CHECK UP DAY 1 @ MDA

Here we are in Houston for the first day of Dave's two-day check up schedule.  I know I'm repeating myself, but MD Anderson runs like clockwork.  We checked in at 9:30, Dave had 4 vials of blood drawn, a chest X-ray, then his visit with Dr. Bedikian, all on separate floors with different check-ins and waiting rooms and all crowded with people.  We checked out at 11 AM.  What a finely tuned and efficient business!

We don't have the results of the blood work, but Dr. Bedikian said the chest X-ray was negative for anything suspicious.  He gave Dave a whole body exam, listened to his lungs and heart, felt his lymph nodes, asked about his treatment and how he is responding, and said the adjustments to his treatment (the 50% dosage based on his counts) was appropriate and clearly his doctor in Savannah is doing the right thing.  He also told us today is his last day, as he is retiring.  He said if Dave feels he needs to see an MD Anderson oncologist in the future his nurse practitioner will give Dave a recommendation for a new doctor.  As far as Dr. Bedikian is concerned, there may not need to be any further check ups at MDA.  He did mention that Dr. Ross, the surgeon, may want to continue to see him, but there does not seem to be a reason to come to Houston unless another problem arises.

Dave will see Dr. Ross tomorrow and hopefully we'll have the results of his blood work.  So far so good!