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I was only going by my experience with cancer in my family. There is always "we'll know more" after this test, treatment, follow-up. It is never ending. I personally would notify her the cancer discovery has been made & you will report further when you know.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BrassTacksGal
THAT's the truth. In 2015 doctors had a pretty good idea that I had cancer on September 1st. Then there were months and months of tests, examinations, and appointments with various doctors. I had my first treatment, a surgery, on January 6, 2016. After that were more treatments. I finally finished all the treatments on March 10th, 6 months after it all started. I've two followups since and of course there will be many more followups. As you said, it's never ending.
It is interesting how different our experiences at with cancer. I can't imagine doctors having a "pretty good idea" that you had cancer September 1st and then "not doing anything" until January 6th.
When my mother had cancer, her surgery as scheduled within a week of her diagnosis, which was only 10 days after her first symptom. Surgery, no chemo, "one and done". Several of her adult children came home for the surgery and initial recovery and all four of us ramped up our ongoing caregiving assistance to our father, although I don't think that they really needed the extra help as our father was handling everything very well (Mom was completely bedridden, even before the cancer surgery). My siblings and I were in our late 30s to mid 50s at the time.
About ten and a half years ago my husband went to the hospital on a Sunday with his symptoms (although, he may have been ignoring them for a while), they did some tests and then more tests on Monday. The surgeon had his first opening on Wednesday and hubby had a Stage III cancerous tumor removed then. Chemo was set up via a 24/7 pump and hubby was back to work as soon as he healed from the surgery.
While there were a few "bumps" in his recovery over the next year, it was pretty darn easy. I continued to work full time 60 to 70 hours a week (clarification, I did take off work three weeks after his first surgery & a day here or there) and never had any difficulty caring for him during his recovery as well as going to all of his doctor's appointments.
During most of his cancer treatment & recovery hubby continued to work full-time, as well. While both of our children asked if they should come home (they were in college in two different states) there really was not a need for them to help. In fact, both children offered to even drop out of college for a semester if we needed them to come home, but we declined as we really did not need their help. Of course, this time may be completely different.
So, you can see from my perspective why I am not panicking or getting overly concerned until I have my facts and will notify DD when I have more details.
Last edited by germaine2626; 01-25-2017 at 07:49 AM..
You, as always, are keeping a cool head and your wits about you, Germaine. I so strongly hope that further tests will provide you with some positive information on your diagnosis. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband during this newest development. You both have been through so much and have my deepest admiration for your courage and steadfastness during these continuing trials. I hope you get some rest in the meantime, as I know all of this will wear you out emotionally as well as physically.
All the above and more, Germaine. I do hope you can get some decent rest. I'm glad that you have some support from various family members. Please accept their help!
It is interesting how different our experiences at with cancer. I can't imagine doctors having a "pretty good idea" that you had cancer September 1st and then "not doing anything" until January 6th.
When my mother had cancer, her surgery as scheduled within a week of her diagnosis, which was only 10 days after her first symptom. Surgery, no chemo, "one and done". Several of her adult children came home for the surgery and initial recovery and all four of us ramped up our ongoing caregiving assistance to our father, although I don't think that they really needed the extra help as our father was handling everything very well (Mom was completely bedridden, even before the cancer surgery). My siblings and I were in our late 30s to mid 50s at the time.
About ten and a half years ago my husband went to the hospital on a Sunday with his symptoms (although, he may have been ignoring them for a while), they did some tests and then more tests on Monday. The surgeon had his first opening on Wednesday and hubby had a Stage III cancerous tumor removed then. Chemo was set up via a 24/7 pump and hubby was back to work as soon as he healed from the surgery.
While there were a few "bumps" in his recovery over the next year, it was pretty darn easy. I continued to work full time 60 to 70 hours a week (clarification, I did take off work three weeks after his first surgery & a day here or there) and never had any difficulty caring for him during his recovery as well as going to all of his doctor's appointments.
During most of his cancer treatment & recovery hubby continued to work full-time, as well. While both of our children asked if they should come home (they were in college in two different states) there really was not a need for them to help. In fact, both children offered to even drop out of college for a semester if we needed them to come home, but we declined as we really did not need their help. Of course, this time may be completely different.
So, you can see from my perspective why I am not panicking or getting overly concerned until I have my facts and will notify DD when I have more details.
