, our early riser. But, we got them going and out the door in our proposed time.
By the time we hit I45, traffic was up to 50 minutes to downtown (MD Anderson is on the other side of downtown). So we decide to take the HOV lane. No sooner do we get in the HOV than we learn there's a stalled car down the road and an accident involving a Metro bus, both in the HOV...now we have nowhere to go because the HOV is bordered by 3 foot high concrete walls. We wait, and wait. LOOK! The main lanes are moving....and we're sitting here. Then, as is common in Houston, the HOV opens up. There's no sign of a stalled car or bus when we get to the "site". I've never figured out the magic involved there.
Unfortunately, the HOV kicks us out on the north side of downtown. We have to find our way back to I45 so we can continue to MD Anderson. After a couple of turns, snitty remarks, and a few gasps, the English-accented voice on my GPS finally calms down and points us in the right direction. We still have to navigate 45 through downtown, then transfer to 288....stop and go. We finally arrive at MD Anderson at 8:25. The appointment is at 8:30. Geez.
Oh...forgot to call Cat to wake her up in time to catch the bus. We start calling and texting, but learn later that she made it on time...whew.
Met with the surgeon and the physician's assistant. Here's the initial scoop.
He will surgically remove the cancer, which involves removing 1-2 centimeters surrounding the cancer to ensure he gets all of it. They are cognizant of the need to be aggressive yet considerate of the patient's need for functionality, but he said he'll have to go into the floor of the mouth....commence the flap and reconstructive surgery. He was also certain that he will perform a tracheostomy. But it should be removed before she goes home. I'll try to get some sound recordings before they remove the tube. Feeding tube will stay in at least a week to ensure the flap seals properly.
We expect 5-7 days in the hospital. During which time all the tubing will eventually be removed (assuming proper healing). I guess I will not be able to collect the biohazard goo at home. :(
Our participation in the lymphoseek trial was cancelled because insurance would not approve of it even though there was no cost to us or the insurance company as we understood. Go figure. Cutting costs when there are none to cut. There's probably a reason not made known to us, but it is disappointing that I will not have a nice night light tonight.
So we continued to the next, an imaging study. Step aside Glamour Shots... This guy rocks. Lots of photos and a survey.
Side note: the cafeteria on the first floor made a mean barbecue plate and a Philly cheese steak for us...we're stuffed.
Meeting with the
Toni. Call Dad and tell him that Mom is coming to Houston. He'll need to make his own supper tonight.
Wish us luck and pray for Jennifer. The journey is underway. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
O Saint Peregrine, you who have been called "The Wonder-Worker" because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you, who for so many years bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more: you who were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction, ask of God and Our Lady the cure of these sick persons whom we entrust to you Jennifer. Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing praise to God for His great goodness and mercy. Amen.
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