BoiseB

I saw you got burned. I hope you get better soon.
Hugs!

Let me tell you about my oncology radiologist. All of his patients love him. I've seen crying families stand at the reception desk, pleading that their relative could get treatment or at least die in radiation, because the patient felt safe and loved there. He doesn't do surgery to remove a blockage, he doesn't have beds for continued care. He does have a smile, a gentleness, a compassion, a brilliant and analytical mind. He only does radiation treatments and works on healing the soul.

He has a kitchen to get calories in the feeble. He's called other oncologists, primary care and has become-what some people label as passionate.

I think that you are correct the turf war, but it's the dermatologist-not the radiation doctor. Then because so little is known about this, people try to say they are experts. They try to curry the favor of the ACS to get grants. My first oncologist was a nightmare, because of all the reasons you listed-Seems old and failed, this place might be his last chance and he had just come here before my diagnosis. When I saw the counselor Fri., and said something about a good share of my face being removed-He said who'd do a thing like that. I gave him the name, and the counselor got a mad look and said-seems everything bad is connected to him.

There are so many people complaining about their PCPs that I'm scared to try to change. I've had worse PCPs in this system. I want to be treated for what is bothering- no exotic things-- treat me- not follow guide lines to make pharmaceutical companies rich and have the HMO say, we met our quota, we have all people-100%-people in diabetes control--Sam or meyati finally gave up and are in the diabetes program with strict compliance.

So glad you are cancer free

Have you had surgery

I have found that since my cancer I am closer to God. I am so thankful to still be alive. I was not able to have the surgery but had chemo and radiation. Two years cancer free.

Hi Boise,

I'm interested in your 'more pain now, less pain for eternity' philosophy. Is that your personal belief or does it come as part of some organized religious belief? I don't think I've ever heard of this before and have done a lot of studying on the topic of comparative religions.

Thanks in advance for sharing.

Hi BoiseB,
I know they have a standard advance directive form in your state, but I wonder if a lawyer could alter it or put your wishes in a legally acceptable form.

Great on clean scans. Want to share something with you because of your back. Saw a back surgeon today. Said need do surgery (put in screws to keep disks from sliding) in lower back. The kicker is that my osteroperosis is so bad he said on xray bones were translucent. Treatment for the osteo last year did no good but other treatment can cause bone cancer. Dont know how much of numbness is back or neuropathy. At any rate I don't want back surgery. I'll be 74 in September never knowing if cancer will come back. He says short time in hospital but two months of no driving, 6 weeks of not being able to lift anything. Bones can't hold screws so will have to glue.

Hi and thanks for writing me. My BF found out yesterday that
his cancer is in his LYNPH NODES and I do not know how to
deal with this divesting news............

I was hoping you would see Mac72. You give fair comments. I just hate to see someone give up like that. I hope he makes the right decision too.

Hi thanks for writing I am so happy for you:)
My BD had this cancer and has been ok for 5 years and now
they think they see something, he has tests this Mon.
I feel very alone in this,'
Andrea

Thanks, BoiseB. I've just changed treatment to CCA Chicago, and so I think my girl there can help, but, will need to find a social worker closer, like you say, for the local support. Legs, fingers and eyes crossed that they are as good as I think they are. So far, the treatment and collaborative efforts with them (Returned Tues after a week,) has me thinking...I wished they were my first visit. Thanks and be well.

I was parked at an ACE hardware 2 stores from a medical marijuana store. I watched a young thing come out and get in her car. She backed and started driving. She had the passenger wheels on the sidewalk, and the driver's side in the street. She drove until she hit a wood electric pole. She backed up. She thought for awhile and careened off of the curb into the street.

I guess that I'll start locking my keys in the truck, and wearing my truck door opener with my dog tag, or bury it under the Milk Bone dog treats in my pockets. If they ever try to dig in my pockets-I'm calling 911.

I finally got feeling strong enough to walk my coonhounds at the same time. That's going well-and I pull out my phone and show them pics.

During radiation, I was asked if I was driving myself-moot question, as I live 2 blocks from it. I told them to go to the waiting room and yell-LEVI- My poor biker grandson just about knocked them over-thinking they had burned me to a crisp. Nobody wants to bother LEVI anymore, so ---

I tell them that if I don't feel like driving-I catch a ride. If nobody feels like driving, we stay home. My problem is head radiation + sun light in a car. There are days where I feel like my head is collecting all of the sun rays and is going to explode my head. That's a normal thing for many head radiation patients. I hate appointments. I was supposed to get a CAT Scan and was too sick for that. I was better in 2 weeks. They kept asking if I drove- I told them that I came with my son. They asked me to point him out. I bellowed -TOM- He was a maritime drug interdiction officer for the Coast Guard and had DEA credentials. He's the poor side of Miami Vice- They looked at him, and decided they didn't want to say- TOM -again.

