Best Of
Re: how about drinking?
Thanks for all the well-wishes. I'm doing what I can with Tylenol and topical diclofenac gel (afraid to take an oral NSAID lest it fry my esophagus). I will look into getting a licodcaine shot. Bob wants to take a vacation in August, but I doubt 2 weeks of taking care of me post-op is his idea of one.
With wild salmon tonight, 2018 Fess Parker Santa Rita Hills pinot noir.
Re: Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Went for PAT today and had a horrible experience. Physician ordered blood tests that representative told me I would have to sign a waiver to have them drawn. Waiver was for payment by me if Medicare refused to pay for them. Asked them to see if they were covered by Medicare so I didn't have to sign waiver. Nope, they would not do that. Had to request a copy of the waiver because she wanted me to sign the consent pad with no disclosure as to what it said. She was most unhappy with me and let me know with attitude.
Told them I wasn't comfortable with this since cost was not disclosed and when I requested it, it totaled over $300. I have never had to sign a waiver at their sister institutions when I had other surgery. Plus never told by office what studies they would order. Total lack of communication on their part.
Meanwhile studies were one I just had performed in April that is good for 3 months and others were usually ordered for those on anticoagulants and I am not on any. They called the office and office insisted I have them done or they would cancel surgery so I signed under duress. Later another rep came to show me that the studies were approved by Medicare, so why subject me to 30 minutes of wrangling over this? Made me late for my appointment which they then blamed on me. So AITA?
Was in exam room (door open) when I heard someone out at desk say something to a co-worker about what happened at the desk "did you hear about the patient who … imagine her surprise when I answered, yes, it was me". Asked if she wanted to discuss it and she disappeared. So unprofessional on her part especially when other patients could have heard her as well. Total boondoggle and I am trusting them with my care?
Had to go to office to sign permit and again they just push permit at you and point to where you should sign. I read all permits because I want to know what they say. I told them I intended to read the 2 pages prior to signing and I had questions. Like does she have a resident in training? I want copies of any photos they take during surgery and added it to permit (didn't like that). So many clauses which CTA but not protection for patient. PA answered all my questions and I discussed again the order for VN and PT in home care. Dressing stays in place for a week, etc. so who keeps an eye on it? DH is my "coach" (their term for care provider) but he doesn't want any medical duties especially after my last experience. He'll feed me and provide non-medical assistance.
On a lighter note, vacuum cleaner cannot be repaired so I will have to buy a new one. So will pick up part and look at what he has for sale. He sells and repairs so nice to have that service. He has a cat his wife adopted when she found her outside a Popeye's. She's a talker Misty and quite pushy as well, looking for attention. Looks like she was a catch and release with her clipped ear. Original name is "Girl", lol.
Bloodwork results already posted and all are normal. Hemoglobin has returned to pre-op level from December's surgery so that is a plus. After hearing I had transfusions then they did order a type and crossmatch again. PCT, NP, physician and phlebotomist were kindest people I met all day.
Also expressed annoyance that I wasn't having EKG there but at cardiologist next week. It was on the paper work sent to me so again poor communications from office to them.
puffin, hope you get some answers tomorrow. You need some good news.
I had no lunch and never got out of the hospital (appointment at 1; had to be there by 12:45) until 3:30 but did get free parking. Not sure why but woman who validated my ticket was just about to leave when I approached her. She had to validate her own ticket so did she give me a freebie?
Tomorrow is PT and run to vacuum cleaner repair store. I wanted to get a haircut but that will have to wait until next week.
Re: oncotype dx roll call
My oncodx was 34, and I believe it was due the absence of progesterone receptors. I was 95% er positive and barely grade 2. I didn't do chemo that was recommended but did 4 years AI drugs. I am year 7 NED.
Re: CT and Lung Nodules
Hi all, Just as I was heading over to the hospital I got a call from the PET scan department telling me that something had happened to the contrast on its courier journey from NYC. They had to cancel and are trying again on May 30. I’m not thrilled since my one way journey is three to four hours but there’s not much anyone can do. Maybe the 90* temp was the reason? I guess I’ll be shipping up to Boston again next week.
Bookworm, I hope your oncologist came up with a plan for the new area of concern.
Re: Waiting for biopsy results
I third the mods comments. Totally agree it would be better to know what you are dealing with than to make 'mountains out of molehills' assuming it might be something else. I hope you can enjoy your son's graduation.
Re: Benign biopsy but in need of lumpectomy
Thanks for following up, I was definitely hoping to hear some others experiences prior to surgery. The surgery went as scheduled it did take a bit longer than expected. I luckily did not take any prescribed paid meds. I am healing well there definitely is a flatness in the general area that they removed the lump from, with swelling in other areas it's difficult to see the amount of deformity I will be left with. Obviously at this point I am most concerned with the results from pathology. The doctor and staff made it sound promising that the previous core biopsy and the excisional biopsy would both be benign but it's hard to feel confident when there are so many people's stories online that have varying results. I have been a bit let down by the lack of follow-up I have received. I was specifically asked prior to surgery if it was okay if they called and checked on me and I emphasized how I would enjoy that and have not heard from anyone since Friday. I would expect that treatment from a car salesman after purchasing a car but when dealing with health issues that are so personal and very emotional you think there would be more care and concern.
Re: Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
I've been having headaches the last few days, will be having an MRI Friday to see what's going on