the oncologist

After filling out all the paper work, we waited to be called to see the doctor. The waiting area is pretty typical of any other doctors office, except it was filled with people. Everyone waiting they turn. Marie had two doctor appointments on this day. First up would be an oncologist.

We were ushered through the doors into a long hallway. There appeared to be examining rooms and and offices on both sides. Medicals were walking up and down the hallway going everywhere. It was like a people highway. Finally we were put in a room, and met with a nurse, who went through the customary questions of what are your symptoms, when did they start, and so on. She left, and we waited for what seemed an eternity. Then a knock on the door, and in walked a team of people. If my memory serves me, three people came in, the oncologist, his nurse, and another doctor in training. The nurse kept notes. She was meticulously recording, what seemed like everything.

The doctor introduced himself and we went through the history of Marie's tumors. His job was to determine whether chemotherapy should be used to treat her tumors. He explained that microscopic cells could be traveling in the spinal fluid and that could be tested with a spinal tap but he didn't want to do it at this time. He did want Marie to have an MRI of the spine, to see if there was any spreading. The oncologist went on to explain that chemotherapy was not generally used to treat a benign brain tumor. It had to do with the blood brain barrier. The chemo just can't seem to get to the tumor. At this point he was ruling out treatment. Chemo would be saved as a last effort.