We had a great meeting at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami on Wednesday. First we met with Dr. Fernandez, Chief of Hematology/Oncology at University of Miami Hospital. Dr. Fernandez was very thorough. Although he had all of my charts with detailed pathology reports in front of him he treated me as a first time patient and as an intelligent human being. He asked us lots of questions and examined me in order to form his own opinion of my situation. As we expected, he agreed with the doctors at University of Florida/Jacksonville and recommended radiation treatment as a follow up to surgery.
Our next appointment was with Dr. Samuels, a Radiation Oncologist specializing in Head & Neck radiation. Dr. Samuels and his staff, Dr. Patel and Natalia were fantastic. They spent a lot of time asking us questions and then explaining my situation, the technology behind the treatment, the treatment protocol and why they use it as well as the expected side effects and how they will help me manage them.
As we were talking I felt an overwhelming sense of strength and courage emerge from deep within. I got a very intense “I’m going to kick your ass” look on my face while the doctor was explaining the treatment. There are some difficult challenges ahead and I am ready and confident!
Lucky for me I got to experience the endoscope up my nose and into my throat again so that the doctors could examine the back of my tongue and larynx. Good fun!
Annabel and I were very impressed by the facility and doctors in Miami and feel they are equal to what we have experienced at the University of Florida. We also found out that a family friend has offered me housing during my treatments. He lives right on the river and very close to the hospital. What an amazing gift! While we feel the quality of treatment at UM and UF seem to be equal we believe the quality of life will be better in Miami so we are currently leaning towards treatment at Sylvester.
I am grateful for my phenomenal team of doctors, nurses, family & friends. Thank you all!
I am fearless and ready to fight on! Attas 2, cancer 0!
Light & Shadow study at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center