10/13 - MD Anderson Visit

Jane, Rae and i all went to MD Anderson today for two causes.

First we met with the research nurse who is conducting the pure testosterone injection study that I am participating in. She measures my muscle mass, has me do a hand strength squeeze test, a body weight and and muscle test. Following that she administered the 5th and last of the series of testosterone shots. I will be complete with the study in two weeks when I report on my general health and disposition. I asked about a diploma and unfortunately this not a degree program.

Next we set out to see Dr. Kaseb. There is good news and basic information that I needed to hear. The good news is my bilirubin has fallen to 2.4 from the 4.3 I reported earlier. I got some comfort from my neighbor who had a liver transplant that the bilirubin level can go up and down dependent on a number of factors. I identified all my new symptoms for which Dr. Kaseb was not alarmed. So my scare of a week or so was potentially premature. We talked briefly about the water buildup in my lung cavity and the IR suggestion that they install a semi-permanent catheter. He said he would fire off an e-mail to find out when they would care to schedule the procedure as they told me it would be this week.

As I suspected, Dr. Kaseb has no real plan for treatment of the cancer and that he would prefer me to coordinate my continued care with the Supportive Care doctor Del Fabbro. We like Del Fabbro but Supportive Care is a disguise for palliative care or hospice care.