Anyone else canceling or postponing appointments due to Covid?

Mavericksmom

I am going to cancel my follow up ultrasound for my BIRADS 3, likely fat necrosis, ultrasound scheduled for January. Normally, going for a follow up US is no big deal, but now, during a pandemic it doesn't make sense to me. I am high risk for Covid for multiple reasons, none of which has to do with breast cancer. Why would I risk being exposed to Covid, simply to confirm fat necrosis? I can feel the lump and can easily tell if it is growing larger.

Likewise, I will most likely reschedule my November appointment for follow up with my Oncology NP, and move it to June. However, I don't plan to reschedule that appointment until the week before in case I have a new concern. I would absolutely keep or make an appointment if I think cancer has returned.

There is ideal, and "living in a pandemic," and doctors still give their advice in the "ideal" situation, which is absolutely what they should do. Patients, however, need to factor in Covid risk. Of all the decisions we make in regards to our breast cancer experience, rescheduling or canceling some follow up appointments seems to be a no-brainer to me. We know our bodies, we do what is best for us. It's personal!

Mavericksmom

I just mentioned to my husband that I plan to cancel the US in January and he told me I should wait until closer to that time. He is right, I can cancel up to 24 hours prior to an appointment, although in this case I wouldn't wait that close to cancel, but while unlikely, things could be better as far as Covid goes, in January. Too far away to decide now.

Sorry I started this thread.

edj3

I haven't canceled and don't plan to. My medical providers have been great about precautions and require all patients to wear masks (which are there if you don't have your own). I've seen the following:

• Oncology follow up in April
• Breast surgeon follow up in May
• Orthopedist for the broken foot in May
• Dentist for 6 month cleaning/x-rays in June
• Orthopedist for follow up in June
• RO for follow up in July
• Endocrinologist for follow up in July
• Breast MRI is scheduled for next week (can't do a mammo)
• What I hope is my last orthopedist follow up in early August
• Derm in September (melanoma follow up)
• MO in September also

Forgot to add that I have reactive airway disease and am 60 so I have elevated risk although I don't consider myself to be truly high, high risk.

pupmom

I have my annual oncologist appt. this October in Kansas City. I'm waiting to see how bad things are here then. Don't want to cancel, but my doc's office is in a hospital, which scares me.

edj3

Wait, what? Kansas City? I live in KC!

Spookiesmom

No I haven’t canceled anything, done telemedicine, and don’t intend to. And I’m in Florida. Just had MO appt this week, PCP last week, Endo & cardio next month. I mask up, I want to see them in person. I did hold off a month on a MRI, did that sitting in an open machine

pupmom

edj3, we're in Lawrence, but have a condo in KC, across from KUMed. Haven't been there in months though due to covid. Hi neighbor!

edj3

Wow small world, I raised my boys in Lawrence and got my undergraduate degree from KU. We live in Leawood, I work downtown--I've been treated at St. Luke's as that's where my primary care is. And hi neighbor indeed!

MinusTwo

I have cancelled all appointments since February with the exception of the periodontist. I had a tooth that really needed a view and they always dressed like space aliens even before the virus. None of the appointments were critical - just regular check-ups and maintenance. I desperately need to see the dermatologist. I usually have a full body scan every 6 months w/lots of freezings & biopsies. Unfortunately the doc has severe asthma so took herself off the rota until further notice so I've had two appointments cancelled.

I will go next week for blood work since I can't get my 6 month Prolia shot in August w/o those readings. Then I will see the nurse for the shot. Unless the blood work shows some really weird results, I'll just keep riding it out w/o doctors. Nice break actually not having to drive to the medical center once or twice or more every month.

Spookiesmom

There for a while Lawrence PD had the funniest thread going on Twitter. Somebody there is really funny. Don’t know if it was some sort of contest. Always ended with Wash Your Hands. They are back to normal PD stuff now.

edj3

Oh they still have funny ones--and you're right, someone is hilarious there!

pupmom

OMG, somehow I missed all that funny stuff!

Reckless

I did not cancel any appointments although my doctors postponed some. I had no appointments scheduled in March-May, which was the pandemic peak here in a NYC. My Dexa scan in early June was canceled, that office is still closed. All other doctors are open

addysgram

I have postponed appointments and my providers have postponed also.

I have done 2 telemed visits with a consultant in Philadelphia (4 hrs from my home) to get a second opinion and treatment recommendations.

My doctor was out for CoVid exposure quarantine.

Just when I thought things were going better, I tested positive for CoVid. I had to re-schedule a lung CT, a Dexascan, and 2 office appts by the provider.

