Newly Diagnosed And Frankly, It's Scary

Sounds like you have a great guy, @Yvonne Smith . If a qualified physician maintains a practice AND volunteers, it is a sign that HIS heart is in the right place.

 

@Beth Gallagher I, too, admire your courage to address such a personal matter on a public forum. Choosing a doctor from who the nurses would use for themselves or their families is generally good guidance, as they often see the results of the work done. It is possible, however, as was said above, that this physician just doesn't have as long a track record to go by. The fact that she is on the staff at M.D. Anderson is a recommendation in itself, and you are fortunate to have such a facility available to you.

 

Thanks, Don. I believe people are mistaking desperation for courage, at least as far as I'm concerned. Many of us in this age bracket are facing health issues of one type or another, and it actually feels good to be able to vent and get feedback. In my overly emotional reaction to some "news," it helps to get input from others who not seeing the situation from an anxiety-riddled state.

After reading about Babs' cancer, Bill's lung issues, Ken's cancers, Yvonne's heart problem, Frank's kidney failure, Lon's cancers, and other poster's struggles, I decided to share my diagnosis. Then I though I'd just make this thread a "cancer diary" of sorts and I appreciate getting feedback. Some of the stuff may be TMI but I suppose it may help someone if there's a tidbit of learning. Also, the outpouring of kindness from you all has been an uplifting experience for me, and very much appreciated.

I'm willing to give Dr. Sun a chance, but I'm not going into the surgery without feeling I have done my due diligence. I want "one and done."

 

So I might have mentioned before that my oncologist is also a cancer patient. He has had two types of cancer; blood cancer and bone cancer. He had a bone marrow transplant and has to have a bone marrow biopsy every three months. That sounds horrible to me. An interesting thing is, his blood DNA has changed to reflect the DNA of the bone marrow donor. He's a sort of "hybrid" now; his cellular DNA is still his, but the blood cells manufactured by the donor marrow match the donor's blood.

Seems like I saw this in a CSI episode.

 

Yep, a marrow transplant can change your blood type, and the DNA in your blood as well. It kinda makes you into a chimera--one person with two or more DNA types.

 

Not really a true chimera, but the DNA profiles present the same. Most chimeras don't realize they are such unless they have DNA tests from multiple sites. True Chimerism has only come to light in recent years with the advent of broad-based DNA technology. I think the first one known for sure was a woman in the UK.

 

Yes, I know. My doctor has "two distinct DNAs."

 

The most common natural cause is the "combination" of fraternal twins (or, I suppose, triplets). Identical twins also combine, but they have the same DNA profile, so it is not detectable. The first case I found was a woman in the UK applying for "welfare" or the "dole" or whatever they call it. She was living with a man who was not her husband, but who was a companion of many years. I gather from the data that they have a rule or option when applying for welfare with multiple children that paternity must be documented. When the test was done, her companion WAS the father of the child, but she was determined NOT to be the mother, despite testimony from nurses in attendance at the birth. It went through some legal process, and the woman became pregnant again. This time, the judge ordered an observed delivery by an agent of the court. Again, the companion was the father but the woman was not the mother. Some wise doctor decided to do cervical scrapings and test them. Her cervix was found to be the "mother" of the child, but the blood had a different DNA profile. That was the first documented case I found. There have been a considerable number since then. Indications to suspect this phenomenon are: 1) A pregnancy with two detectable heartbeats that become one sometime in the first trimester, and 2) A child with two different eye colors (although this can have other causes) or some other trait that is inconsistent.

 

TC--check in when you can. How are you feeling? I hope the back pain is better. Any progress on the ultrasound scheduling? Thinking of you.

 

I don't often post on this thread but I do read and I am pulling for y'all. Wish y'all well.