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New guy Eric Mac


emac

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Sorry to hear that.

I went from ER to PCP to Pulmonary doc (they did do a EBUS) to surgeon. Along the way, there was a CTscan, a PetScan (that gave us a false negative), the performance specialist who tested for my lung capacity, and probably some I am forgetting.

It sounds like you need a biopsy one way or the other - whether they need to do so surgically or via needle. I guess my question would be how are they going to obtain that?

I was the pulmonary doc's patient until I was handed off to the surgeon (and later, the chemo oncologist.) They all worked together at the same medical facility with the same tumor board. I can't imagine doing it any other way.

Patience and patients are very similar words - for good reason.

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Sorry Eric, now take a deep breath and hope things are clearer tomorrow. My dx was difficult too. My first pulmonologist couldn't dx either but he took time to go over the pics of my lungs on the computer. He showed us specifically why cutting me would not add to the picture. He also wrote a letter to MD Anderson that gained me admission for a diagnosis. He gave us our monies worth and that makes the difference.

The PET scan is expected to light up the area where cancer cells are present. It's not totally reliable either since mine indicated the level of illumination could be from other causes.

Please let us know what happens tomorrow.

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Sorry Eric. My pulmonologist looked at my CT scan, and then looked at me and said the unbelievable question "why did you smoke". I wanted to smack him. Instead I just looked him in the eye and said "because I was an addict. And you are fired." I fired him on the spot, the idiot.

The Pet scan will give you much more information, and help you set a plan of action. That is waht you need, a plan of action. Once you have that, you will feel more in control.

Hang in there. it's going to get better.

Judy in MI

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Yes, it all moves at a maddeningly slow pace in the beginning. It was a thyroid surgeon who found mine on a scan. He passed me off to a pulmonary doctor, who passed me off to a surgeon, who passed me off to an oncologist, after the biopsy at surgery found a cancerous lymph node.

The path yours takes will depend on what's found. But after a cancer diagnosis, we all want things to happen quickly, and don't take it so well when they don't. It's all much easier to bear once there's a plan. Hang in there and keep plugging away at the doctors. Some will move more quickly for someone who's pressing for it; some won't.

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I will go watch Ryan race his BMX bike and then

Packing up the dirt bikes and go riding this weekend.

You should see Ryan ride he floats across the track... For yrs we traveled all over the US BMX racing and miss it.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=100995636601857&saved

On a dirt bike well he's not so graceful LOL....

Putting all this in a away and play with my kid.

Did the PET scan and still no info yet. Maybe another office visit so i can help pay for the Benz out front.... :evil:

Doc called and really didn't offer any solid info. It appears to be localized and some limp nods light up. he wants to do a sugicial biopsy. I did ask why not just go in and take it. His response was thats up to the surgeon! he is dancing around and careful with his words!! Hate that but it is what is it on to the next guy.

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OK they can't operate on it. they wanted to do another CT for what i do know! 9-28 2 more weeks. Hell cut into me and lets get this game going...

Feel like a hot potato getting passed around. stopping in to help make car payments.

Still don't know what type or stage!

I can say pot oil pills work on the pain... Pure oil not something made in a lab.... Thank you Canadain compassion center.

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How frustrating for you Eric. It's hard to believe it's taking this long to analyze this. And why another CT? Didn't they do the CT and the PET already?

Glad to hear the pot oil is helping with the pain. Your doctor should be prescribing good pain medications for you as well. If you do go on Vicodin or Morphine, make sure you take a laxative. Those pain meds can cause constipation in a huge way.

Waiting to hear more, just like you.

Judy in MI

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Sorry it's still dragging along. My hope for you is that by the time they figure it out, you will have an oncologist who you like and trust. Given your experience to date, cinicism is totally understandable. But I know from other members' experiences here on LCSC, confidence and a good rapport with one's oncologist is really important once you start treatment. Don't settle until you find one you trust.

Keep us posted.

Judy in KW

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Monday 9-20 i will be in Tulsa for a week with Susan. No more waiting on these local Doc's. One stop shop as they have everything on site and a schedule in place.

Step up or get out the hell out of my way as i want to win this fight!!

Thank you all for the support and prayers...

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OK,

This cancer place in Tulsa has got my insurance approved and they cover the flights.. Yes flights as Susan is coming with.

I finally have that warm fussy feeling something will get done.

Canceled all my other appointments with the local doc's.

Looking forward to Monday...

Love this forum!! you all are great.

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First off Thanks for all the prayers and support it does help!

Back home from Tulsa OK and had that Biposy and should know the results tomarrow.

In 3 days i had another CT, PET, MRI and a CT Biopsy! This place is like an assembly line!!

I am on the fast track for sure. I'll go back on Monday and start to fight this nasty cancer!

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Thank each of you i have learn a ton in a short time.

Time to strap in this roller coaster.

Pretty sure Treatment is starting 10-1

Hands in the air, smile on my face lets get this going!!

Not asking question just doings what they ask. I don't know if this is the right place or not!! It's all a gut call.

Cancer treatmet places are the way to go to me. One stop shop, with all the tools under one roof...

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Eric, your post on Facebook was awesome. All stages can be beatable, but stage III is much better than IV. Do let us know the details on both the cancer, and the plan of action, so we c an help you fight the side effects.

Trust me, you will need to advocate for yourself. The doctor's are going to do what they believe is best for you, but you will want to know possible side effects and solutions to them from us, who have gone down this road before you.

Judy in MI

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Eric, your post on Facebook was awesome. All stages can be beatable, but stage III is much better than IV. Do let us know the details on both the cancer, and the plan of action, so we c an help you fight the side effects.

Trust me, you will need to advocate for yourself. The doctor's are going to do what they believe is best for you, but you will want to know possible side effects and solutions to them from us, who have gone down this road before you.

Judy in MI

On Monday i start treatment. 8 weeks of radiation everyday 15 min's and one day of chemo and then 4 weeks of only chemo

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Hey Eric,

I see in your signature line the crack about smoking. Don't beat yourself up - I never smoked and still got NSCLC, advanced before it was found.

Try to maintain your weight, some light exercise, and your sense of humor.

The radiation appointments will probably take a bit more than 15 minutes, but I doubt you'll get more than a few minutes under the zapper. My experience was to expect variation - some days everything went smoothly, other days, they were backed up and I had to wait a bit - always have something to read!

Do you know what chemo you will be receiving?

Best of luck for an breeze thru treatment, and for it to its job.

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E, no one deserves cancer of any kind. You saw the stats. 60percent of all LC are in non-smokers or smokers that had quit. No more punishing your self.

Now what is your chemotherapy cocktail? They should have given you a paper with exactly what they are giving you and it's side effects. Curious. Mine es

As carboplatin and taxol.

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