Yes, I completely get it. Like I said, my normal life went on through both of bouts with cancer and no one knew I had cancer unless I told them. My chemo was Cisplatin so I didn't lose my hair which makes it so much easier to hide cancer treatment.
The delay in my treatment in 2015 was horrible. It dragged on so long that my GP prescribed anti anxiety medications for me because I was a complete mess waiting over 4 months for treatment. I have complained to everyone and the hospital has been very nice. They have told me over and over that they realize they have a problem with this surgeon. She is former military and does everything as they did it in the Army where no one could complain no matter how long it took to get treatment. She has a 'protocol' that treats every patient the same. We all have to jump through the same hoops whether they are necessary or not and regardless of how long it delays treatment. She does a very limited number of surgeries a week because that's how it worked in the Army. One of my other doctors said he can't figure out how she makes any money because she operates so little and she's a surgical specialist! The head of two hospitals have called me to apologize for what happened to me, assuring me they were 'working on the problems with this doctor'. They have interviewed me several times and invited me to a focus group for cancer patients. Had I known any of these problems with this surgeon, I would never have gone to her. I live in highly populated area (although I live farther out in a small town) with numerous medical options. I told my GP to never refer anyone to her again. He too was shocked at the delays I had to endure. The wait was absolutely THE WORST part of treatment.
With my first cancer I was diagnosed on Tuesday and a biopsy was taken to confirm it. I began radiation on Friday and the biopsy results came in that day confirming the diagnosis. On Monday I had my first chemo. In less than a week I had begun radiation treatment and my chemo regiment. While my head was spinning with everything moving so fast, that's how it SHOULD work! And I hope it works that quickly for you!
Yes, I completely get it. Like I said, my normal life went on through both of bouts with cancer and no one knew I had cancer unless I told them. My chemo was Cisplatin so I didn't lose my hair which makes it so much easier to hide cancer treatment.
The delay in my treatment in 2015 was horrible. It dragged on so long that my GP prescribed anti anxiety medications for me because I was a complete mess waiting over 4 months for treatment. I have complained to everyone and the hospital has been very nice. They have told me over and over that they realize they have a problem with this surgeon. She is former military and does everything as they did it in the Army where no one could complain no matter how long it took to get treatment. She has a 'protocol' that treats every patient the same. We all have to jump through the same hoops whether they are necessary or not and regardless of how long it delays treatment. She does a very limited number of surgeries a week because that's how it worked in the Army. One of my other doctors said he can't figure out how she makes any money because she operates so little and she's a surgical specialist! The head of two hospitals have called me to apologize for what happened to me, assuring me they were 'working on the problems with this doctor'. They have interviewed me several times and invited me to a focus group for cancer patients. Had I known any of these problems with this surgeon, I would never have gone to her. I live in highly populated area (although I live farther out in a small town) with numerous medical options. I told my GP to never refer anyone to her again. He too was shocked at the delays I had to endure. The wait was absolutely THE WORST part of treatment.
With my first cancer I was diagnosed on Tuesday and a biopsy was taken to confirm it. I began radiation on Friday and the biopsy results came in that day confirming the diagnosis. On Monday I had my first chemo. In less than a week I had begun radiation treatment and my chemo regiment. While my head was spinning with everything moving so fast, that's how it SHOULD work! And I hope it works that quickly for you!
OMgosh I would have lost it, as if facing just about one of the scariest things a person can face isn't enough, having to wait months for treatment is crazy. Glad that at the end of all this you had a positive outcome.
Yes, I completely get it. Like I said, my normal life went on through both of bouts with cancer and no one knew I had cancer unless I told them. My chemo was Cisplatin so I didn't lose my hair which makes it so much easier to hide cancer treatment.
The delay in my treatment in 2015 was horrible. It dragged on so long that my GP prescribed anti anxiety medications for me because I was a complete mess waiting over 4 months for treatment. I have complained to everyone and the hospital has been very nice. They have told me over and over that they realize they have a problem with this surgeon. She is former military and does everything as they did it in the Army where no one could complain no matter how long it took to get treatment. She has a 'protocol' that treats every patient the same. We all have to jump through the same hoops whether they are necessary or not and regardless of how long it delays treatment. She does a very limited number of surgeries a week because that's how it worked in the Army. One of my other doctors said he can't figure out how she makes any money because she operates so little and she's a surgical specialist! The head of two hospitals have called me to apologize for what happened to me, assuring me they were 'working on the problems with this doctor'. They have interviewed me several times and invited me to a focus group for cancer patients. Had I known any of these problems with this surgeon, I would never have gone to her. I live in highly populated area (although I live farther out in a small town) with numerous medical options. I told my GP to never refer anyone to her again. He too was shocked at the delays I had to endure. The wait was absolutely THE WORST part of treatment.
