I'm still alive

TillieSOK

hi...don't know how many of you will recognize me anymore, but wanted to let you know I'm still alive and kicking. Two weeks ago tomorrow, I underwent surgery to have the upper lobe of my left lung removed, along with a new primary cancer (adenocarcinoma of the lung) at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL.  I finally ditched my old oncologist because he was totally ignorant about RCC and Chromophobe in particular.  He lied to my husband's and my face and so we contacted Moffitt and their RCC specialist, Dr. Mayer Fishman. He took one look at my last two CT's and referred me to the thoracic surgeon and within a week I was scheduled for surgery.  Still don't have the path results for the lymph nodes surrounding the lung that he respected, but should know something tomorrow.  I was scared half to death it was mets to my lung.  So far so good on that front, though.  Still Stage 3a.

anyway, just wanted to check in and say hi to everyone who are still here.

hardo718

Don't know you Tillie

BUT I LOVE the "picture" you use.  So funny.

Best wishes on that pathology report, please do keep us posted, huh?

Donna~

Jan4you

Tillie is okay and baack!!

Tillie is okay and baack!!

Glad you gave us an update. So sorry for what you and your husband have been through, geesh.

Know that we are connected, in spirit, in mind, even if you don't always post, but glad you did.

May you have a better team to treat you now!

Keep us update and heal up my dear.

Sending you healing vibes, serenity and strength for those times you need it most.

Here's a gentle hug,

Jan

stub1969

Hi, Tillie

When I joined the "club" two months ago, I read through old posts from this site.  My cancer was Chromophobe RCC so I was especially interested in those posts.  You were part of many of those discussion that I read--so, yes, I do recognize you.  I'm assuming you go under the same handle on the Smart Patients site, as I've looked on there for Chromophobe RCC.  I'm glad you are back here to update us on your progress.  Sorry to hear about your situation with your previous oncologist.  This journey is difficult enough with an honest doctor and one we trust.  I can't imagine what you went through.

I wish you well and hope your recovery goes smoothly.  A few members here have had a lung resection and can answer or add to the information that you've gathered about your surgery.

Take care,

Stub 

Allochka

One more primary cancer? this

One more primary cancer? this sounds crazy. What stage was lung adenocarcinoma? I yope lymphnodes will be clear!

 

njkate07

Dr Fishman

Dr Fishman is wonderful, unfortunately for my husband his only option is the chemo,has stage 4 with mets to liver,lung and brain.

I have transitioned him to VA in St Pete as they were on same page as Dr Fishman and much easier on the purse string. I also can get his scans etc done at clinic in Cape Coral and not have to make that drive.

Started out with Florida Cancer Specialists and dumped them after 2 visits, nothing but a cancer business imo and wouldn't take my dog to them.

Good luck to you

Teashea

Hi Tillie

God bless you, it sounds like you are going through so much right now. Wishing you a quick recovery from surgery. 

Jojo61

Tillie!

Of course us "oldies" remember you! I am glad you posted. It sounds like you made the right decision to change doctors. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Take care!

Hugs

Jojo

TillieSOK

I've really missed all of you

I've really missed all of you.  Dr. Fontaine is my lung surgeon, and he is a wizard with robotic surgery! I'm so happy that I left FL Cancer Specialists and Dr. Hart.  I'm still very much considering writing a letter to the CEO of FCS and to Dr. Hart about his shoddy treatment of me and my cancer. Dr. Fishman wasted no time referring me to Dr. Fontaine...like the same day I saw him! Still haven't gotten the pathology on the lymph nodes, which is kind of freaking me out....they said 7-10 business days and it's been 13 business days today. If Dr. Hart had paid attention to the radiologist/pathologists' summaries on every. Single. One. Of my scans, that said the growth in my lung was concerning/suspicious for either primary lung cancer or metastatic disease, maybe I wouldn't have lost almost my entire lung.  But his ego got in the way and he wouldn't listen to anyone. Yeah, I'm pissed! Eight surgeons watched my surgery, as a learning tool, I guess because of the initial Chromophobe diagnosis and because of the second completely different primary cancer, which was kind of rare too. Dr. Fontaine said I had a lot of good years left and I was the youngest 70 year old he had seen! LOL   I have to go back to see him on the 5th of Oct to have the stitch removed from the drain site (which was pulled less than 24 hours after surgery!) and find out what the plans are for any treatment if indicated. If the lymph nodes are clear, then I got a "twofer" with the surgery...treatment and therapy both...no chemo or radiation required.  If they aren't, then we'll take it from there.  Glad some of you remembered me. 

Footstomper

TillieSOK said:

I've really missed all of you

I've really missed all of you.  Dr. Fontaine is my lung surgeon, and he is a wizard with robotic surgery! I'm so happy that I left FL Cancer Specialists and Dr. Hart.  I'm still very much considering writing a letter to the CEO of FCS and to Dr. Hart about his shoddy treatment of me and my cancer. Dr. Fishman wasted no time referring me to Dr. Fontaine...like the same day I saw him! Still haven't gotten the pathology on the lymph nodes, which is kind of freaking me out....they said 7-10 business days and it's been 13 business days today. If Dr. Hart had paid attention to the radiologist/pathologists' summaries on every. Single. One. Of my scans, that said the growth in my lung was concerning/suspicious for either primary lung cancer or metastatic disease, maybe I wouldn't have lost almost my entire lung.  But his ego got in the way and he wouldn't listen to anyone. Yeah, I'm pissed! Eight surgeons watched my surgery, as a learning tool, I guess because of the initial Chromophobe diagnosis and because of the second completely different primary cancer, which was kind of rare too. Dr. Fontaine said I had a lot of good years left and I was the youngest 70 year old he had seen! LOL   I have to go back to see him on the 5th of Oct to have the stitch removed from the drain site (which was pulled less than 24 hours after surgery!) and find out what the plans are for any treatment if indicated. If the lymph nodes are clear, then I got a "twofer" with the surgery...treatment and therapy both...no chemo or radiation required.  If they aren't, then we'll take it from there.  Glad some of you remembered me. 

Sorry I missed you Tillie

I was busy recovering from  my nephrectomy when you joined and I didnt find this place until December. I sympathise; waiting for results is bad enough, but when they dont turn up your imagination runs riot. Good luck when they do turn up, let us know what thet say. Nice to meet you Tillie, sorry o have met you here.

foxhd

Hey Tillie

Goes to show that by staying away, things don't stop happening. When old friends disappear, we don't like to think about it. Keep it all in control. Better days are coming. Y'all come back now y'hear?

hardo718

I think it's fair to say

You have every right to call and ask about the pathology report.  Sometimes those things kind of get pushed aside.  Fingers crossed that no news is good news in this case.

God Bless,

Donna~