First app. w/new onco..Good and not so good
Comments
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I am glad you found thisjnl said:Good luck Thursday! Glad
Good luck Thursday! Glad the hot flashes aren't bad for you!
Hugs, Leeza
I am glad you found this site too! Good luck today with your appointment!
Jan0 -
Boy oh boy
Am I glad you switched doctors. Yes an apology goes a long way. It shows the doctor is not arrogant and unconcerned about your feelings. Keeping you in prayer.0 -
Wow is about all I can sayMsGebby said:Hi Pinky
Haven't you been through a lot. WOW!
You know, I read and re read your post. This new oncologist actually sounds quite good to me. I know he was harsh. I am glad he got angry about the wrong meds for you. He should not have taken his frustration out on you but he apologized for it and that shows he is human. From what you said, it sounds like he is going to get you back on track. THAT is great news!
I've never had a bone scan .... bone density test .... that I've had. It sounds very much the same as a bone scan. It's painless. Easy peasy.
I agree with my other pink sisters regarding depression and the effects it has on one's body. Fatigue is a major problem when one is depressed. Not sure you are, but it is something to think about. I had 38 rounds of radiation and the fatigue was so hard. I finished up in March and haven't really had an issue with it since. Everyone is different. You could still be bothered by this side effect. Obviously, rest when you can. Take care of yourself. That is something we all seem to forget to do. We are always looking out for others. It's inherent.
I hope you find this new oncologist to be (haha) just what the doctor ordered!
Hugs,
Mary
Wow is about all I can say too! I think I would have screamed back at him if he were my onco. I don't put up with a lot anymore, can you tell? lol
I hope he is much nicer to you from now on. If not, look for a new onco.
Good luck and know that you are in my prayers.0 -
I can understandlaughs_a_lot said:Boy oh boy
Am I glad you switched doctors. Yes an apology goes a long way. It shows the doctor is not arrogant and unconcerned about your feelings. Keeping you in prayer.
I can understand his reaction.He may be a little harsh but don't think he wanted to direct it to you. Just very upset you are taking the wrong drug.I would be upset if I was a doctor and I know it's getting to you and your husband.I would be Very very mad.All that time and the wrong treatment.I'm happy tamox is what your new doctor says is the best drug.I've been on it for 2 1/2 years.I was Stage 0 and non imvasive but still take it.Like you mentioned after he calmed down he said "he was sorry".He is a doctor who stands his ground.I had one like that.One that always watched out for me.When I tell people how he told me to get rid of this doctor or that,It amazed my friends.But Hey I was getting the wrong care and he knew it.He wasn't going to back down.I cared alot for that doctor(now retired).He cared enough to tell me when I was wronged.Stick with this new doctor.
Wishing you the best and hope you will stay with this new doctor.
Lynn Smith0 -
How did the bone scan goLynn Smith said:I can understand
I can understand his reaction.He may be a little harsh but don't think he wanted to direct it to you. Just very upset you are taking the wrong drug.I would be upset if I was a doctor and I know it's getting to you and your husband.I would be Very very mad.All that time and the wrong treatment.I'm happy tamox is what your new doctor says is the best drug.I've been on it for 2 1/2 years.I was Stage 0 and non imvasive but still take it.Like you mentioned after he calmed down he said "he was sorry".He is a doctor who stands his ground.I had one like that.One that always watched out for me.When I tell people how he told me to get rid of this doctor or that,It amazed my friends.But Hey I was getting the wrong care and he knew it.He wasn't going to back down.I cared alot for that doctor(now retired).He cared enough to tell me when I was wronged.Stick with this new doctor.
Wishing you the best and hope you will stay with this new doctor.
Lynn Smith
How did the bone scan go today? I pray that you will get clean results!
Thinking of you,
Leeza0 -
Its so touching how so manyjnl said:How did the bone scan go
How did the bone scan go today? I pray that you will get clean results!
Thinking of you,
Leeza
of you replied to my post!! The bone scan was easy breezy. I got the injection at 8:00 then back at 12:30 for the scan..it only lasted about 30 mins tops...there were 2 nuclear med assistances that scanned. They both were very nice to look at, so I didn't mind the scan too much!!
Now I just need to make the decision to have ovaries orthoscopically removed and take Arimadex,,,or wean off anti-depressants and start effexor, then take Tamoxifen...
My new onco (which I am going to keep since all my pink sis's and my husband agree), wants me to decide sooner than later so I can get on the right treatment.. I've spoken to both doc's about it, now I just need to research and decide...I'm assuming the ovary removal would be same day surgery? I just need to find out if Arimadex has side effects similar to Tamoxifen. Meaning- some of you had female probs on tomx and hysterectomies....I forgot to ask onco if Arimadex has same possible side effect.
I hope our other pink sisters tests and surgeries went well today and for tomorrow too..How noisy was the bus?
I would be feeling lousy if wasn't for this site,
Joyce0 -
Yes, a bone scan is easy andPinky68 said:Its so touching how so many
of you replied to my post!! The bone scan was easy breezy. I got the injection at 8:00 then back at 12:30 for the scan..it only lasted about 30 mins tops...there were 2 nuclear med assistances that scanned. They both were very nice to look at, so I didn't mind the scan too much!!
Now I just need to make the decision to have ovaries orthoscopically removed and take Arimadex,,,or wean off anti-depressants and start effexor, then take Tamoxifen...
My new onco (which I am going to keep since all my pink sis's and my husband agree), wants me to decide sooner than later so I can get on the right treatment.. I've spoken to both doc's about it, now I just need to research and decide...I'm assuming the ovary removal would be same day surgery? I just need to find out if Arimadex has side effects similar to Tamoxifen. Meaning- some of you had female probs on tomx and hysterectomies....I forgot to ask onco if Arimadex has same possible side effect.
I hope our other pink sisters tests and surgeries went well today and for tomorrow too..How noisy was the bus?
I would be feeling lousy if wasn't for this site,
Joyce
Yes, a bone scan is easy and our clothes stay on. Woohoo!
When do you get your results? Praying for a clean bone scan for you!
Hugs, Jan0 -
Joyce ...Pinky68 said:Its so touching how so many
of you replied to my post!! The bone scan was easy breezy. I got the injection at 8:00 then back at 12:30 for the scan..it only lasted about 30 mins tops...there were 2 nuclear med assistances that scanned. They both were very nice to look at, so I didn't mind the scan too much!!
Now I just need to make the decision to have ovaries orthoscopically removed and take Arimadex,,,or wean off anti-depressants and start effexor, then take Tamoxifen...
My new onco (which I am going to keep since all my pink sis's and my husband agree), wants me to decide sooner than later so I can get on the right treatment.. I've spoken to both doc's about it, now I just need to research and decide...I'm assuming the ovary removal would be same day surgery? I just need to find out if Arimadex has side effects similar to Tamoxifen. Meaning- some of you had female probs on tomx and hysterectomies....I forgot to ask onco if Arimadex has same possible side effect.
I hope our other pink sisters tests and surgeries went well today and for tomorrow too..How noisy was the bus?
I would be feeling lousy if wasn't for this site,
Joyce
I too, would feel betrayed and confused by options, or lack of options given to
me by your original Onco .. while, you did not get the warm hugs, and rainbows
when first meeting your NEW Onco -- it appears to me ... that I would stay with
him -- based on his medical knowledge -- ability to be HUMAN, and angry when a patient
has not been prescribed the correct medication. His apology speaks volumes.He called
you back to explain himself... hummmm, sounds like a keeper, to me.
Take 1 issue at a time, write things down or record them -- allow your new ONCO
the time to get you back on track --- ..
In my humble opinion, you've made the right choice.
Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.
Vicki Sam0 -
Good looking techs are aPinky68 said:Its so touching how so many
of you replied to my post!! The bone scan was easy breezy. I got the injection at 8:00 then back at 12:30 for the scan..it only lasted about 30 mins tops...there were 2 nuclear med assistances that scanned. They both were very nice to look at, so I didn't mind the scan too much!!
Now I just need to make the decision to have ovaries orthoscopically removed and take Arimadex,,,or wean off anti-depressants and start effexor, then take Tamoxifen...
My new onco (which I am going to keep since all my pink sis's and my husband agree), wants me to decide sooner than later so I can get on the right treatment.. I've spoken to both doc's about it, now I just need to research and decide...I'm assuming the ovary removal would be same day surgery? I just need to find out if Arimadex has side effects similar to Tamoxifen. Meaning- some of you had female probs on tomx and hysterectomies....I forgot to ask onco if Arimadex has same possible side effect.
I hope our other pink sisters tests and surgeries went well today and for tomorrow too..How noisy was the bus?
I would be feeling lousy if wasn't for this site,
Joyce
Good looking techs are a bonus! LOL Glad you got through it! Praying for good news!
Hugs, Angie0 -
ArimidexPinky68 said:Its so touching how so many
of you replied to my post!! The bone scan was easy breezy. I got the injection at 8:00 then back at 12:30 for the scan..it only lasted about 30 mins tops...there were 2 nuclear med assistances that scanned. They both were very nice to look at, so I didn't mind the scan too much!!
Now I just need to make the decision to have ovaries orthoscopically removed and take Arimadex,,,or wean off anti-depressants and start effexor, then take Tamoxifen...
My new onco (which I am going to keep since all my pink sis's and my husband agree), wants me to decide sooner than later so I can get on the right treatment.. I've spoken to both doc's about it, now I just need to research and decide...I'm assuming the ovary removal would be same day surgery? I just need to find out if Arimadex has side effects similar to Tamoxifen. Meaning- some of you had female probs on tomx and hysterectomies....I forgot to ask onco if Arimadex has same possible side effect.
I hope our other pink sisters tests and surgeries went well today and for tomorrow too..How noisy was the bus?
I would be feeling lousy if wasn't for this site,
Joyce
Hi Joyce,
I remember your post on Megace titled "Megace or Tamoxifen?" back in July. New Flower and I both responded to your post.
http://csn.cancer.org/node/243270
The oncologist who prescribed Megace according to your post was responding to the hot flashes in hopes that this drug would banished them. It is a very old drug and used mostly to help those with stage IV gain weight these days. I was surprised that it was prescribe as first line of treatment. As for hot flashes, I have used most of the hormonal drugs and have had hot flashes now for 17+ years. I learn to adjust to them. I always think it's a pity that they never work when your cold and need a little bit of a hot surge:)
You have had good advise by the other ladies, no need for me to say the same thing.
You mentioned Arimidex which is very different than Tamoxifen. All these hormonal drugs have serious side effects and each woman reacts to them in their own unique way. Arimidex, an aromatase inhibitor does often have bone and joint pain, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and etc.
I did have endometrium thickening on Tamoxifen (used 4 years) and ended it up with a D&C that solved my problem. By that time I was no longer using Tamoxifen (recurrence). I used Arimidex for many, many years before my next recurrence. I did not have any problems with endometrium thickening. It was a new drug at the time I began to use Arimidex and there was no suggestion that estrogen deprived bones would lead to fractures. I had 3 vertebrae fractures from a minor fall. I began using bisphosphonates which led to my developing uveitis. Not everyone has this problem.
My thinking is that if these drugs keep me on planet earth a little longer then they are worth the inconveniences of the side effects.
Wishing you the best with your decision,
Doris0 -
Even though your onco wasCypressCynthia said:Hope this helps
I do not usually comment on anyone's medical treatment, but I can't figure out why the other doc prescribed Megace. Of course, you need to be on hormone therapy (tamoxifen) and I can understand your new onc's concern and frustration.
He was not as diplomatic as he could have been, but it sounds like he 1) has you on the right path and 2) apologized (huge points there) and 3) spent a great deal of time with you. Also, I would not discount the fact that your husband related to him well.
As far as fatigue goes, it took me about a year after chemo to really feel better and I was always a little tired on tamoxifen (worst the last year of treatment).
Also, please know that cancer and depression (anxiety, fatigue, irritability) can go hand in hand. Cancer patients may have at least a >25% of experiencing depression. Most oncologists are aware of this, but they may not necessarily recognize fatigue as a symptom.
