Mario's Progress

Yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, the Miami surgeon came by and the immediate goal is to get Mario cleared for travel back to Atlanta.  He thought it would little good to address the cancer related issues here in Miami, especially since not much could be done until the leg surgery has healed.  Also we do not even have the pathology report determining that the tumor is cancerous and the type it is.  He agreed that doing a CT scan while he was in hospital was a good idea to see if the cancer was localized.   Mario's attending Atlanta neurosurgeon will be making recommendations on which cancer specialist is best for his situation.  Likely it will be someone affiliated with Piedmont Hospital or Emory and include a multi disciplinary team of cancer and nerve specialists. 

Today, Mario had the CT Scan of the pelvis, abdomen and chest to see if there is any cancer in these areas.  We should have the results soon.  Physical therapy got Mario up and about again and he is doing very well.  He did both stairs and walking. A walker, although not always needed, worked best for him, versus a cane.  He is strong and able to get himself up, even with the operated right leg.   The drainage from the wound is minimal and a clearish pink fluid.  This is a sign of healthy healing and no infection.  Also he has had less pain as the surgical area heals.  They have increased and adjusted his pain medication while in the hospital to medications that have actually decrease the pain a bit. We got prescriptions to be filled before pharmacies close for the Christmas holiday.  Sherry's arrival, however, is perhaps the best medicine for him. 

The likely time line is that Mario likely would be released from the hospital in tomorrow or Sunday, but would have to recuperate for a couple more days before traveling back to Atlanta.  He has an appointment with our Miami doctor on Tuesday and about this time we may also have the pathology report on the tumor then as well.  We are hoping for good news of a less aggressive and treatable cancer.  If the wound is healing well Mario can travel, and likely would return to Atlanta as soon as possible.

Sherry, Aunt Julia, Mario and I are making plans for a modest, but still special Christmas. 

Ciao and Love, Mario L.