First Oncologist Consult and More

17 July 2026

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)

I did not expect to enjoy the Newport Beach consultants. I began with a consultant oncologist at Hoag Family Cancer Institute. When the doctor entered the room, she greeted us by name. She asked questions then listened intently to our answers. Then I asked questions, and she replied with knowledge, kindness, and confidence. She did not communicate any fear–only hope. Her treatment plan would be radiation therapy with a touch of chemotherapy. (The amount of chemo recommended is truly a low dose. Its purpose is to enhance the tumor for radiation to attack it. Because the chemo is not given to kill the tumor, I should not experience the typical side effects.) She also would give me a shot of immunotherapy every three weeks.

The second consultant was at Center of New Medicine with an MD who has been helping patients for forty years. She would offer supportive care during the radiation treatment. This would include lung care due to my recent battle with pneumonia, monitoring anemia, and solving my high heart rate issue. (In mid-June, my resting heart rate was in the 90s and throughout the day was in the 100s.) She would also keep an eye on major organs.

I’ve really loved my time in Newport meeting the consultants. The doctors even allowed me to make appointments to begin treatment, which would start on July 24. This is after my next consultation. We plan to send the Hoag treatment plan to CHM (our health care program) for approval. We do not know if some of the supportive care will be covered, but we will try.

The only major issue is that there is no room and board for an approximate eight to ten weeks in Newport Beach, Irvine, or Costa Mesa. So, we are looking at extended-stay hotels that have a kitchen, Airbnb’s, or “rentable” condos. If anyone does not plan to use their accumulated credit card or hotel points, please reach out to us. If you or someone you know has a condo and are willing to provide a rent discount, please let us know.

While we try to overcome this hurdle, we do have another consultant in Zion, IL at City of Hope, who provides room and board within their cost; however, there will be no hands-on supportive care.

Prayer Request:

1. Room and board will be possible in the Newport Beach area.

2. God will confirm that Newport Beach is the route we are to take.

3. The Lord continues to light our path on this journey, as he has done since we started walking this new path.

In my previous updates, I’ve explained that I have reopened my GiveSendGo page for anyone who would like to contribute financially to these consultations and related travel expenses. Here is the link to give:  https://www.givesendgo.com/TammyLeaFabian

Love and blessings,

Tammy

Written by Tammy Lea Fabian

Edited by Mia Atteberry