And fatigue can be symptom of depression. I personally feel that the emotions that come with the diagnosis and treatments can be exhausting physically and emotionally. If your fatigue continues past what you feel is normal, ask the onc about an antidepressant. Mine had no problem prescribing one. If you go that route, make sure that you ok the antidepressant with the onc. A few will keep the tamoxifen from working as well (paxil and prozac come to mind). I take just 1/2 pill of the lowest dose of lexapro and it really helps me.
Lastly, the bone scan is not a big deal at all. They will inject you with a tracer and have you return in a couple of hours. Then it is essentially like a CT scan or whole body xray.
Big (((hugs))) and I am rooting for you!
Even though your onco was upset at your previous treatment, I don't think he should have taken it out on you. It is good he apologized and I hope he never acts like that again with anyone else.
Good luck with your scan!0 -
Hoping and praying you willSIROD said:Arimidex
Hi Joyce,
I remember your post on Megace titled "Megace or Tamoxifen?" back in July. New Flower and I both responded to your post.
http://csn.cancer.org/node/243270
The oncologist who prescribed Megace according to your post was responding to the hot flashes in hopes that this drug would banished them. It is a very old drug and used mostly to help those with stage IV gain weight these days. I was surprised that it was prescribe as first line of treatment. As for hot flashes, I have used most of the hormonal drugs and have had hot flashes now for 17+ years. I learn to adjust to them. I always think it's a pity that they never work when your cold and need a little bit of a hot surge:)
You have had good advise by the other ladies, no need for me to say the same thing.
You mentioned Arimidex which is very different than Tamoxifen. All these hormonal drugs have serious side effects and each woman reacts to them in their own unique way. Arimidex, an aromatase inhibitor does often have bone and joint pain, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and etc.
I did have endometrium thickening on Tamoxifen (used 4 years) and ended it up with a D&C that solved my problem. By that time I was no longer using Tamoxifen (recurrence). I used Arimidex for many, many years before my next recurrence. I did not have any problems with endometrium thickening. It was a new drug at the time I began to use Arimidex and there was no suggestion that estrogen deprived bones would lead to fractures. I had 3 vertebrae fractures from a minor fall. I began using bisphosphonates which led to my developing uveitis. Not everyone has this problem.
My thinking is that if these drugs keep me on planet earth a little longer then they are worth the inconveniences of the side effects.
Wishing you the best with your decision,
Doris
Hoping and praying you will post happy news about a clean scan.0 -
I will be praying for youPinky68 said:Not so upset today, I agree with all of you
I will continue seeing my new onco. My husband also said he has my best interest in mind, especially to be "livid" by no tamoxifen.. And I'm so glad I'm not crazy by still being fatigued!..Melanie, I liked what you said "the best dr in the world doesn't know everyting"
Also CypressCynthia, I agree with you 100% that depression/anxiety causes fatigue too..about 4 months ago I started Cymbalta and Paxil and the onco did say I need to switch to Effexor. He's calling my pcp so we can wean me off then start effexor...Last night I took half the dose of Megace--for one week--then half of that for another week--then start tamoxifen.......
My prev onco said megace will take away my hot flashes in a few days, and a se is blood clots...I didn't start questioning it until I started on this site a few months ago...
Thank-you everyone!
Joyce
I will be praying for you Joyce!0 -
I had ovary removalPinky68 said:Its so touching how so many
of you replied to my post!! The bone scan was easy breezy. I got the injection at 8:00 then back at 12:30 for the scan..it only lasted about 30 mins tops...there were 2 nuclear med assistances that scanned. They both were very nice to look at, so I didn't mind the scan too much!!
Now I just need to make the decision to have ovaries orthoscopically removed and take Arimadex,,,or wean off anti-depressants and start effexor, then take Tamoxifen...
My new onco (which I am going to keep since all my pink sis's and my husband agree), wants me to decide sooner than later so I can get on the right treatment.. I've spoken to both doc's about it, now I just need to research and decide...I'm assuming the ovary removal would be same day surgery? I just need to find out if Arimadex has side effects similar to Tamoxifen. Meaning- some of you had female probs on tomx and hysterectomies....I forgot to ask onco if Arimadex has same possible side effect.
I hope our other pink sisters tests and surgeries went well today and for tomorrow too..How noisy was the bus?
