August 22nd. Scan Results

Sounds good Martha!  Your docs seem to be quite vigilant.

Nic

Thanks for sharing this. Since going through my recent "drama scare" with my lung I lost touch with your situation with your liver.

"ME . .. . ME . . . ME!" So sorry about my self centered behavior these few couple of weeks and since I am flawed in this way, probably more time than that.

You were diagnosed at such an early stage and so long ago that even the thought you should have to be going through this is alarming. Is it because of the fact we are female and females have poorer prognosis than males? I am glad you have this medical team also and very glad that you have stayed very realistic and vigilant about your self care.  I think it is very interesting what your oncologist said. 

Last time I was at my colorectal surgeon Oncologist's office (Dr. Martin Weiser), he said "I'll be seeing you for another six years" as he walked out. I was so shocked to hear that. It had already been almost three years. Could it be he forgot that? I thought all cancer watch was over at five years. Maybe that's not true for women with anal cancer any longer? Any thoughts?

I spoke with two Pulmonologists about my scan and both of them think there is no downside to going in there to do a biopsy but not to count on finding out anything conclusive. I would imagine from just the fact that there are 200 diagnosed causes of interstitial lung disease with the emphasis on "diagnosed", apparently there are a lot of reasons for stuff on our organs besides cancer. 

From your post, and from their caution, I am reminded that resolution could be an unrealistic expectation. 

Have a good time tomorrow. We need to celebrate every day no matter what. I like how the streets have practically cleared in New York. That's a lot of people on the roads and in the air determined to have a great time.

Sincerely,

Sandy

mp327 said:

Sandy

You are NOT self-centered!  You and many of us here have issues we are dealing with and we all need to talk about them. 

I honestly think that if my oncologist was worried about any of this, I would have already had a biopsy on my liver.  At this time, he does not believe it's cancer because, in his words, if it was, it wouldn't be shrinking, it would be growing.  However, he told me he has seen this disease do some strange things.  I am glad he is keeping a watch on things.  I just wish I didn't have to undergo scans so he can do that! 

As for how long we need to be followed, I had another survivor once tell me that we should be followed for at least 7 years from our NED date, as per her doctor.  I was deflated when I heard that, because, like you, I thought I would be discharged after 5 years from the care of all of my doctors.  So far, the only one who has cut me loose is my rad onc. 

My situation is unique, due to the fact that my next door neighbor, who is one of my very best friends, is also a radiologist at the hospital where I get my scans, and he is a close colleague of my med onc.  The two of them together are trying to make sure that nothing happens to me.  It's hard for me to decline all of that attention.  However, once my insurance company stops paying for scans, it will change things.  I have never asked my med onc how long he intends to follow me, perhaps because I fear his answer.  My best hope is that he'll retire some day!  LOL!

I hope you enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend!

Hugs--

Martha

 

"My best hope is that he'll retire some day!" Ha! Ha! Ha!

I see you made the mistake of going to an oncologist that was a bit too close to the young side! I made a similar mistake with a cardiologist once.

.^_^.

Martha - How frequently does your colorectal doc do dre & anoscopy?

Nic

Very happy for you, Martha.    Glad you have wondereful doctors.   

tory

sandysp said:

I know what you mean

I too, sometimes feel a bit guilty for being able to receive excellent care due to very good insurance and a cancer center that knows how to prove their point to my insurance company. Often MSKCC authorizes things to be done before the insurance company has authorized it, but send me a letter telling me not to worry. I find that uncanny. Sometimes they go through several "hearings" in order to get paid. It is very tough for the medical providers these days in this profit centered insurance business post 1978 period of hour economic history. Most cancer treatment medical organizations can't take these kinds of risks for quality patient care.

When I look around on the NYC subway system which I take from the Bronx to see my doctors that there are many people suffering from all kinds of undiagnosed maladies pushing themselves to work long hours, (like I did) with no time to take off and no insurance to pay doctors (unlike me - I was just fearful). I just say a prayer for them and for all these many people on the board and off stricken with our disease and other illnesses who are uninsured and in jobs that don't provide time for the kind of recuperation I have enjoyed for some reason. Obesity and swollen joints are truly an epidimic. I don't know how people get up the stairs sometimes. Getting around in the city transit system takes considerable fortitude.

Anyway, I am glad you live in such a nice neighborhood. You have a very good angel watching out for you . I just wish there were more angels like your friend and doctor to go around.

All the best

I used to work at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital (now New York-Presbyterian). When there were no obstacles, it took me about 1-1/2 hours to drive there from my house 2 counties away. I was absolutely shocked to hear from fellow employees who lived in the outer boroughs that with transfers and all, it could take them just as long to get to the hospital as it took me! (I agree with you that there can be some very tired and sad-looking people on the subway.)

mp327 said:

Quick Update

I saw my colorectal doctor this morning for my regularly scheduled 6-month follow-up appt. and she said everything looked great.  Regardless of what little shadows are lurking in my liver on my recent scans (and I continue to believe they are something benign), I am going to celebrate my 6-year survivor anniversary next Tuesday, September 9th!  We are headed to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner with my best friend that evening and lots of, you guessed it, cheesecake!   

wonderful wonderful wonderful..... 6 years.......  keep on going for 8 , 10, 15, 20 , 25,    sephie

mp327 said:

Quick Update

I saw my colorectal doctor this morning for my regularly scheduled 6-month follow-up appt. and she said everything looked great.  Regardless of what little shadows are lurking in my liver on my recent scans (and I continue to believe they are something benign), I am going to celebrate my 6-year survivor anniversary next Tuesday, September 9th!  We are headed to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner with my best friend that evening and lots of, you guessed it, cheesecake!   

Congrats on your great checkup! Wishing you continued great checkups!! Ahh - the yummy Cheesecake Factory. Have been there many times. Also a big congrats on 6 years!! Your 6 year celebration is the day before my birthday. Enjoy the cheesecake!!!

Ann