With my first cancer I was diagnosed on Tuesday and a biopsy was taken to confirm it. I began radiation on Friday and the biopsy results came in that day confirming the diagnosis. On Monday I had my first chemo. In less than a week I had begun radiation treatment and my chemo regiment. While my head was spinning with everything moving so fast, that's how it SHOULD work! And I hope it works that quickly for you!
I am so sorry for all of your problems.
My surgeon & pathologists referred me to two different oncologists, in two different partner groups. Plus I may consult with a third doctor in a completely different medical "system" in my area.
That way I have a second opinion and maybe even a third opinion as to treatment.
My surgeon & pathologists referred me to two different oncologists, in two different partner groups. Plus I may consult with a third doctor in a completely different medical "system" in my area.
That way I have a second opinion and maybe even a third opinion as to treatment.
I think it is always such a good thing for second and even third opinions, you want the best outcome.
OMgosh I would have lost it, as if facing just about one of the scariest things a person can face isn't enough, having to wait months for treatment is crazy. Glad that at the end of all this you had a positive outcome.
Thank you very much. So far so good. Yes, it was very scary.
My surgeon & pathologists referred me to two different oncologists, in two different partner groups. Plus I may consult with a third doctor in a completely different medical "system" in my area.
That way I have a second opinion and maybe even a third opinion as to treatment.
That's the crazy thing, my treatment was pretty straight forward. All the doctors agreed on what treatment I needed and it was pretty darn obvious. A child could have figured out I needed surgery. There was no debate about that, ever. I saw the surgical oncologist, a medical oncologist, two radiation oncologists and a plastic surgeon. All agreed the first step was surgery. It just took forever to get it. All the tests were done, I had seen all four oncologists (two completely unnecessary and a waste of time) and was ready for surgery toward the end of November 2015. The surgeon was finally ready to schedule surgery. Her first opening was January 6th 2016. At that point I feared it would take even longer if I started over with a new surgeon. ALL of the oncologists kept telling me the cancer surgeon was very good, and very thorough, just very slow. I had to follow her stupid 'protocol' which none of the other doctors could explain other than "that's just the way she does it". GGGRRRRR.........
Update, Friday, January 27, 2017- A little bit of Good news and loads of Bad news.
The Good News is that I was able to fast track insurance company approval for the second test that I needed for the oncologists. I did that test yesterday. That means that the oncologist that I see this afternoon will have a lot more information to help her decide on a plan of action.
.
Now for loads of Bad News.
I had a lengthy discussion with the nurse at the adult day care center that hubby attends two days per week. All of the staff are greatly concerned about his swift and significant regression of skills over the last two months. They are concerned about his worsening health conditions as well as his major decline cognitively. The nurse said that if I wait too long to find a permanent placement for him it will be much, much more difficult, especially if he develops behavioral issues. And, it will already be quite difficult as I need to find a place that accepts Medicaid, right away instead of self-pay for two or more years.
.
The nurse's professional opinion is that DH needs to placed almost immediately, at the maximum with a few weeks. Frankly, I am really not "up to handling that right this very second" but have already spoken to his case manager at the Council of Aging & Disabilities & plan to get started on the process of evaluating our options & vetting various places, quite soon. The case manager suggested that I look at places that do respite care as a first step and if it works out consider that place as a permanent placement.
.
DH obviously knows that "something is going on". Yesterday, he said to me rather suspiciously "You seem to be having a lot of follow up doctor's appointments for a hernia surgery" and has been getting agitated a lot easier with all of the people coming and going, as well as all of the time I spent "resting and recovering".
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And, last, but certainly not least, earlier this week my SIL (hubby's brother's wife) very suddenly passed away at age 53. What a shock.
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Wow. It does not seem to get any easier.
Last edited by germaine2626; 01-27-2017 at 09:51 AM..
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Update, Friday, January 27, 2017- A little bit of Good news and loads of Bad news.
