As many of you know I live in Boise,
Idaho and my oncologist practices medicine in UCLA. (Los Angeles, Ca.) I am one
of many, who actually travel a long distance to consult with a CML specialist.
I see him four times a year and so far, this has been sufficient.
The unfortunate thing about having
an oncologist far away, is that by the time my PCR results are available, I am
typically back in Idaho; most of the time this has not been an issue, as my PCR
results have been “good,” but my latest test showed a remarkable increase in
the Bcr-Abl gene. Our greatest concern is that the PCR continues to rise,
despite my increased dose of Sprycel.
Since I am not scheduled to see my
oncologist again until August, he is sending an order for a PCR test to be
drawn, a month after being on the increased dose, to a local blood draw center;
my blood will then be sent to the lab in California, to be tested. Once the
results are read, we will determine our plan of action. Hopefully I will be
back on track and there will be no further need for concern.
While it would be ideal to have an
oncologist right down the road in Boise, I feel that the expertise of a CML
specialist is in my best interest, so I will continue to travel to see him.
Luckily with all of the medical advances, not to mention the advances in
transporting blood, I am able to have my blood drawn here, and tested there. I
am also blessed to have my oncologist available, by email, whenever I have
questions or concerns.
I lieu of my recent test results, I
have considered consulting with a local hematological oncologist to see whether
or not he would be willing to work alongside my primary oncologist, in order to
have someone close by, in case of an emergency; I know many who have gone this
route and it seems to work out well. I fee l that it is advantageous to have
someone close in distance, but it is also advantageous to have a CML specialist
on your side, too.
I think my next post will be the
Pros and Cons of choosing an oncologist!
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