First Visit at MSKCC - 1/27/06

Yesterday afternoon, we had our first appointment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). The first thing that struck us was the decor. Light woods and soothing colors were everywhere, and everything is computerized, including most of the documents I had to sign. In the waiting area for Dr. Keohan, there was a large water wall that trickled into a shallow pool of grey and black stones. There is always free juice, water, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and snacks available, and comfortable chairs and sofas in leather or upholstery were set up in small groups throughout the huge waiting room. An entire floor of the building is devoted to radiology. And that was an outpatient building. I can't imagine what the hospital will look like. Having been to local hospitals and doctors' offices, this was - obviously - like nothing we've seen before, and we consider ourselves somewhat sophisticated. :)

I was first seen by Dr. Keohan's assistant, who reviewed the history of my ankle problems and took a thorough medical history. He had reviewed all of my scans and reports (a first!) and then left to discuss what he had learned with Dr. Keohan. She first assumed, as her assistant did, that the tumor had begun in the muscle outside of my bone and worked its way in, but upon examining me, realized that the tumor appears to be completely within the bone. She described this to us as "extremely, extremely rare." She told us that this is the only tumor (yay!), and the two areas of possible concern in my pelvis were nothing to worry about. She was certain that at my appointment with Dr. Healey on Wednesday, he will recommend resection -- removing a portion of my fibula. She will discuss his findings with him following my appointment, and they will develop a treatment plan. FINALLY!! We have been waiting since September to find out what I had, then what to do about it, and then when, and we've finally reached the "what" and "when" part. That's such a relief.

If someone had told me even six months ago that I would be pleased to learn that I had a rare malignant tumor located in my ankle bone and part of that bone would have to be removed, I would have thought she/he were crazy. What a difference some time and perspective makes. While I wish I didn't have this cancer at all, I'm very lucky:

1. It appears to be confined to the bone, making it easier to remove with clean, wide margins.
2. It's my primary tumor, not a metastasis.
3. I have no known metastases so despite this long journey, no new tumors have grown.
4. I have easy access to one of the best cancer centers in the world.
5. I have a terrific boss, who is emotionally supportive, completely positive I will beat this, and understanding about all my tests and appointments.
6. My insurance plan provides out-of-network benefits, which helps ease the financial burden a bit.
7. Most importantly, I have an excellent support system of family and friends. Ed and my mom are my two biggest cheerleaders, and I know my dad is watching over me (I could really use one of his hugs right now). Without all of you, I would not be as confident as I am that I will win this fight.

I will update this after my appointment with Dr. Healey. In the meantime, thanks for all your calls and e-mails. Keep thinking those positive thoughts!