Even after completing quarantine (I had NO symptoms), I was treated like a leper at the local hospital because I couldn’t be in the waiting room with other people and I could only have my scan in one particular room, for the “dirty” patients.

It is certainly a strange time to be sick and need care.

Steph512

very interesting. I l I’ve in NYC and had no appt or infusion cancellations. They were extremely cautious during the surge and I couldn’t have visitors.

Rosiesmum

I’ve cancelled all appointments due to fear of Covid-19. Where I live it hasn’t been taken seriously and so many people are dying. Now I’m losing my job and insurance in the new year. Not sure 🤔 what to do next. My DIEP FLAP surgery was 5 years ago and I live in a very different place now, not great medical care here. Switching from Canadian to US healthcare has been such a shock to the system.

Mountainlover

Hello, I will just share my perspective. My diagnosis, the seemingly endless pre-surgery scans biopsies and appointments, surgery (6 nights in hospital) , 5 post-surgery PS appointment and TE fills, PT sessions, all have taken place during this pandemic , and I realise this has de-sensitized me to some extent. I am very careful with FFP2 masks, gel etc., but I know there is always some risk. Maybe if I fell in a higher risk category due to age or co-morbidities I would behave differently, but I also have kids in primary school, and they keep mixing with tens, if not hundreds, of other kids everyday. My husband and I call it the viral Russian roulette. But we think it's worth, proper schooling is a priority. Health is also an absolute priority of course, and as my diagnosis proved unfortunately, there can be more immediate health hazards for me than Covid . So, yes, there are many cases where I live, but after my cancer dx in June I am no longer canceling or postponing any health-related appointments.

Mavericksmom

I had a follow up visit last week with my MO. All is well, essentially uneventful, but without the appointment I would have simply guessed that all is well. I do believe in keeping medical appointments. One of the medical staff told me that medical facilities are probably the safest as everyone follows strict protocols. I think they are right. I am definitely not seeing that same high standard of safety in the school where I work!

Lille

I hadn't originally put off my mammogram in 2020 due to COVID. It was more of an I'll get to it. I ended up needing to get X-rays for something unrelated and thought to myself...I should jus suck it up and schedule my mammogram. Then that voice in the back of my head piped up, "But what if they find something..In the middle of a -pandemic-" Which was promptly followed by... pandemic don't care and if something is wrong I'd want to find it early right? Hello brain... getting only static.. right? I waffled on it for some time. I did schedule it, and that's the reason I am here because something was found, at the earliest stage possible. I think from there I never questioned putting much elseoff. The only appt that made me nervous was my last dentist appointment. I waited until the case numbers seemed to go down, slid in and hoped for the best. As much as I fear the dentist on a good day, I fear -more- extensive dental work having to be done if I don't stay on top my regular visits!

Edit: I will add that I work in a large acute care hospital, clinical admin side. On a whole I feel I've less a chance a getting COVID there than hearing my SO talk about his place of work and stew over his coworkers (non) habits.

Mavericksmom

Right now I am just hoping I am still alive to have my next breast cancer follow up appointment, which is scheduled for May. I never would have though this pre-pandemic, but working in a school, even in hybrid mode, more and more are coming up positive for Covid.

I have pre-registered for the vaccines three times, once for 1B, as a school employee and being over 65, then they changed 1A to include anyone over 65, and I had to pre-register again, and then a local hospital had a sign up for anyone in the 1A category, so I signed my husband and I up a third time. No idea when we might get the vaccine, don't think anytime soon. Super frustrating and so unfair the way it is being distributed!

I truly feel there is a good chance I will get Covid before I will ever get a vaccine and that I will pass it on to my much older, less healthy husband, and we will both die from it. Next months statistics? I hope I am wrong, but honestly it is very hard at this point to feel very positive. I still have moments of feeling hopeful, but they are less and less. Today, two more were positive in my school, a student and a teacher. I also do not want the J&J vaccine, much less effective, only 65%, and I have a feeling if I am able to be vaccinated, that is the one I will end up getting, since they are rushing that one and no one has a choice of which vaccine they get. My husband is a Pfizer retiree, so naturally, we trust them the most! J & J says their vaccine is 100% effective at keeping people out of the hospital, and that is not true of any vaccine! Covid, like cancer, is mostly out of our control.

I would feel much more optimistic if I was a lot younger, but at my age, not so much.

I do still believe in keeping doctor appointments.

I wonder if anyone else feels it isn't worth trying to get fit and healthier right now? I am not over indulging or eating everything in sight, but I also am not interested in dieting or even worrying if what I am eating is particularly healthy or how much exercise I get. I take one day at a time and grab every piece of joy I can get......even if it is in the form of a chocolate chip cookie!

