February 2 through February 25, 2009
After the Gamma Knife, we needed to find a center in San Diego to start the radiation. Since, Marni had to have radiation blasted into her head for 5 days a week, for 6 weeks. It just made more since to find someone /someplace closer to where we live.
We researched a number of different doctors and treatment centers.
Eventually, we found Dr. William Read at the UCSD Moores Cancer Center. His specialty is actually Hematology/ Oncology. He understood the meds, but not the specific Tumor portion of her condition. Nevertheless, from our first meeting Marni really liked him.
He walked into the examining room, and focused directly on Marni. Which, I liked very much.
He began a list of questions...
Tell me your story... What kind of meds are you on...How do you feel...and so on.
With each question asked Marni would look to me to answer. She had a hard time remembering words and it became frustrating for her and she felt embarrassed. She often says that she feels like she is losing her mind.
After the second time she looked to me for the answer, Dr. Read, leaned over and said very politely," Please, let her answer."
After he ended his list of questions, he explained that he wanted to see how she was functioning mentally and with physical expressions. I dug him too. He challenged her and I think we both needed a doctor to do that...
Dr. Read was a little goofy, I say that in the most respectful way, but at one point I thought he was going to pull out three small colorful balls and start juggling. He a gentle and aloof way about him. I think Marni connected with him for these responses.
After the examination, he suggested we meet with a Dr. Mary An Rose, in Encinitas, about 10 minutes away from our home. "She would be able to perform the radiation. The facility is brand new and she is an excellent doctor."
February 18th San Diego Caner Center
Gigi the assistant at the front desk was super helpful and very friendly.
I had been to the center the previous week to drop off Marni’s records, so when Marni walked in she already knew who she was and greeted Marni with a big smile. Always a good sign when the people at the front desk are friendly…
We waited for a short time; the waiting room was spacious, light and open. The center just opened in October so everything was brand new.
I can’t help but think that maybe this Center was built for Marni. She was diagnosed in October; the Center opened in October...The things you think to be positive and keep hope alive.
The door to the back office opened up and a woman stuck her head out and smiled “Marni Kass” she said in a Price is Right themed voice, “come on back!”
I am telling you NICE front desk - NICE back office, it is always the case.
Kelly the RN went through the normal route of checking Marni’s strength and review her file (meds and sleeping habits, life habits.)
Kelly was awesome from the get go, friendly and very understanding and patient when Marni would try to get words or thoughts out. Take your time she would say.
After we met with Kelly, Dr. Rose came in. Instantly she jumped into it. Outlining the treatment, the schedule, how Marni may feel, and so on. I remember thinking to myself that she was so thorough; I don’t even have any questions.
She asked, “Any questions? Great, let’s get you in here tomorrow morning for a CT and get your mask set up . We can start radiation next week.
We were both excited and nervous to get started.
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