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So the final pathology report was posted to my chart. I read it. I'm not going to pretend to understand what it's telling the doctors. I do know enough to see that the report is a genomic sequencing (and I thought my Biology degree was worthless!).

The good news is my surgeon called to discuss the report and findings. What I have learned:

  • Kidney cancers are classified based on cell type.
  • The classification determines follow up treatment.
The challenge:
  • The genomic sequencing of my cancer was inconclusive. 
Hmm. Just my luck.

But this is exactly why when I chose my provider, I wanted to make sure that I chose a comprehensive cancer center. We are fortunate here in L.A. to have a couple of them within driving distance (albeit a long drive). 

What this means for me is that my surgeon has reached out to a kidney cancer specialist - Dr. Sumanta Pal. Just happens that he is one of (if not *the*) expert on kidney cancer. And not just in the U.S. - but the world. 

I've made an appointment for a consult with Dr. Pal on October 11th. So - more to come on my follow up treatment. The other good news is Dr. Pal practices at the new City of Hope in Irvine - about 4 miles from home. I'm looking forward to a 15 minute drive. 

Thank you again City of Hope!

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