Moderators

Dear Mavericksmom,

We hear you about the vaccine, its distribution and the frustration associated with that. It must be especially difficult for you both as a person with cancer and as essential worker to be trying to manage this. We are sure that there are others in the community who are facing the same struggles. Please continue to let us and the community know how things are going and what we can do to support you through this. Again we hear the struggle and are sending our thoughts to you and all who are facing this dilemma.

The MOds

kksmom3

Mavericksmom, I get your frustration. I felt my chest getting tight and a cough coming on last week. I went out and got the state drive-thru covid test done, it came back inconclusive. I then retested 2 days later, no, I did not go to work, that was last Friday, and that was negative.

Being as I had a negative test, I went to urgent care Sat morning, they thought I had covid, strictly based on my chest and cough symptoms, no fever, nothing else. So, of course I give the dr's note for me to quarantine to the school district HR. School asked me to get a 3rd test, yep, I did, still negative. I'm in quarantine for the week.

Tuesday, they announce the have vaccinations for us, but I'm not allowed to get it. I understand, but I'm deeply upset. I think I just have a cold, or something, I'm hoping not something deeply serious, you know what we all worry about here! Probably ridiculous, but you know! A friend in another state heads up an oncology clinic, I talked to her, she said I should get a 4th test, still negative. I mean, I'm glad but I still really don't know if I have/had it or what. And, I can't get the vaccine now either. I was SO CLOSE!

The district said I'll be put in the next round, they've only done the most at risk schools which is where I am. They aren't getting rid of mask restrictions at least, but I feel people won't be as careful as they once might have been.

If you got this far and it makes sense, I congratulate you. I feel like I work so hard everyday, eating especially healthy, exercising, and I just can't get ahead. I am 63, so older as well. I work in a kindergarten room, so exposure to covid could be higher. Ugh.

So over all of it.

bcincolorado

I had my last MO follow up on the computer because they are keeping everyone out of the office unless they are getting a chemo treatment. Very different to not see her in person and be checked out in person. But then we tried to look at the good side of it---did not have to go out in the cold to travel there to get there or worry about weather getting there? Not ideal but we reviewed my lab work and and meds and what the next plan will be at least and we were safe.

exbrnxgrl

kksmom3,

I hear your frustration. I know you are frustrated by the negative tests yet the need to quarantine but we all have to operate with extra caution. You mentioned you teach kindergarten. Our kinders have been coming in for 2 1/2 hours, 2 days a week. It has gone very well so far and both students and teachers are thrilled. Again, I do wish we had the vaccine and I know it will be coming soon so I will wait. I am stage IV, older than you and am a grade 1 teacher. No vaccine yet but we’re next if the supplies increase. I will be starting live instruction on 2/22, not full time, but part time 4 days a week. I am so excited, despite not being vaccinated yet. I have really disliked distance teaching and I believe my district has done a great job on health and safety issues, so the risk is worth it to me. How long have you taught kinder? I taught kinder for many years before moving to first

kksmom3

exbrnxgrl, I am a kindergarten para of 20 years, love the job, love the littles. We have been in person all along, we try to social distance, but you know how that goes. Their day is too long, really, it's 8:50-3:50, they are tired. Oh well. Not much I can do about that.

I know I needed to quarantine, it is just frustrating to be SO CLOSE to getting vaccinated, and then not be able to. I am glad you can soon. We did go virtual for a month because literally half of our school staff was out with covid. We had a huge wave. That was hard to teach remotely, and I hope we don't have to do it again. It does seem like in the last few days, the vaccines are rolling out, so hopefully, we can put this nightmare behind us come summer! Also hopefully, we are both in the next round!

mb1024

I have routine bloodwork scheduled for a few days after my second Covid shot. Does anyone know if getting the vaccine alters any test results? This is tied into my oncologist appointment later that week. My doctor already had me reschedule my ultrasound because of higher amount of false positives for breast cancer within a few weeks of getting vaccinated, due to the possible side effect of swollen lymph nodes.

Mavericksmom

I was pushed over the edge today. Both of my sisters, one who lives within 5 mins of me, have gotten the Covid vaccine. My oldest sister because she lives in an adult community, in a very expensive condo, but there is also nursing home facilities in the community and she volunteers in the mailroom! So, when the state said people who work in nursing care facilities get the vaccines first, her 2 hour a week volunteer job put her on their list! My other sister got vaccinated because she used to volunteer at a local hospital before they sent all their volunteers home when the pandemic hit. Great! Neither sister MUST volunteer, (one doesn't currently) both are retired and can pick and choose their activities. I MUST go to work, I am past full social security retirement age, but because I didn't marry wealthy men, and my college degree that I worked my butt off for, didn't land me a high paying job, I must keep working in the school, getting close to children who have been testing positive on a weekly basis since September. I do love my job, but my point is that it isn't a choice for me!

