Cardiologist Visit

osmotar
osmotar Member Posts: 1,006
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

No vent about the doc and the tests he has me scheduled for , in fact he was in the room with me less than 10 minutes , his PA spent more time with me than he did... My vent is, and maybe I'm being a little over sensative ; the PA was asking me about the chemo drugs and radiation treatments I had , she the asked what the primary site was and the stage ... I tell her rt tonsil , 1 lymph node and HPV negative , stage 4a.... She then says ( and this is where I got a bit chapped) so how long have you been in remission, with a bit of a tone I said I'm not in remission , I've been cancer free for the last 18 months .... Her response was oh. Is it me or did I over react???

Linda

Comments

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #2
    Linda

    I would have felt exactly the same way you did. Good for you in speaking up and telling them you were cancer free.

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    #3
    Some say toe-may-eto, some say toe-mah-toe

    Hi Linda,

    Typically, a cardiologist and their PA aren't dealing with cancer on a regular basis nor are they spending time on cancer forums. Remission is a common term most people use to indicate a person is cancer free, one I've used myself prior to my cancer. I just would have said I was "cancer free" in a matter of fact manner. I didn't really hear the term "cancer free" until I started hanging out here. 

    I would have been a little taken back that the doctor spent so little time with me as it portrays a lack of concern in my opinion (less than 10 minutes...that'll be $100 please). So is everything Ok concerning your cardiac health?

    "T"

     

  • osmotar
    osmotar Member Posts: 1,006
    #4
    fishmanpa said:

    Some say toe-may-eto, some say toe-mah-toe

    Hi Linda,

    Typically, a cardiologist and their PA aren't dealing with cancer on a regular basis nor are they spending time on cancer forums. Remission is a common term most people use to indicate a person is cancer free, one I've used myself prior to my cancer. I just would have said I was "cancer free" in a matter of fact manner. I didn't really hear the term "cancer free" until I started hanging out here. 

    I would have been a little taken back that the doctor spent so little time with me as it portrays a lack of concern in my opinion (less than 10 minutes...that'll be $100 please). So is everything Ok concerning your cardiac health?

    "T"

     

    Health

    As for my health , yes he feels everything will be fine..I laughed at your $100 comment , I forgot too added the cardio doc as he was leaving said more than likely all have to take is a baby aspirin...I wanted to say jeezeelouise you went to school how long and decide a baby aspirin is all I may need...can't wait to see my insurance EOB.

     

  • cureitall66
    cureitall66 Member Posts: 913
    #5
    "Remission"

    My loved one was NED at his first scan in February. When his ONC told him that there was no evidence of cancer, he(loved one) asked if he was considered to be in "remission". The answer given was "We do not use that term any longer, we simply say you have no evidence of cancer". Then loved one asked "so am I cancer free?" and the reply was " We will consider you cancer free at 5 years". Right or wrong it may depend on the facility and how they talk about it now. My logic is ...IT IS NOT THERE...IT IS GONE!!!

    ~C

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    #6
    osmotar said:

    Health

    As for my health , yes he feels everything will be fine..I laughed at your $100 comment , I forgot too added the cardio doc as he was leaving said more than likely all have to take is a baby aspirin...I wanted to say jeezeelouise you went to school how long and decide a baby aspirin is all I may need...can't wait to see my insurance EOB.

     

    Aspirin

    Aspirin acts as a blood thinner. I started out on two regular aspirin in 2007 after my heart surgery. I was switched to 81mg before treatment by my cardiologist. 

    Positive thoughts and prayers

    "T"

  • osmotar
    osmotar Member Posts: 1,006
    #7
    fishmanpa said:

    Aspirin

    Aspirin acts as a blood thinner. I started out on two regular aspirin in 2007 after my heart surgery. I was switched to 81mg before treatment by my cardiologist. 

    Positive thoughts and prayers

    "T"

    Baby Asprin

    Sealed

    I used to take 1 a day prior to treatment onco had me stop. Can't start again for a few weeks , getting de-Ported next Friday , and some outpatient arthoscopic on left knee the following week..cripes somedays it sounds like I'm falling apart .

  • osmotar
    osmotar Member Posts: 1,006
    #8
    cureitall66 said:

    "Remission"

    My loved one was NED at his first scan in February. When his ONC told him that there was no evidence of cancer, he(loved one) asked if he was considered to be in "remission". The answer given was "We do not use that term any longer, we simply say you have no evidence of cancer". Then loved one asked "so am I cancer free?" and the reply was " We will consider you cancer free at 5 years". Right or wrong it may depend on the facility and how they talk about it now. My logic is ...IT IS NOT THERE...IT IS GONE!!!

    ~C

    Exactly

    I feel the same way , it's gone.

  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    #9
    osmotar said:

    Exactly

    I feel the same way , it's gone.

    GONE!

    I like the sound of that word; GONE! 

    Deb

  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #10
    Hey Linda !

    Bedside manners.....and not directly dealing with c-issues.  I hope this few minute guy was right and it'll be a low dose asprin daily.  I have had family members and friends that waited until the blockage was 90+ before a stent was placed.  I'm glad you went in....and if you don't like this cardiologist move on.  As far as people not understanding NED...stable disease....remission...it depends on who your talking to.  Don't let it get under your skin, with more public exposure and understanding of Jack....we are moving ahead faster as each day goes by.  Stay positive and keep smiling at those that don't have a clue.  Hugs sent !   Katie

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