Most of you know the story:
Husband stage 3-4 terminal ileum cancer that has been treated like colon - because there is not a regime for terminal ileum (small bowel) cancer that he has. This is first recurrence after successful surgery and treatment ended March of 07. This mass was found inoperable during exploratory surgery May 29 due to attachment to femoral/ileac artery. Very aggressive and growing quickly, yet not metastasizing beyond original point. Brian on Monday starts a 5 week regimen of combo daily oral xeloda (good thing we have insurance - saved over $3400 on the rx) and daily radiation treatments.
Here are two statements the oncologist has made that are causing me worry:
On our first visit for this recurrence the onco walked in and made this unsolicited statement: "We are not going to talk quantity, you are young and we will fight this." We have not ever asked for quantity in terms of wanting to know years, months, etc. We just keep assuming this too shall pass. (I know, naive, but blissful)
There will be a break after the 5 weeks for rest and CT/PET scans. When I asked how long the break would be "a month or two?" He replied, "Oh no, we don't have that luxory." Last time it seemed that no one was in the same hurry we were...now we don't have the luxory?
I haven't questioned him when he has made these statements, because Brian has been present and Brian has the attitude that life goes on and we will beat this... I want him to keep this positive attitude. I haven't had a visit with the onc on my own.
What would you all do? Remain blissfully naive? Call the onc and ask? Question the onc in front of Brian?
I will be out of town for the next two onc visits. I kind of don't want to bring it up with the onc while I am gone and then have him talk to Brian while I am out of town.
Thanks in advance, I know you all will give good advice,
LeeAnne