Feb 24 - Duke Called - "God Shot" of the Day

Update: We saw Dr. Reddy today.  He will be our "chemo" doctor.  He is an avid runner and very impressed with Phil's history of marathons.  Especially his sub 3 at age 50 and Phils completion of 12 marathons in one year.   Dr. Reddy would like to run Boston but not sure if he can qualify with his slower time. Hate it for ya. Stick to fixing brain tumors doc! Great bedside manner, listened and gave us his cell number.  Love him!

Phil has "white coat" anxiety.  His BP was 153/88 and Pulse was 82. Weight at 194.8. Pulse is usually 50-53.  Plus he is almost 5'11".  Emory measured him twice at 5'9" the other day....LOL

Recommendations from Dr. Reddy:
1.  We need to get you into Duke University asap for trials.
2.  You need to see Dr. Dunbar at Piedmont for trails.
3.  You will see "radiation" guy, Dr. Simon next week.
4.  Temador (chemo pill) wil be mailed to your house but DO NOT take until further notice.
5.  No to surgery - he explained it is like weeds that will grow back because we can not get the root.

Within a few hours - he had all the appointments set for us except Duke. We should expect a call from them. Right.  So here is my "God Shot"  - (a term widely known in the AA and rehab world). I was originally going on Monday to pick up another CD of images for next weeks appointment. I decided to go this afternoon to get out for some fresh air. On the way, Duke University called and said to Fed Ex a CD to them for Monday morning delivery. Dr. Henry Friedman and Dr. Allan Friedman (no relation) will review his images and call us lunch time Monday for the next step. The lady said she does not want to give me false hope BUT the doctors are known for performing surgery on "inoperable" tumors. First time I heard the word hope from any professional.  I ran into the hospital, picked up the CD, and just made it to FedEX. Truly in the right place at the right time when that call came in. I call that a "God Shot".  Fingers crossed for Monday that they will take Phil on.

Below is a Youtube link for Dr. Friedman - I cried like a baby watching this with excitement!!  He is known world wide.  This guy will fix Phil!! - yippee!!  Even Phil showed excitment by calling his mates back home and said the Duke Boys are gonna take a crack at his head.  Dukes of Hazard was Phils favorite show growing up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1Z8yMxSf5E&t=9s

My sister Patty (remember I have 6 sisters and 1 brother) from Florida made us custom face masks. She is adament that no one steps into this house while Phil is having radiation without a mask.  Even a thought of a cold - wear the mask!  Thank you Patty - we love them!!

Another great moment of the day is when Katie Mae and Johnnie stopped by.  You guys are great! We appreciate you both!  I worked with Katie Mae at my previous job for 5 years.  We call her "Half Pint".