We saw the oncologist...

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Lylesmyprince
Lylesmyprince Member Posts: 130
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
Well...Lyle and I went to the Oncology appointment and was greeted by a surprised doctor who didn't seem to know the Lyle is a dialysis patient! So...We left without a plan...paperwork to make a PET scan appointment...a promise that the radiologist will be calling us to schedule an appointment...a request for another blood draw...and then a thought that we should have a consult with a surgeon. I asked the question..."If Lyle is not a canidate for surgery would the chemo radiation treatment be the same either way?" I was told that the doctor will have to consider that...so a surgery consult is a good idea. No matter what...we understand the chemo and radiation will be our first step. I am slightly frustrated because I don't feel like everyone is on the same page yet. Does this just take time? Who ends up managing your case??? The tests have shown so far that the tumor is into the deepest layer of the muscle...but no limph nodes...but how long before that changes??? The waiting is terrible!!!

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  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
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    Dear Lylesprince,
    Welcome to

    Dear Lylesprince,
    Welcome to the world of EC! This is the place where alot of us caregivers have to ask a whole lot of questions, sometimes self diagnose, constantly keep on top of all of the drs., constantly make phone calls to follow up, etc. I have my drs assistant paged at the hospital alot of the time. Most of the time these drs. are not on the same page. It does take awhile to get all of this worked out. Communication is key. You have to develop a good relationship with the drs, nurses, surgeons, assistants.
    Make yourself known. Learn all the info you can.

    And most important thing to remember is if either one of you are not comfortable with the hospital, you can always go elsewhere for a second opinion. Hang in there. Keep us posted.
    Tina
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