1st Oncologist visit

At 4pm today, my mom and I made our way to NCC in Singapore General Hospital to have our 1st medical oncologist visit.

just to step back, days before the said first consultation schedule, i was praying wholeheartedy and crying out-loud to the Lord that we may found an onco doctor that Jesus will use to provide mom the best recommendation and treatment for her. together with my husband, we also prayed that it will be a passionate onco that will show true care to my mom, and consequently my mom would feel comfortable.

and indeed, His words never fails. the blood of Jesus and the holy spirit protected us and accompanied us all through out as we face the onco. God is so good! our first consultation was a breeze. my anxiety suddenly drift away the moment we start conversing about mom's medical background and why we are there.

below is the summary of our discussion with the onco.

• size = 2.8cm , it means the size is considered as stage 2a
• lymph nodes = Negative , it means it has not spread. good!
• lymphatic vessels = Negative, it means it has not spread. good!
• grade = 2, it means the cancer cells is not slow nor fast, its moderate. as long as it is not fast it is good!
• estrogen receptor = Positive, means that hormone therapy for mom is good!
• progesterone receptor = Positive, means that hormone therapy for mom is good!
• Her 2 = ? , this was not determined during the initial biopsy reading. this will determine how aggressive the cancer cells was. the onco said we should pray for a negative result. a positive means that the cancer cells is too aggressive that mom may undergo a chemo.

to do list:

• FISH test - this is a re-reading of mom's previous biopsy slides to determine the Her 2.
• bone density - to check mom's current bone condition
• continue tamoxifen (20mg x 1 per day)
• follow-up consultation with onco on Oct 23.

what is FISH test?
http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/fish

blessings today:

1. the lady onco is what we have prayed for. she never judged mom condition. she is knowledgeable and best of all never pushed for chemo. she is ok with tamoxifen.
2. my medisave has been recognized to pay for mom diagnostic test. so i never paid cash for the FISH test.
3. my boss was on-leave today so i was able to leave office early to attend the 4pm consultation with mom.
4. my mom was never stressed. she was happy.

Bills paid:
1st consultation fee - $115
Tamoxifen (1 month supply) - $14.05
FISH test - ($515.50) paid by my Medisave

thank you Lord!