Karl Napekoski

Pathologist/Dermatopathologist

[Karl Napekoski @NapekoskiPathMD]

@ProfRAScolyer One of the best humans. You will be missed.

[Professor Richard Scolyer AO @ProfRAScolyer]

Not the best day ever..... Today I had another scan of my brain followed by further discussions with the neuro-oncology team who continue their wonderful care. There seems to be further progression of my brain tumour (glioblastoma) affecting brain functioning (as me and a few close friends can feel/see). Whilst it is a bit disappointing, in the big picture it's not the end of the road and I’ve got more to do! I love and enjoy challenges. I certainly haven't stopped yet. Hopefully I can share more special times with family and friends, and continue to advocate for cancer patients.

#cancer #patients #glioblastoma #braincancer
@nthsydhealth
@sydneyLHD @COBLH @Sydney_Uni

[AMA @AmerMedicalAssn]

Overhauling the MIPS program is critical to fixing Medicare payment. We applaud @RepMMM and @RepHerbConaway for introducing the Medicare Physician Data-Driven Performance Payment System. @PresAmerMed shares his thoughts on this landmark reform. https://t.co/sSjp82mRlj

[Karl Napekoski @NapekoskiPathMD]

Getting it done at ISMS annual '26 #illinoisdocs

[Karl Napekoski @NapekoskiPathMD]

https://t.co/uqgHkAeqW3

Stop the cuts!!

[Karl Napekoski @NapekoskiPathMD]

#AMAmtg #fightingfordocs #fightingforpatients

[Karl Napekoski @NapekoskiPathMD]

Loving Dr. Beth Ruben's (ASDP President) talk on ethics in dermpath! Make sure you are using the ASDP AUC app everyday! https://t.co/bZMub6a4bP
#ASDP25

[Karl Napekoski @NapekoskiPathMD]

Dr Muge Turkyilmaz gave a fantastic update on HPV-independent VIN for the IL Midwestern ACL CME conference #ACL #Advocatehealth

[Karl Napekoski @NapekoskiPathMD]

Thank you to Dr Rocky Yapp @RockyYapp for a fantastic update on Metabolic dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) (formerly known as NAFLD). The session was hosted by the amazing DuPage County Medical Society https://t.co/ZEtV0DRN28

[Karl Napekoski @NapekoskiPathMD]

https://t.co/LECMYOWFlS

[Karl Napekoski @NapekoskiPathMD]

https://t.co/IDgDhbnswM

[Professor Richard Scolyer AO @ProfRAScolyer]

Earlier this week, I received my 10th (& last) dose of a personalised anticancer vaccine. It started more than a year ago. Whilst on each occasion I had quite a sore arm for few days afterwards, thankfully I otherwise felt fine/had no systemic complications. I hope the vaccine can stimulate my immune system to fight my wretched brain cancer. But who knows if it is effective.

As has happened with each vaccination, I also had approximately 150ml of blood taken for research purposes! Many thanks to everyone involved and their kindness & care.

@ausoftheyear
@SydneyLHD
@Sydney_Uni
#glioblastoma

[AMA @AmerMedicalAssn]

The AMA is leading the charge to reform the Medicare payment system, advocating against payment cuts, working with Congress and pushing for urgent reform. Learn more. https://t.co/ud7hAFtg5z

[Willie Underwood III, MD, MSc, MPH @PresAmerMed]

A perfect storm created by a shrinking physician workforce and aging population threatens patient access. Congress should pass pending legislation to expand residency training slots, along with related proposals to address the projected physician shortage. https://t.co/doPZQr11fI

[AMA @AmerMedicalAssn]

With high medical student-loan debt, doctors entering Indian Health Service face low pay. It's time to improve their access to loan forgiveness. https://t.co/mfNH1kdyVW

[AMA @AmerMedicalAssn]

Physicians deemed to be information blockers will see their #MIPS scores take a hit. Catch up on the new #healthIT rules with the AMA. https://t.co/aHmI5L41oC

[Professor Richard Scolyer AO @ProfRAScolyer]

My next #MRI #brain #scan looking for #recurrence of my #glioblastoma (&/ or #treatment effects) is very soon. I’m getting more anxious now as it gets closer (“scanxiety”).

Scanxiety describes the #stress, #worry & #fear some people (especially #cancer patients) may feel around the time of a scan. With #scanxiety, some people get physical symptoms too, like nausea, appetite changes or diarrhoea. For me it’s worry & fear.

I get more anxious about my scanning now than I did earlier in the course of my disease for a variety of reasons. I think I’m a little more moody & irritable as we get very close to my next scan so it’s harder on those closest to me, especially Katie. One of the principle reasons I’m anxious is probably because it’s the test that determines whether or not we can see my tumour is growing back and if it is, how long I’m likely to stay alive and when & how my functional state will likely deteriorate.

I find my scanxiety is greatest after the scan waiting for the results. I don’t know the best way to manage the pre/post scan anxiety & it’s likely different for different people. For me keeping busy & my mind occupied & exercising each day are probably what helps me most. But sometimes I just want time on my own.

I am so fortunate to have such a fabulous caring team looking after me so well especially my wonderful wife Katie & family, friends & colleagues.

Here are a couple of pictures from my last MRI brain scan from a couple of months ago.

@NthSydHealth
@SydneyLHD
@Sydney_Uni

[Karl Napekoski @NapekoskiPathMD]

https://t.co/wFoMGmqXOh

[Karl Napekoski @NapekoskiPathMD]

Finally, the Senate is striking the right notes on Medicare reimbursement https://t.co/dqp8fbAbSN