Need to see an oncologist?

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Comments

  • newenglandguy
    newenglandguy Member Posts: 66

    Just do it
    K -

    As you can surmise, I DID go ahead with an oncologist. It was clear in meeting with the urologist this week that the oncologist is being MUCH more aggressive in follow-up than the urologist would have been. That alone reinforced we made the right choice.

    Additionally, my oncologist participates in a lot of research, so he knows the latest on trials, drug therapies, etc. He talked about a recent study they completed that is now being analyzed. If it shows promise in preventing recurrence, he will get me on the protocol.

    So, I say GO FOR IT!

    Hi Minnesota Girl Ran across
    Hi Minnesota Girl
    Ran across one of your older posts and was wondering if you Onc shared the results of the study your mentioned in the post. Be interested in trying to get some info and wondering what drug it is. Thanks
  • Minnesota Girl
    Minnesota Girl Member Posts: 119

    Hi Minnesota Girl Ran across
    Hi Minnesota Girl
    Ran across one of your older posts and was wondering if you Onc shared the results of the study your mentioned in the post. Be interested in trying to get some info and wondering what drug it is. Thanks

    Didn't get the drug name
    But I will be seeing him December 5. I will try to remember to ask.
  • Liora4queen
    Liora4queen Member Posts: 22

    Sounds like we are almost in
    Sounds like we are almost in the same boat! Where should i post my area? start a new discussion? Sorry like i said i'm new to this LOL. I never would have thought to look for an oncologist with a "specialty", wasn't aware they existed, just thought an oncologist was an oncologist. Ive learned so much today!

    Our kids are the same age. I'm so grateful for the early diagnosis as well. Thanks for all your help and i'm always here as someone who can relate! Don't forget that! I wish you peace and comfort and laughter beyond what is considered normal..laughter until your belly hurts...thats the real antidote for any situation in life. It hurts me to laugh right now because of the pain but by God i do it anyways!

    K

    Same boat
    K-
    I'm new to this site too. I'm 36 and also have 2 kids - aged 6 & 3. I'm waiting for my surgery, which is scheduled for 12/7 and am pretty scared.
    How are you coping with the kids since your surgery?
  • newenglandguy
    newenglandguy Member Posts: 66

    Didn't get the drug name
    But I will be seeing him December 5. I will try to remember to ask.

    Minnesota Girl - I would
    Minnesota Girl - I would really appreciate that info. Good luck with your appointment.
  • BG
    BG Member Posts: 85 Member

    Same boat
    K-
    I'm new to this site too. I'm 36 and also have 2 kids - aged 6 & 3. I'm waiting for my surgery, which is scheduled for 12/7 and am pretty scared.
    How are you coping with the kids since your surgery?

    kids same age
    Hi Liora,

    My daughter is 6 and my son is 4, actually 3 when I had surgery in July. For me, this was tough as Daddy is the one who gave piggy back rides, and would restle with the kids. Not being able to pick them up for a period was also tough. It did not help to have a car accident last november which also prevented me from these activities.

    Now, 4 months post surgery it is not so bad. We just told the kids Daddy had surgery, nothing about cancer. They have seen the scars, rather small since laproscopic, but they still go through muscle, so there is still some incision site pain and additional pain time to time.

    The kids did well, but for me it was hard because they were the ones I worried about. I am better now, and make sure I give them plenty of love every day.

    Keep us posted on the surgery. My daughter visited me in the recovery room the 2nd day with my wife, but my son did not.

    BG
  • Liora4queen
    Liora4queen Member Posts: 22
    BG said:

    kids same age
    Hi Liora,

    My daughter is 6 and my son is 4, actually 3 when I had surgery in July. For me, this was tough as Daddy is the one who gave piggy back rides, and would restle with the kids. Not being able to pick them up for a period was also tough. It did not help to have a car accident last november which also prevented me from these activities.

    Now, 4 months post surgery it is not so bad. We just told the kids Daddy had surgery, nothing about cancer. They have seen the scars, rather small since laproscopic, but they still go through muscle, so there is still some incision site pain and additional pain time to time.

    The kids did well, but for me it was hard because they were the ones I worried about. I am better now, and make sure I give them plenty of love every day.

    Keep us posted on the surgery. My daughter visited me in the recovery room the 2nd day with my wife, but my son did not.

    BG

    the kids
    Hi BG,
    Thanks for your post - I think my anxiety about my kids is actually higher than my anxiety about the surgery and tumor. I have told my kids that I have a boo boo that is inside my body so I have to have an operation to take them out.
    They seem to be OK with that idea.
    I'm wondering...how did your kids handle seeing you in the hospital the day after surgery? I know I'll be missing mine like crazy, but was concerned that the hospital/seeing me looking sick, might be scary for them.
    I'm having a laparoscopic partial and am hoping that I wont be in too bad shape. Is that a realistic hope?
    Liora
  • garym
    garym Member Posts: 1,647

    the kids
    Hi BG,
    Thanks for your post - I think my anxiety about my kids is actually higher than my anxiety about the surgery and tumor. I have told my kids that I have a boo boo that is inside my body so I have to have an operation to take them out.
    They seem to be OK with that idea.
    I'm wondering...how did your kids handle seeing you in the hospital the day after surgery? I know I'll be missing mine like crazy, but was concerned that the hospital/seeing me looking sick, might be scary for them.
    I'm having a laparoscopic partial and am hoping that I wont be in too bad shape. Is that a realistic hope?
    Liora

    Go for it...
    Hi Liora,

    My kids were all grown at the time of my surgery but I had 9 young grandchildren at the time and they all came to see me without issue. The youngest were a bit intimidated by the whole hospital atmosphere, but as soon as they saw me it was all smiles and hugs, IV's and all. Kids have no concept of mortality like us adults, in fact I was surprised by how inquisitive and intuitive they were, most even wanting to see my new zipper complete with staples. My guess, a visit in the hospital will do you and your little ones a lot of good, it will confirm that mommy is just fine.

    Stay strong,

    Gary
  • BG
    BG Member Posts: 85 Member

    the kids
    Hi BG,
    Thanks for your post - I think my anxiety about my kids is actually higher than my anxiety about the surgery and tumor. I have told my kids that I have a boo boo that is inside my body so I have to have an operation to take them out.
    They seem to be OK with that idea.
    I'm wondering...how did your kids handle seeing you in the hospital the day after surgery? I know I'll be missing mine like crazy, but was concerned that the hospital/seeing me looking sick, might be scary for them.
    I'm having a laparoscopic partial and am hoping that I wont be in too bad shape. Is that a realistic hope?
    Liora

    Hi Liora,

    I had the partial, laproscopic with the davinici robot. My daughter (5 years) was ok with the visit, my 3 year old did not come by choice of my wife, probably a good call. However, I feel he would have been fine. I was fine in the hospital, had an IV, but no pain, so my daughter handled things well and we kept the visit short. My wife stayed in my room the first night.

    My anxiety was and still is in part due to my children. I have no desire to leve them at such a young age, so of course your mind starts reeling. Once I got home, the added battle was telling the kids I cant give piggy back rides, lift them, and have them crawl all over me. This is an adjustment you will need to get use to, no fun in addition to the surgery.

    You will not be in too bad of shape, a childs love will help you heal. Their kisses are better than the pain meds.... But still take the pain meds. Get a stool softeneer med, eat lots of fruit and veggies, cut back on red meat if you can since the pain meds tend to constipate you. At the hospital, try to walk, it will be difficult at first, use your breathing tube thing to work your lungs, and push yourself to use the restroom once catheter is out.

    If you have a high anziety, request a valium or 2 once you get to your nurse. They gave me 2, and the next thing I knew my wife was by my side in the recovery room. My daughters visit was later, she helped me eat my pudding!

    I wish you well, and will send prayers your way.

    BG
  • Liora4queen
    Liora4queen Member Posts: 22
    BG said:

    Hi Liora,

    I had the partial, laproscopic with the davinici robot. My daughter (5 years) was ok with the visit, my 3 year old did not come by choice of my wife, probably a good call. However, I feel he would have been fine. I was fine in the hospital, had an IV, but no pain, so my daughter handled things well and we kept the visit short. My wife stayed in my room the first night.

    My anxiety was and still is in part due to my children. I have no desire to leve them at such a young age, so of course your mind starts reeling. Once I got home, the added battle was telling the kids I cant give piggy back rides, lift them, and have them crawl all over me. This is an adjustment you will need to get use to, no fun in addition to the surgery.

    You will not be in too bad of shape, a childs love will help you heal. Their kisses are better than the pain meds.... But still take the pain meds. Get a stool softeneer med, eat lots of fruit and veggies, cut back on red meat if you can since the pain meds tend to constipate you. At the hospital, try to walk, it will be difficult at first, use your breathing tube thing to work your lungs, and push yourself to use the restroom once catheter is out.

    If you have a high anziety, request a valium or 2 once you get to your nurse. They gave me 2, and the next thing I knew my wife was by my side in the recovery room. My daughters visit was later, she helped me eat my pudding!

    I wish you well, and will send prayers your way.

    BG

    BG
    Hi,
    It sounds like we're in a very similar boat. I have a few more questions, because I'm pretty anxious about the recovery.
    How long were you in the hospital and how was the pain when you went home?
    What is the breathing tube for? I don't really understand that part. How does the surgery affect the lungs?
    Could you sleep normally in your bed when you came home, or were you uncomfortable?
    I think it's going to be very tough for my younger one, who is a bouncy 3 yr old boy, to not be all over me. He's so attached to me and is never happy just sitting next to me. He has to sit ON me!
    When was your surgery and are you able to rough and tumble with the little ones again now?
    Sorry for the cross examination!
    Liora
  • BG
    BG Member Posts: 85 Member

    BG
    Hi,
    It sounds like we're in a very similar boat. I have a few more questions, because I'm pretty anxious about the recovery.
    How long were you in the hospital and how was the pain when you went home?
    What is the breathing tube for? I don't really understand that part. How does the surgery affect the lungs?
    Could you sleep normally in your bed when you came home, or were you uncomfortable?
    I think it's going to be very tough for my younger one, who is a bouncy 3 yr old boy, to not be all over me. He's so attached to me and is never happy just sitting next to me. He has to sit ON me!
    When was your surgery and are you able to rough and tumble with the little ones again now?
    Sorry for the cross examination!
    Liora

    play gentle
    Hi Liora,

    I had a partial nephrectomy with the robot, so I was in the hospital 3 nights. It would have been 2 nights but I got nauseas and had to stay an extra night. Tell them you want nausea meds right off the bat, they will gove through IV, the morphine makes some people nauseus but it managed the pain very well.

    There is a tube they have you breath into to work your lungs, nothing you are hooked up to. Try to do this several times a day. Also, try to walk as much as you can, the first time out of the hospital bed was tough and painful, but each time I walked I went further, progress.

    The pain meds worked fine at home, I took the minimum, and tapered off easily with some leftover!! If you have the open surgery, I understand the recovery is much more difficult. I had to sleep on one side, in a bed by myself, as the kids join us sometimes and my 3 year old kicks once in a while when he sleeps, so plann accordingly.

    I am 5 months post surgery, a little incision site (four 0.5" and one 2") sensitivity, but I can rough and tumble with the kids pretty good. I did miss the piggy back rides for some time. After surgery I believe the limit is 10 lbs for lifting, but check with your doc. Ask any questions you like, we are here to help, provide support, listen, and at times ask for support ourselves....

    BG
  • Minnesota Girl
    Minnesota Girl Member Posts: 119

    Minnesota Girl - I would
    Minnesota Girl - I would really appreciate that info. Good luck with your appointment.

    It is the ASSURE study
    He didn't have any new information, now they are waiting for results. It compares Sutent, Nexavar and placebo for their effectiveness in preventing recurrence.
  • newenglandguy
    newenglandguy Member Posts: 66

    It is the ASSURE study
    He didn't have any new information, now they are waiting for results. It compares Sutent, Nexavar and placebo for their effectiveness in preventing recurrence.

    Appreciate the Info
    Minnesota Girl - thanks for taking the time to ask. Appreciate it.