I would be feeling lousy if wasn't for this site,
Joyce
I had ovary removal orthoscopically. The procedure is not bad at all. It too is a drive-through procedure (in and out the same day). The pain was minimal because the sutures are so small. If I had to weigh everything that you are tossing around I would choose ovary removal too.0 -
Bone Scan Goodtrsmith0104 said:I had ovary removal
I had ovary removal orthoscopically. The procedure is not bad at all. It too is a drive-through procedure (in and out the same day). The pain was minimal because the sutures are so small. If I had to weigh everything that you are tossing around I would choose ovary removal too.
Hi everyone, bone scan and blood tests were great! Sorry I haven't been on for a few days..I'm dealing with my second bout of bronchitis in 5 weeks, but feeling better.. Thanks for all your input!! I am keeping the new onco with everyones suggestions! He does seem to be very good, I see him again on Tuesday to talk more about medications and/or ovary removal..I'm wondering if he will be saying anything to my previous onco? I think I'll ask him on Tuesday..Sirod,thanks so much for sharing with me your experience with both meds! I agree, it is unusual for him to prescribe megace as a first choice..
Even though I haven't been on, I think of you all! My husband commented on how much better I seem to be doing emotionally since I've been on here!
Hugs,
Joyce0 -
Congrats Joyce on your goodPinky68 said:Bone Scan Good
Hi everyone, bone scan and blood tests were great! Sorry I haven't been on for a few days..I'm dealing with my second bout of bronchitis in 5 weeks, but feeling better.. Thanks for all your input!! I am keeping the new onco with everyones suggestions! He does seem to be very good, I see him again on Tuesday to talk more about medications and/or ovary removal..I'm wondering if he will be saying anything to my previous onco? I think I'll ask him on Tuesday..Sirod,thanks so much for sharing with me your experience with both meds! I agree, it is unusual for him to prescribe megace as a first choice..
Even though I haven't been on, I think of you all! My husband commented on how much better I seem to be doing emotionally since I've been on here!
Hugs,
Joyce
Congrats Joyce on your good results! Hoping you feel better soon from bronchitis. I've had that and it is awful
Hugs, Kylez0 -
Take care of yourself JoyceKylez said:Congrats Joyce on your good
Congrats Joyce on your good results! Hoping you feel better soon from bronchitis. I've had that and it is awful
Hugs, Kylez
Take care of yourself Joyce as bronchitis can turn to pneumonia easily. Wishing you fast healing!0 -
Just an updateDianeBC said:Take care of yourself Joyce
Take care of yourself Joyce as bronchitis can turn to pneumonia easily. Wishing you fast healing!
Hi everyone, you are all so thoughtful to reply with so much info about my situation....I had my onco appt today and will be having ovaries removed in the next couple of weeks then starting arimadex after that...I brought my 15 yr old daughter,Pamela, to the appt and she commented on how nice and informative he was.....His demeanor was excellent..
I feel soooo taken care of now...I can't say how relieved I am to have a great onco...
Thanks everyone for encouraging me to stay w/him.
I almost felt like God disappeared from my life for the past 1 1/2 yrs....even though I know thats absolutely not true...Now I feel like he's taking care of me thru this site and my onco.
I'm still struggling with bronchitis and seeing my pcp tomorrow
xoxo
Joyce0 -
So glad you like your onco!Pinky68 said:Just an update
Hi everyone, you are all so thoughtful to reply with so much info about my situation....I had my onco appt today and will be having ovaries removed in the next couple of weeks then starting arimadex after that...I brought my 15 yr old daughter,Pamela, to the appt and she commented on how nice and informative he was.....His demeanor was excellent..
I feel soooo taken care of now...I can't say how relieved I am to have a great onco...
Thanks everyone for encouraging me to stay w/him.
I almost felt like God disappeared from my life for the past 1 1/2 yrs....even though I know thats absolutely not true...Now I feel like he's taking care of me thru this site and my onco.
I'm still struggling with bronchitis and seeing my pcp tomorrow
xoxo
Joyce
So glad you like your onco! I think that is always important Joyce! Hoping your bronchitis will clear up for you soon. Let us know what he says.
Hugs, Angie0
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