east coast doctors

Options
13»

Comments

  • RosesToeses
    RosesToeses Member Posts: 721
    edited October 2013


    So sorry, fredntan, praying for a swift trip to NED, so sorry you're going through this.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lbrewer
    lbrewer Member Posts: 766
    edited October 2013


    the amount of radiation from CT/PET scans is actually quite significant. One CT scan is equal to about 10 years of natural radiation. Far more than a mammogram or x-ray. It is equal to the amount that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission allows a worker at a nuclear facility for an entire year.


    One study from the National Cancer Institute estimated there would be about 29,000 future cancers related to scans done in 2007 alone.


    http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/01/04/many-people-unaware-radiation-risk-from-ct-scans/

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited October 2013

    but why are other cancer patients getting yearly pet scans

    why are at risk for lung cancer pts getting low dose ct scans

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fondak
    fondak Member Posts: 376
    edited November 2013


    Fran, How did you make the decision to go for more testing? I am wondering if you had a discussion with your local doctors, did you have to get a referral or did you just call and work it out yourself? I was diagnosed 2 days after you.


    When I had my surgery I wanted a double mastectomy but my surgeon said that he wouldn't remove a healthy breast. My 1st 6 month mammogram I had 3 new lumps to be biopsied. He assured me if anything came up they would catch it early because I would alternate a mammogram and mri every 6 months. I am due for my mri in January and just learned they will only be scheduling mammograms every 6 months because the insurance won't pay for an mri. My original diagnosis didn't show up on a mammogram just months before.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited November 2013

    they refused any routine scanning. i even presented with hip pain to my new Mo. granted I was increasing activity for half marathon. i had no symptoms my insurance doesnt require referals. i had to travel to texas for routine scans. the ladies down here are shocked how it is in east

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Momof2inME
    Momof2inME Member Posts: 683
    edited November 2013


    fredntan sent you a PM

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • katyand4
    katyand4 Member Posts: 171
    edited November 2013


    I'm in Mass. and my doc doesn't scan. We go with if I have a symptom which initially I wasn't to happy with but I've learned to live with it and listen to my body. But the doc and I have developed a relationship such that if I do say I have a pain she would order the scans. Kinda crazy how each doctor is different.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Donna2012
    Donna2012 Member Posts: 201
    edited November 2013


    My Dr. in Phila is the same way. He said that an earlier diagnosis of mets, doesn't change the survival rate. To be honest I am very happy with this. I could not stand the total emotional turmoil I would be under, going in for scans. If I should have any symptoms, I will get tested then. I will know about a recurrence before they will. Going in for office visits are not stressful for me because If I feel good (which I always have), I cannot receive "bad" news.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Janetanned
    Janetanned Member Posts: 532
    edited November 2013

    I see my MO (HUP, Phila) every 6 months.  She orders scans only if warranted.  I saw her two weeks ago and she was ready to send me for testing if I was still feeling fatigued.  I had reported feeling wiped out at my last appointment.  I'm feeling much better, so no scans for me.  I'm fine with this.  My MO listens carefully to my concerns and is willing to do testing if I'm worried about something.  She also cited statistics that say early detection of mets doesn't seem to increase survival rates. I'm encouraged to keep track of any strange SE or symptom and call her if it lasts for more than two weeks.  We will then meet to determine whether scans are needed.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Donna2012
    Donna2012 Member Posts: 201
    edited November 2013


    Sounds like the Phila Drs. think alike!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited November 2013

    i disagree. 

    my new MO recently found early bone mets on routine scan. he told me his survival rates are much better if caught early. 

    so if I hadnt went and found my bone mets, I probably would have eventually broken a hip or gotten compression fx on spine.

    i know its damn scarey to have scans, but thats what xanax is for

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Janetanned
    Janetanned Member Posts: 532
    edited November 2013

    I guess I feel comfortable with my MO because she is willing to test further if I present with a concern or symptom.  If I had complained of hip pain, as you did, she would have sent me for scans right away.    While I don't really want to be subjected to unnecessary testing, I do want to  be able to request testing that makes sense.

    During my previous appointment my MO heard me cough.  I was recovering from a chest cold so I was not worried.  She ordered a chest x-ray just to be certain.  We both knew that I had some slight lung damage from rads, which might make my cough more noticeable.  However, for peace of mind (more hers than mine) she had it checked out.  As I expected, my lungs are clear.

    I guess we all have to find the treatment philosophy that works for us.  This disease is so personal in so many ways.  There is no 'one size fits all' approach and I feel that my team approaches me and my cancer as an individual case with its own set of requirements.  I trust each of my drs and they have not let me down yet.  I wish everyone could say the same, but I know that is not the case.  I'm glad for you that you now have a team that is working for you. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories