As always, "I do what I have to do, so I can do what I want to do"

chenheart
chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
I met with my NEW oncologist yesterday...I LOVE him! He spent an hour with Reggie and me!!! He has plans to keep me alive and vibrant and hopefully not needing chemo for 3 or 4 years! He is seeing if I can be part of a clinical trial ( he isn't sure if Tamoxifen would disqualify me)..BUT...the potentially bad news? He is not at all conviced that this months long cough is not Beast related...which didn't shock me. I have after all, plural effusion and BC cells on the lining of my lung...why shouldn't this be related to that? He has ordered PET scans ... This so angers me about my former oncologist~ he has been treating me for 8 years! He is the one who told me about the lung involvement! He knows I have this cough, he knows I have been in the ER 2 times because of it, he knows I am seeing a pulmonologist because of it~ and yet NOTHING from him. I am beyond discouraged about that. I have been suffering with this for literally months. And I would be lying if I said the thought of potentially untreated lung cancer isn't scaring the crappola out of me...I of course still live by my Mantra "Be Stronger Than, Not Angry At." I am not angry at the cancer; I am stronger than, and ready to do battle with it. I am, however, as I mentioned, angered by my now absolutely FORMER oncologist for not being more aggressive with the disease and giving me more of a fighting chance. How dare he????

Hugs,
Chen♥
«1

Comments

  • tgf
    tgf Member Posts: 950 Member
    right track
    Well ... hopefully you are on the right track now ... and I'm so glad you've found a doctor you trust and who will take good care of you!

    hugs.
    teena
  • helen e
    helen e Member Posts: 223
    Some Doctors
    can be ****! I am glad to hear that you finally found someone who wants to get to the bottom of your cough, it's about time!

    Helen
  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    Chenheart, I am so glad that
    Chenheart, I am so glad that you now have a Doctor who will treat all of you and spent so much time with you and Reggie. You are so positive and such an inspiration to so many. I love your motto! Sounds like your anger is directed in the right place!

    Keep us posted on the Clinical Trial. I live in Utah and it is one of 15 states where insurance companies are not required to see clinical trials as a viable treatment for stage iv cancers, so I rely on the strength of those who go thru them to make the treatments available to me.

    Thank you,
    Carol
  • grams2jc
    grams2jc Member Posts: 756
    Double-edged news...
    Glad you love your new oncologist and that he was willing to spend the time needed. Sorry that you are dealing with more Beastly bolgna.

    Thinking of you as you continue your quest to find out about your cough,

    Jennifer
  • Cindy Bear
    Cindy Bear Member Posts: 569
    Hello
    I just wanted to say you are amazing.. I pop in here sometimes from uterine/ovarian board. I lost my mother to uterine cancer back in 2009. You have so much energy, such strength.. reading your posts is uplifting and empowering...
    My mother's cancer wasn't diagnosed until very advanced.. one little symptom that she had that didn't raise a red flag with us or her GP was a little chronic cough. This for a woman who never smoked, never even had a chest cold. Her dr. told her it was "age related asthma"
    In fact, all of her symptoms... pain in pelvic area, and side were blamed on age.. arthritis etc. I have always heard that an unexplained cough could be a warning sign of cancer and never gave it a second thought. I thought, OH that's only for lung cancer.. Nope, any cancer can spread to lungs, it's one of it's favorite places to go. Arthritis will show up on a simple xray. Another thing we didn't know. So now I make a point of telling anyone who will listen.. Anyhow, keeping you (and all the ladies here) in my thoughts and prayers.
    Hugs,
    Cindy
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    Chen I'm angry at your
    Chen I'm angry at your former Onc!! He is yesterday thank goodness, and today it sounds like you have the right doctor handling your current status. You are and always will be a wonderful inspiration to me and all the people on these boards. When is the PET scan? You are in my thoughts and prayers.
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    Keep Positive...
    I like how strong you are, Chen. You inspire me.

    I am happy you are happier with the new Onco. I pray everything works out great for you now. And that the new plan starts soon, and brings back good news. I'll be waiting to read the good news.

    God bless you.
  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member

    Keep Positive...
    I like how strong you are, Chen. You inspire me.

    I am happy you are happier with the new Onco. I pray everything works out great for you now. And that the new plan starts soon, and brings back good news. I'll be waiting to read the good news.

    God bless you.

    You're attitude is spot-on
    You don't waste your precious time and energy--we've done the right thing--found an onc. who spent time with you and Reggie and is taking this situation seriously.

    The best of luck on your upcoming tests. You are on my prayer list and I'm also sending a ton of positive energy your way.

    Take good care, sweet Chen.

    Hugs, Renee
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    I am so glad that you like
    I am so glad that you like your new oncologist and I am glad he is staying on top of things. I have always suspected your lung stuff is breast related as I have such a similar history to yours (ER+, pleural effusion, pneumonias, abnormal CT's and PET's). But do remember that you do not have lung cancer; you probably have breast cancer in your lungs. As scary as that is, it is a better prognosis than lung cancer. My pulmonologist said that my scans will always be abnormal and that he believed that I did have breast cancer in my lungs, but he said it is not lung cancer and breast cancer in lungs is usually much slower growing. That said, it is definitely not something to ignore either. Keep fighting my dear friend!!! And don't forget your promise to get some rest!
  • jo jo
    jo jo Member Posts: 1,175
    Oh Chen im glad your getting
    Oh Chen im glad your getting somewhere on this now that you have changed onc's but more happy that you are taking charge of your own health. Its like having another sence when you know something isnt right about your own body but docs are telling you different cuz they cant admit they dont know or dont care...which falls into that catagory of HOW DARE HE...yet he would take that extra step if it were a loved one of his. You are a great inspiration to alot of people and we want you around for a long time to come! hugs to you chen!
  • Chickadee1955
    Chickadee1955 Member Posts: 355 Member

    I am so glad that you like
    I am so glad that you like your new oncologist and I am glad he is staying on top of things. I have always suspected your lung stuff is breast related as I have such a similar history to yours (ER+, pleural effusion, pneumonias, abnormal CT's and PET's). But do remember that you do not have lung cancer; you probably have breast cancer in your lungs. As scary as that is, it is a better prognosis than lung cancer. My pulmonologist said that my scans will always be abnormal and that he believed that I did have breast cancer in my lungs, but he said it is not lung cancer and breast cancer in lungs is usually much slower growing. That said, it is definitely not something to ignore either. Keep fighting my dear friend!!! And don't forget your promise to get some rest!

    Keeping my legs, eyes and
    Keeping my legs, eyes and fingers crossed that you are eligible for the clinical trial, Chen. Fight on, Warrior Woman! We're all in your corner!

    Chickadee
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member

    I am so glad that you like
    I am so glad that you like your new oncologist and I am glad he is staying on top of things. I have always suspected your lung stuff is breast related as I have such a similar history to yours (ER+, pleural effusion, pneumonias, abnormal CT's and PET's). But do remember that you do not have lung cancer; you probably have breast cancer in your lungs. As scary as that is, it is a better prognosis than lung cancer. My pulmonologist said that my scans will always be abnormal and that he believed that I did have breast cancer in my lungs, but he said it is not lung cancer and breast cancer in lungs is usually much slower growing. That said, it is definitely not something to ignore either. Keep fighting my dear friend!!! And don't forget your promise to get some rest!

    P.S.
    Here is a link because I just can't help myself:

    "Metastatic cancer has the same name and the same type of cancer cells as the original, or primary, cancer. For example, breast cancer that spreads to the lungs and forms a metastatic tumor is metastatic breast cancer, not lung cancer.

    Under a microscope, metastatic cancer cells generally look the same as cells of the original cancer. Moreover, metastatic cancer cells and cells of the original cancer usually have some molecular features in common, such as the expression of certain proteins or the presence of specific chromosome changes.

    Although some types of metastatic cancer can be cured with current treatments, most cannot. Nevertheless, treatments are available for all patients with metastatic cancer. In general, the primary goal of these treatments is to control the growth of the cancer or to relieve symptoms caused by it. In some cases, metastatic cancer treatments may help prolong life. However, most people who die of cancer die of metastatic disease."
    http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/metastatic

    We, however, have no plan to die of this disease! Soldier on!
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
    SO glad this doc is wonderful
    and you feel comfortable with him. Let's just keep thinking positive thoughts and that he can treat the cough successfully.

    I can relate to the feeling of being let down by your now former physician. That's how I felt about my GYN. I had cysts on my breast, my mother had taken DES while carrying me so I used to always get a sono after my mammo...always. Then he informed me the insurance company was giving him a hard time about the 250.00 sono so he would go ahead and skip it. He felt by looking at my mammo, he could tell if there would be a concern. When he suggested the same thing the following year, I told him I would feel better if I could have back up (sono) but he went on to say, he would look at the mammo and I reluctantly agreed. My bad. By the time I went next year I had a 5cm size tumor! When my surgeon looked at the prior year mammo, he saw (and I did too) what looked like glitter where the tumor had developed. I had to get over being angry that he didn't take precautions. I didn't tell him off, but in my last visit with him, between his apologies, I told him the next time any woman doesn't feel comfortable with something...LISTEN to her and screw the insurance company (which by the way, by refusing to shell out the 250.00 for a sono, ultimately paid out over 1/2 a million dollars!). Almost 2 years later, when I was in the back prepping for surgery for the reconstruction, I saw him there with a patient. He wouldn't look at me.

