Yikes. Don't know how your system operates, but it is possible they tried to do this thing with the idea that, if the biopsy came back negative, they would simply cancel? I've known people think this way in the face of long, long waiting times for appointments.
Yikes. Don't know how your system operates, but it is possible they tried to do this thing with the idea that, if the biopsy came back negative, they would simply cancel? I've known people think this way in the face of long, long waiting times for appointments.
That is what a friend does routinely with his patients. If the result doesn't turn out well, then they are set for the next stage with a shorter wait. If it is good, then cancel and congratulate.
Turns out a general confusion in the MD's office. The Doctor's Assistant that I originally saw, wrote an order to do a follow-up biopsy if needed. The hospital called me and made the appointment. MD's office called to say the doctor said that I needed follow-up, I told them I already had one, MD's office called again, nurse said she just received the message I needed a follow-up. I said I already have one. Yesterday it was the Doctor's assistant that had them make the call that she was sending me to a surgeon. I received a call last night from her saying that was for a biopsy. I said I already had the appointment the hospital had called me. She wanted to know who had requested it. I could tell her she did on my original appointment referral by her. Do these people not look at charts, or speak to each other. Guess I should be glad they do follow-ups.
Please pray for L, our brave next door neighbour,who has a lumpectomy for breast cancer on Dec 9. Inevitably, chemo and radiotherapy will follow. And for T, her husband. We have known them 25+ years so this is quite a shock.
'A ' will be starting her palliative chemo on Friday this week. Life is very surreal at present. I need to make every effort to avoid bring home any infection...so I've been wearing a mask all day at work today for first time since COVID.
Praying for "A," and for you Gracious Rebel. Praying for I and her husband T. Asking prayers for M who has leukemia and now his wife has cancer as well.
On a slightly more positive note, Mr F got his 3-monthly letter from the consultant haematologist to say no change (ie still in remission) keep on with the treatment - which is to say bloods + chemo every other week. Which is quite heavy going, but on the other hand better than the alternative.
I'm currently sitting in A&E while A has been wheeled off for a chest x-ray. She had first dose of chemo on Friday, and up until this morning she was quite well...but today she has fever and nausea and some vomitting. Called oncology emergency and was advised to bring her to A&E...spent 30 mins trying to cajole her into my car but she was too dizzy to walk, so was advised to call an ambulance. She's been given IV antibiotics assuming there might be an infection and she will soon be admitted to a ward for monitoring. Good old NHS.
'A' has had a good day ... she's been out of hospital for a couple days now, but felt pretty strong and without much pain today, so after a hospital visit for a blood test this afternoon, we had a coffee and cake in the hospital Costa, then a spot of retail therapy at Matalan on the way home. Doesn't sound much but its the most she's achieved for nearly 2 weeks
A minister in our presbytery has a cancer that is now considered to be terminal. She is one of those energetic people who enlivens everyone around her, and had revitalised a struggling congregation. I don't have words for this kind of thing. Just prayers; mostly wordless prayers.
@Stercus Tauri I am so sorry. How sad for your congregation and all who love her. Prayers indeed. Can you give us an initial to pray with that our Lord will give her comfort in her remaining days?
Oh no, the follow-up pathology report shows some concern with cells and I need to go in for more testing on the breast. Just when they told me all looked clear but were sending it for further exam per their routine. It was a text message to call after the holiday and I could not ask any questions as it was an auto one. It will be two weeks until I can see my doctor.
Oh yikes, I'm sorry, just got through with my own biopsy for some atypical cells. Hope your brush with them goes just as well as mine--they got them all and nothing is expected to ever come back, let alone progress.
An update on A. We saw the oncologist yesterday. Sadly she has now developed jaundice ... Clear sign that the liver is struggling due to extensive secondary tumours. (The other possible cause being blocked bile duct, which could be addressed, but given the site if original cancer in pancreas and extensive secondaries in liver that option looks very unlikely...an urgent scan will confirm). This is bad news as it means chemo is no longer an appropriate option....it would only have been palliative, but could have extended life and (relative) health. She now has morphine for the pain, which is good as since Christmas she's been in lots of pain. So suddenly facing fairly imminent demise....time to get affairs in order etc...and maybe to plan some treats..especially as it's her 60th birthday this month.
This is very sad to hear @Gracious Rebel , I'm so sorry. I hope A's pain remains under control and you can celebrate her 60th birthday in a meaningful way.
This is very sad to hear @Gracious Rebel , I'm so sorry. I hope A's pain remains under control and you can celebrate her 60th birthday in a meaningful way.
I was able to speak to a human. Some mistake, in messageing the biopsy is negative NO cancer cells. WTF? They were to have told me to make an appointment for a routine follow-up with my doctor to go over the results. I changed insurance the first of the year so I will be going to a new medical practice Thursday. I will have my new doctor check to make sure. I am very relieved still WTF.
I was able to speak to a human. Some mistake, in messageing the biopsy is negative NO cancer cells. WTF? They were to have told me to make an appointment for a routine follow-up with my doctor to go over the results. I changed insurance the first of the year so I will be going to a new medical practice Thursday. I will have my new doctor check to make sure. I am very relieved still WTF.
A cricketing friend has just lost his second sister to cancer, the first died horribly from it a little over a decade ago. Since 2020 he's lost both parents, relationship broke down, lockdowns, long covid and now this. And he's in Australia, a long way away from his cricket family (I'd say we are a family, loud, aggravating, dysfunctional, but all somehow looking after each other and pulling in the same direction). He's a great bloke and there's Jack I can do except send kind words across the ether.
Evil bastard disease, may the rusty farm implement finally destroy you.
Comments
That is what a friend does routinely with his patients. If the result doesn't turn out well, then they are set for the next stage with a shorter wait. If it is good, then cancel and congratulate.
'A' has had a good day ... she's been out of hospital for a couple days now, but felt pretty strong and without much pain today, so after a hospital visit for a blood test this afternoon, we had a coffee and cake in the hospital Costa, then a spot of retail therapy at Matalan on the way home. Doesn't sound much but its the most she's achieved for nearly 2 weeks
Very good news
Excellent news, indeed!
@Graven Image That does sound like a good day. I'm glad A got the care she needed.
.
Yes, indeed. Prayers from here
That is so so good. PTL!
Evil bastard disease, may the rusty farm implement finally destroy you.