Then there is my SIL who has a lot of money and decided to travel from MI to Florida to her condo, to avoid the winter! Then, even though her place of residence is not Florida, like the other "snow bunnies" she got vaccinated, while many elderly and high risk year round residents are still waiting to be vaccinated!

I am feeling bitter and angry! Health care workers, grocery store workers and other essential workers, who must work, like those of us who work closely with students in schools, understand how terrifying it is to go to work!

My sisters and SIL never knew the terror of knowing people around them are testing positive and they might be next. They don't know the stress of coming home from work every day and immediately showering, of grocery shopping before 7 AM on Saturday mornings to avoid crowds of people.

I can't do this anymore. I give up! I will wear my mask at work but that is it. No more showering immediately upon arrival at home. No more staying away from Target or Kohls or other stores I haven't been in since last March! No more avoiding anything I would have done pre-pandemic!

My co-workers and I are so fed up. We feel that this is being blown out of proportion, that Covid isn't nearly as deadly as we are lead to believe. Only one co-worker had a difficult time with Covid, all the others had it no worse than the regular flu. I almost wish I would get it and get it over with! I definitely would not get the vaccine if I had Covid.

It looks more and more like I will never get offered the vaccine so I guess getting Covid is the next best thing. I no longer believe I would get seriously ill if I got it.

I just got an email telling seniors in my county that "when it is your turn, we will direct you to a provider!" Seriously????? They mean after the 200,000 plus ahead of us, maybe sometime in August or September of 2021 we will "maybe" get a notice!!! I lost ALL trust in anyone in charge!

I should mention that I am seriously considering canceling my follow up appointment in May, which is when I am also scheduled for my "single real boob" mammogram and US of suspected fat necrosis. I am sure I will never get breast cancer again and I don't want to spend the rest of my life "looking for it!" I refuse to continue to live my life in fear!

I AM SOOOOO OVER ALL THINGS COVID!!!!!!

Betrayal

Mavericksmom: Life is not fair and I think anyone dx with BC can attest to that. My DB was dx in December with Covid and is still in recovery mode. He has underlying cardiac and lung issues so took huge precautions (no stores, limit out of family contacts, social distance, etc) but still managed to be unwittingly exposed. He developed a DVT and is still on blood thinners, spent nearly 2 months sleeping upright because he could not recline to sleep, used a rescue inhaler when he was so short of breath he could not walk to the bathroom nor shower and this was before the variants of Covid were present in the US. Now that we have the variants, there is an increase risk factor associated with them because they are so much more contagious. If he could talk to you, he would tell you that this is no joking matter and to continue to do whatever has protected you to date. With nearly 500,000 deaths from Covid, it is not something I would wish on anyone especially after worrying about my DB.

I hear your frustration and hope that the state of PA will start catching up with vaccinations soon. I have long been eligible but haven't managed to get a response for an appointment yet either. I don't know what county you are in but in both Montgomery and Delaware counties, public schools have not yet resumed in class schooling yet.

Mavericksmom

Betrayal, THANK YOU! I am so sorry to hear about your brother but I needed to hear his story! I still feel as if I was pushed over the edge and haven’t climbed back up yet.

Having had breast cancer twice, and having a sister who had breast cancer and lymphoma at the same time and then died of MDS caused by radiation for the other two cancers, you can be assured that I KNOW life isn’t fair!

I will keep doing what has kept me safe, but I can’t worry about it anymore! Not sure why your brother had it so bad and all my co-workers had mild cases. It’s confusing, I guess if I knew why that happened I could make millions!

I am not holding my breath on getting a vaccine. I have a bigger chance getting Covid than the vaccine. Therefore I have convinced myself that I will be fine even if I get Covid! I am in Bucks County and I have worked with students in person 4 days a week since September. My district has never closed for Covid during the 2020-2021 school year, and has been in hybrid mode. Elementary has been all in person and middle/high school will be all in soon.

The whole system for vaccination is ridiculous! Complete chaos and no rhyme or reason to it! The ratings, A1, A2 etc are worthless and I guess looks good on paper but isn’t reality! But, you know what they say, “You can’t fight city hall!”

This may actually be my last post on this message board as I decided today to stop all things breast cancer. Right or wrong I don’t want to spend the rest of my life, however long or short, searching o see if breast cancer shows up in my real breast or not. I can only be afraid so much, and I am over it! I refuse to spend another second of my life worrying about either of the “Big C’s” Covid or cancer!

ShetlandPony

Take your vitamin D. It greatly reduces your chance of a serious covid case.