I do not like my PCP at all- It's like this: My oncologist ran some lab work. He asked me why does the HMO allow my PCP to call himself an internist. I told my oncologist that so far, I don't know why they are allowed to be called doctors. Urgent Care and most specialists are good.

Is your X-ray today on your knee? I managed to tear the tendon in my little finger, right hand. Now you would think I was playing tennis or bowling but no--pooper scooping yard. Does everything just wear out?

I saw a picture of you taking a hike. You looked very good for all that you have been through. It's also nice to know what you look like. I didn't realize where you live is pretty. We don't have hills, but I think I better get out and walk too.

Dear Friend;
Can you share more about your diet. Do you feel that the healthy food part of the treatment is followed closely by the doctors or do they leave this up to you? I would like others to comment on this subject to help me.
And BoiseB I loved your photo in Boise. You truly get your exercise in that area. Thank you for being so strong and sharing your post. I am a caregiver and truly appreciate everyone on boards.

I just read through your experiences. Great outcome! I liked the idea of the mountain hike. Keep up the posts and birthdays.

sorry to take so long to answer your question about reducing my cholesterol. I started eating as clean as I could - very little processed foods, especially those with added sugar. I also exercise regularly, mostly walking with some Pilates and yoga. I was very suprised to see my latest numbers because when I last had them done in Jan the numbers where still on the high side - though not in the stratosphere as they had been during most of my treatment.

Read where you said needing a walker. Is it loss of strength in legs, unsteady? Neuropathy? Very concerning. Judy

How are you doing? Thanks for your prayers. Hopefully we get things worked out on our financial situation.

Thanks for the great advice. It helps.

Hey Boise B....
I was reading your Profile and Journey and got a real kick out of your description of DR. DOOM and Gloom. I wrote a funny song called "AFRAID TO GO TO THE DOCTOR" that I want to share with you. Maybe it will give you a chuckle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhEquC8soQA

I have another really cool song about a young boy, a dream, an incurable brain cancer and a Tree called "THE HEALING TREE"

You can find it at barrydbutler channel on youtube. Keep on keepin on.
Barry

BoiseB, Thank you for some great ideas regarding the "help" issue. I hadn't thought of that, but we do actually have a senior center here that may be able to provide some input and point me in the right direction. The hovering comment also hit home— I am really bad about that, especially at night. As for letting him help, he is still able to help to some degree, with things like invoicing, recording payments, bank deposits, etc. Lots of good ideas here.

well done you!! just read your journey, and have shown remarkable courage and strength, god bless you sweetie xx

Let us know what you find out from your Dr. Hoping the best for you!

Congratulations. Apparently we old ladies can still offer up a surprise!

Hi, I hope that you're doing OK. Because of Obamacare, my favorite grandson left the state. NM is listed as the hardest hit by premiums and deductibles-in all 3 age groups-the only state to have that distinction. Everything cost more than he earned in a year, and he made about $7.00 a month too much for MediCaid.
Also this is the only state where wages went down-30 cents an hour for 2012-the wages in the other 49 went up.

I do understand your worries about your son. I was hit hard by this.

The tumor board isn't written in stone, and they always aren't correct. My old oncologist, changed the date of the tumor board to a few days earlier, so only the sound of his voice prevailed. He cut out the radiology and surgery department-which is against standards set in the mid-1930s. A board is supposed have oncology surgeons, chemotherapists, hematologists, oncology radiologists, besides specialists in that type or location of cancer.

Since then, I ran off with the radiologist, and I have been in remission for a year. I have a new team leader, and the tumor board reversed its decision. They weren't told by surgery that the cancer hadn't penetrated the bone, and by radiology that the field was small enough to be responsive to radiation.

A tumor board that has all of the information can be very helpful and insightful, especially, if they are up to date. All I can say is that I'm very lucky, 3 of my oncologists say the proposed treatment was barbaric.

Take care--

Yes-kitties are nice, but it's more comfortable to prop my legs up and over a coonhound. I think that their breathing helps the circulation in my legs and feet. Whatever it is, it helps. My father had a cat and a parakeet at the same time. The cat ate a nest full of large owlets, and then he waited for mommy and daddy. Oh the screaming and squalling. The owls wouldn't let go of him and he wouldn't let go either. The whole neighborhood came out and turned water hoses on them. All 3 went to the vet-and mama owl got the worst of it. But our cat never bothered the little blue parakeet that sat on my dad's pillow and hopped on the edge of his bowl.

Hi BoiseB, A year exactly for me. I was just wondering what treatments have worked, who is clear, how many with recurrence, how is everyone doing and feeling. Congrats on your clear scan, wish you the best.

I think everone is afraid of cancer returning