    I didn't mean to go off so much but your post just made me think about this whole "meh" attitude some doctors have. But you're right, I've forgiven and moved passed it. The next GYN was amazing. Totally opposite. If I said I had a twinge of pain, instant sono! He would'nt take any chances. And that's the way he is whether you have cancer or not.

    Love the Mantra!

    Hugs and prayers for you,

    Sylvia
  • newlife2011
    newlife2011 Member Posts: 40
    Long time no see......
    But it is the thought that counts right? Hello Chenheart! And that is exactly why I am here. I just wanted to let you know you are still on my list of prayers, that I often wonder how you are doing, and now a huge "Atta Girl" for taking that body numbing decision of firing an onc doc. I always felt it was unfortunate that docs get our trust handed to them on a silver platter. This after working with them for two years. I am so glad you found someone new and glad to hear you may be moving in a better direction for you! Just wanted you to know......I care!

    Hugs to you!
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member

    Long time no see......
    But it is the thought that counts right? Hello Chenheart! And that is exactly why I am here. I just wanted to let you know you are still on my list of prayers, that I often wonder how you are doing, and now a huge "Atta Girl" for taking that body numbing decision of firing an onc doc. I always felt it was unfortunate that docs get our trust handed to them on a silver platter. This after working with them for two years. I am so glad you found someone new and glad to hear you may be moving in a better direction for you! Just wanted you to know......I care!

    Hugs to you!

    My dear Hummingbird :)
    So happy that you found a caring Oncologist that will treat the beast with 100% force, as well as remember who you are, your history, hubby (dear Reggie), and your quest to killlll the damn beast -- with guns blazin'.

    Your arsenal of professionals, loved ones and Hope will get you thru the next hurdle -- I know it in my heart.

    I am awed by you and your commitment to achieve all that you can be, regardless of health issues or woes .. "Never give in, or Never give up" (Vicki Sam's' motto)

    Gentle hugs my cherished friend, as well as continued success.

    Vicki Sam
  • SamuraiMom
    SamuraiMom Member Posts: 295
    xxoo
    Hi Chenny,
    You should be furious. Thank God you're with this new doc!
    Go Doc Go!!!
    xxoo,
    SamuraiMom
  • fauxma
    fauxma Member Posts: 3,577 Member
    We put a lot of trust that
    We put a lot of trust that the medial team we are seeing has our best interests and our health in their hands. I can totally understand this frustratioin that the man who has handled your care for 8 years dropped the ball and didn't put what appears to be a possible 2+2=4. But so glad you have a new oncologist and that the right steps are being taken. And I always know that the bottom line is that you focus on the fight. But you are completely justified in being pissed about this. My best prayers and biggest old hug that your onc is so right on what needs to be done.
    Stef
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    Chen, My breast cancer was
    Chen, My breast cancer was made worse by a cavalier surgeon, so I know the frustration and anger you feel. I imagined suing the daylights out of her. It helped me to let her know my feelings.I know now: Always trust your gut instincts about your body. That was a hard way to learn that lesson. I have to say that it took years to temper my feelings and to be grateful for what is.

    As always, the unknown is one of the mental factors that gives the emotional component of cancer its most degrading and destructive power.

    You, I know, ARE stronger than the nasty beast, dear warrior sister. Here is my shoulder to lean on when you need it, and here are my arms to embrace you in a loving hug.

    xoxoxoxLynn
  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
    Chen
    I'm so glad you like the new onc! Hopefully the PET scan will show what your dr needs to know. As for the old onc - sounds like you're moving forward - forget old onc. You have a positive outlook and don't need to be dragged down by thoughts of what he could have done and didn't. I'm praying that you don't get bad news but at this point in time at least you'll know and be able to treat it. Keep the faith, my dear friend. You have given so many of us the encouragement we needed. You are strong! You can beat this beast! And know that we're all here for you with positive healing thoughts!
    {{hugs}} Char
  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    cahjah75 said:

    Chen
    I'm so glad you like the new onc! Hopefully the PET scan will show what your dr needs to know. As for the old onc - sounds like you're moving forward - forget old onc. You have a positive outlook and don't need to be dragged down by thoughts of what he could have done and didn't. I'm praying that you don't get bad news but at this point in time at least you'll know and be able to treat it. Keep the faith, my dear friend. You have given so many of us the encouragement we needed. You are strong! You can beat this beast! And know that we're all here for you with positive healing thoughts!
    {{hugs}} Char

    Atta girl!
    Wishing you all the best! Out with the old, in with the new! Hoping the scans are clean....
    Big 'ole hugs to you,
    Nancy