Small Update — more encouraging news

Kristi had her video call with the Stanford Sarcoma specialist this afternoon; the discussion was quite encouraging. Three things are important to note and share.

First, everything she told Kristi will be shared with and confirmed by a team of doctors after a few more scans and tests. 

Second,  the doctor is calling the tumor grade 1, which is the lowest (most favorable) grade. She thinks that what appears to be the swollen lymph node may actually be the primary tumor. It is in a very usual location for lieomayosarcoma and adjacent to lymph nodes, which can be confusing. She thinks that a surgeon can get in there and remove the tumor, possibly eradicating the cancer completely. 

Third, she thinks, based on her review of Kristi’s past tests, that the back pain may simply be a ruptured disk in her lower back (which the Fresno doctor saw but said shouldn’t be causing her that much pain). She is going to consult with a Stanford back orthopedist but hopes that a simple surgery could relieve her of most or all of the pain. 

Oh, one more thing ... she said stop reading about lieomayosarcoma on the internet. She says there’s too many variables and every person is a unique case. 

This doctor was very pleasant to speak to. She really put us at ease. She made it seem like things will be just fine. It will be a couple weeks before we know more. 

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