Hospital Hopscotch

Dateline: Palmerston

Baby Mackenzie Averi Williamson, who weighs in at 7 lbs. and change, is schedule to leave Palmerston & District hospital today and head home to Harriston with proud parents Krystal and Mike. Sorry, no baby pictures yet!


Dateline: Toronto

I've just spoken by phone with radiation oncologist Dr. O'Sullivan to discuss treatment vis-à-vis the pathology report. He confirms the need for chemotherapy and for treating both sides of the neck with radiation (though only lymph nodes level 2 & 3 on the left side, to preserve the salivary gland). These combined treatments will necessitate 6 1/2 weeks of treatment. As for the tongue, it is still "a tough call" as to whether or not it needs radiation treatment as well. I have until my first planning appointment on October 1 to decide. Does anyone else hear the Jeopardy! theme playing?

In the meantime, Dr. O'Sullivan will arrange for me to meet with a medical oncologist, who will also review the pathology report, assess my suitability for chemotherapy, and explain what chemo involves.

I also inquired, based on an inspired suggestion from Aunt Linda, about receiving treatment at Sunnybrook's cancer treatment center. Sunnybrook is 5 minutes away from home, as opposed to PMH which is 40. Dr. O'Sullivan said it is possible, but that I would have to go on a waiting list and that preference is given to those who a) aren't already in the system elsewhere, and b) are coming from out of town via the 401. He also pointed out, while admitting his own bias, that PMH is the largest, most organized, and best developed cancer treatment center in the country. Sounds good to me.