January 19, 2017
Hi Everyone,
I thought I would let you know how the doctor visit went from yesterday (1/18/17). The appointment was a follow up to discuss the tests results from 1/4/17.
These tests have to be repeated every three months.
CT scan of chest – There are some are fibrosis noted in the lung bases but it is common for his age and previous smoker. One of his lungs isn’t inflating all the way. Again not uncommon in older people as they tend to lay more and usually on sides. No evidence of metastatic disease. Good news!
MR of Abdomen – The two Chemoembolization cavities have become a little smaller. At this time, we will not repeat another injection of chemo, as they seem to be holding. No new liver mass indicated. Cirrhosis is still the same. The enlarged spleen is still the same. There is a Schmorl’s node at L3-L4 – not uncommon with age just advised to keep a close follow up. There are a few renal cysts (nothing that we hadn’t known before). Gallstones are still present. Overall this is good as the there is no new mass and the chemo is holding the tumors at bay. No new hot spots of cancer were seen.
Whole Body Scan – The first scan was done on 7/12/16, so the one on January 4 was to compare where we are and to make sure there is no other cancer popping up anywhere else. So here’s the bottom line on it:
1. Compared to 7/12/16, there 91 no significant interval change.
2. Despite lack of interval change, neoplasm cannot be excluded with respect to the skull lesions.
3. Focal increase in the distal left femur suggests enchondroma or other benign abnormality.
4. Extensive degenerative disease in the spine and peripheral joints.
When we first had the scan done in 7/12/16, Papa had told them about his accident in 2001. After discussing with the doctor more about the accident and the areas that he actually was hurt in, she is going to discuss with the radiology group if we need to check further about the lesions in skull and the enchondroma in femur. (The leg that was injured was the right leg and the injuries sustained in 2001 didn’t include his head.) The doctor will let us know what they decide. Regardless if there is further testing, this doesn’t hold up his transplant status at this time.
MELD Score (Model For End-Stage Liver Disease) (12 and older) to quantify end-stage liver disease for transplant planning. In October, we were scored 15. As of yesterday, we are at a 12. The decrease is due to his lab results. He’s starting to lose his platelets again which means transfusion may be in his future. However, because the heart doctor gave him a release to have transplant, when he completes 6 months of waiting, his score will become 28. That’s great news. They will be able to do transplant at 28 score. There is only a window of opportunity on this score system, 28-40. If he gets to 40 before he has a transplant, he will no longer be considered for transplant.
The doctor informed us yesterday that Papa’s name has already come up a couple of times but he wasn’t released for heart doctor and his score was not high enough. Knowing this, it is great news!
But there’s a hiccup to this great news. If Papa qualified in numbers and got called tomorrow, he would have to pass on the liver. Why? Medication costs is the issue. Once the transplant is performed, he will automatically have 15 additional medications to take. Two of which is $4800 a month. Papa doesn’t have prescription coverage until his insurance. He didn’t think he needed at the time when he began the insurance. We tried to get him enrolled for a prescription plan but we couldn’t because of Medicare sanctions. Our next window of opportunity is October of this year. If approved, will be effective January 1, 2018.
Six months means transplant can happen as early as July.
I am working on finding out how I can get him on a prescription plan, without canceling his current insurance plan. We also have to still work with doctors in Lufkin, so I have to consider what insurance they take and what insurance will cover the hospital and doctors in Houston and NOT placing a pre-existing clause on us.
As long as he is in his current stability, we have a little time to work on what we need to.
January 9, 2017
Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to share some news. Mom and Skeeter celebrated their 32nd anniversary yesterday, 1-8-17. God is good!
January 5, 2017
1/5/17 although yesterday was a very tiring day with much walking... he pushed through like a trooper. He is in good spirits and is taking everyday one day at a day. He continues to do as much of his tinkering as possible. He does tire easily and is weak at times, but overall he is doing well.
January 5, 2017
The holiday went pretty well for us. He did catch a virus but after an antibiotic, he got through it. Two of his kids came to visit from Tyler and other family members came and spent the holiday with him. He enjoys his family time.
January 5, 2017
1/4/17 spent our day in Houston. We saw the heart specialist, Dr. Feghali, who released him for clearance for the transplant. Yeah!!! After that, we had to have lab work, CT of chest, MR of Abdomen which will check on the tumors in his liver and how the other organs are doing and lastly a bone scan. We will go back in two weeks to get the results of tests and we are hoping that his MELD score will increase. As of 10/19, 2016 his MELD score was 15.
January 5, 2017
On December 6th, we met with Dr. Rowley, dermatologist, so that squamous cell carcinoma could be removed off of his nose. I had no idea what all would be entailed in such a procedure. However, ten days later, met Dr. Rowley for a follow up and things seem to be healing just fine. We won't have to go back for follow up again until March 2017.
November 9, 2016
11/9/16 Received test results for the skin areas of concern. The area on his nose came back positive for Basal Cell Carcinoma. What does this mean? He will have surgery on his nose on December 6. They will also take skin from another area that doesn't grow hair, usually behind the ear and graph it onto his nose. All goes well, stitches will come out after 10 days.
A positive point to this is that we are dealing with hit in plenty of time before his next visit to Houston, January 4. We were told up front from the Transplant team that if there were any medical conditions, they must be addressed prior to his transplant.
God is in control. He is on time all the time. Our faith remains...
November 3, 2016
We just saw the hematologist, Dr. B. Reddy, (Lufkin) and all in all he is doing well. Everything is going right on schedule. We are mainly waiting on the stent in his heart to heal. Until this we don't have to return for four months. With his blood levels maintaining... that's good news!
October 25, 2016
Dear Family and Friends,
As you know, Skeeter Scarborough has been diagnosed with liver cancer. His condition has progressed to the point that he will require a liver transplant. While he is on the waiting list, and after he will need our help with medical expenses. Once he receives his transplant, he will need to be on medications for the rest of his life. For this reason, we have chosen to use an open ended fundraiser, instead of one that ends after a month. He needs our help. Whether you contribute today or in the future, anything you can do would be appreciated. Please keep this link handy and share with others who you think will help.
Many Thanks,
The Children and Step-Children of Skeeter Scarborough
