Memorial Sloan Kettering

A bit of news this week is that we've decided to transfer Catherine's care to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. It is no reflection on the fabulous team at Maimonides, rather a feeling that we both liked the MSK team and felt it would be a good move for us. MSK is a world renowned cancer hospital and we're lucky to live in NYC and have easy access.

We met last week with the surgeon, Dr. George Plitas, and Catherine's oncologist, Dr. Shari Goldfarb. The treatment plan offered varies only slightly. We'll know more details after our appointment next Wednesday, April 13, but for now, Catherine will receive 12 weeks of Taxol with 4 rounds of Carboplatin, every 3 weeks. (The original plan was 16 weeks with Carbo every 4th week.)

Dr. Goldfarb explained that the Taxol and Carbo are proven to eradicate the cancer cells and the AC greatly improves rates of survival. Though they anticipate Catherine's blood cell counts will take a big hit, they're optimistic that she'll be able to complete all the prescribed rounds before surgery.

Anticipating Taxol Round 4 that didn't happen

MRI results from a few weeks ago had shown a small nodule in Catherine's right breast that needed further investigation. (The invasive ductal carcinoma is in her left breast.) After an unsuccessful biopsy attempt on March 10th, Catherine went in for a second attempt this week. Dr. Plitas informed us today that the biopsy has shown a radial sclerosing lesion that, while not necessarily cancerous, will need to be removed at the time of surgery. Luckily, no big deal.

Catherine was scheduled to receive both Carbo and Taxol today, but because of the reaction she had to the Taxol last week, her oncologist has decided to hold off on the Taxol until she meets with an allergist next week. She's receiving Carbo today and then is scheduled for Taxol and a meeting with the oncologist next Wednesday. Going forward, Wednesday will be her new chemo day, rather than Friday.