Yesterday we went to Johns Hopkins.

This was a long time coming! We were both feeling anxious as the appointment approached. We prepared a list of questions for the doctor so there would be no misunderstandings and no repeats of what we went through at Penn.
Our appt was at 10:30. He was an hour late. As soon as he met with us he addressed his tardiness and apologized! ( Bonus point 1) Dr. Ball reviewed Shane's lab work he had done and the ct scans that I sent down to him. He even pulled them up on his computer to show us the tumors to which he was referring to (Bonus point 2).
So, what we know is that Shane is having growth. He is moderately progressing in his cancer. Dr. Ball believes that he will qualify for a drug trial. There were 2 trials that we discussed. The first being the xl- 184 that the Penn Dr had been talking to us about. And another drug trial called E707?. After discussing the side effects and the pros and cons and the Diabetes factor we think that the xl-184 is the better choice to start with. Dr. Ball wanted Shane to get another ct of his chest to see if there was any growth since his last scan in Dec.
Dr. Ball answered all our questions and we discussed all our concerns. And I feel he is genuinely there for the patient (Bonus point 3). I feel that he is very intelligent, direct and really willing to help Shane in this fight! (Bonus point-5-9).
So Shane went for his ct and are to call the dr next week to determine if he really meets the eligibility requirements. On our way home, we received a phone call, Dr Ball, he had the results from the scans. He wanted to let us know that there was no growth from Dec but needed a radiologist to review it. He also gave me the number of the study nurse so I could get the ball rolling if Shane should qualify for the clinical trial. Amazing Communication (Bonus point 10).
This experience is like night and day compared to Penn. Yes, Baltimore is not around the corner, but we will make it work. I feel so much better knowing that Shane is going to be getting the best care! We deserve the chance to fight this disease, and now I know we are with the right Dr.