All the logistics are set for us to go to Bethesda next week. Got the package from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Pathology slides Fed Ex'd yesterday, genetic blood tests faxed yesterday, brain MRI scheduled for tomorrow, and Monday we visit our oncologist (to review the results of the brain MRI) and pick up the CDs of all the CT, PET and MRI scans and linked reports to hand carry to her appointment. Check, check and double check. What could possibly go wrong?
A government shutdown, that's what! The NIH (National Institute of Health) and its subsidiary, the NCI is a government entity. So it would be subject to shut down mandates just like many "non-critical" agencies. From what I could discover, existing patients in clinical trials will still be treated, but new patients will not start. It's unclear about whether an initial assessment would continue or not - I have the email sent out and hopefully will hear from them by tomorrow - because if a budget deal isn't struck by Congress, my contacts may not be showing up for work on Monday. Perfect, just perfect...
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