life expectancy ...and vent
I found out last week that my MIL has stage IV cancer. She has a 10 cm spot in her head that is believed to be the main source. She also has 2 smaller spots on her spine, one near her breast and a mass on top of her shoulder. So it has spread to more than 1 area. They have decided it is in too many spots to remove surgically, or use radiation. She will be starting chemtherapy next week (2 different drugs, 4 rounds). I want to be optimistic here. What could her life expectancy be?
I am also frustrated with her oncologist. He saw her last May 3rd,ordered tests (biopsy, mri's blood work), sent her to a surgeon and the earliest he can see her to follow up with her diagnosis is June 16 - that's 6 weeks. For someone you now know is stage 4, that seems like too long to wait to be seen. I have called and begged them to see her earlier and get started, but they cannot fit her in to their schedules any sooner. They have not returned any of her phone calls the past weeks and she has been camped by her phone waiting for them to call with results. I called last week for her and they apoligized and gave me the diagnosis of stage 4, and that they will be starting chemo next week, and cannot do surgery. She was just so happy to finally get any news that they have decided on a treatment, and additionally happy that she won't have to do surgery. She has no idea her cancer has progressed this much and that it's not necessarily a good thing they cannot do surgery. Am I right to be frustrated with her oncologist, or is this a normal turnaround time??
life expectancy ...and vent
I found out last week that my MIL has stage IV cancer. She has a 10 cm spot in her head that is believed to be the main source. She also has 2 smaller spots on her spine, one near her breast and a mass on top of her shoulder. So it has spread to more than 1 area. They have decided it is in too many spots to remove surgically, or use radiation. She will be starting chemtherapy next week (2 different drugs, 4 rounds). I want to be optimistic here. What could her life expectancy be?
I am also frustrated with her oncologist. He saw her last May 3rd,ordered tests (biopsy, mri's blood work), sent her to a surgeon and the earliest he can see her to follow up with her diagnosis is June 16 - that's 6 weeks. For someone you now know is stage 4, that seems like too long to wait to be seen. I have called and begged them to see her earlier and get started, but they cannot fit her in to their schedules any sooner. They have not returned any of her phone calls the past weeks and she has been camped by her phone waiting for them to call with results. I called last week for her and they apoligized and gave me the diagnosis of stage 4, and that they will be starting chemo next week, and cannot do surgery. She was just so happy to finally get any news that they have decided on a treatment, and additionally happy that she won't have to do surgery. She has no idea her cancer has progressed this much and that it's not necessarily a good thing they cannot do surgery. Am I right to be frustrated with her oncologist, or is this a normal turnaround time??
first off Brain tumors do not spread and are not the cause of cancer moving to all parts of the body. that is not saying you can not get it in other place but the brain will not be the source, My guess is it was somewhere else and then traveled up.
second i would bet a second option as soon as possible, as anyone (Dr.) that can not see you in a time like that is useless.
I was dx in march of 2007 with Glioblastma Mulitforme stage 4 the worst tumor there is and could not get operated on. I went to 3 drs before i felt right and it was all in a day span... Rethink and go to a big hospital i go to Boston..
will talk if you want
first off Brain tumors do not spread and are not the cause of cancer moving to all parts of the body. that is not saying you can not get it in other place but the brain will not be the source, My guess is it was somewhere else and then traveled up.
second i would bet a second option as soon as possible, as anyone (Dr.) that can not see you in a time like that is useless.
I was dx in march of 2007 with Glioblastma Mulitforme stage 4 the worst tumor there is and could not get operated on. I went to 3 drs before i felt right and it was all in a day span... Rethink and go to a big hospital i go to Boston..
will talk if you want
A second opinion is a great idea. Also, google her disease and read everything you can get your hands on about it and the possible treatments. Many Doctors are not aware of recent advances even in their own specialties. The Dr.s that are will welcome your discussion. If not, find a new Dr.
A second opinion is a great idea. Also, google her disease and read everything you can get your hands on about it and the possible treatments. Many Doctors are not aware of recent advances even in their own specialties. The Dr.s that are will welcome your discussion. If not, find a new Dr.
For a wait if six weeks to see an Oncologist says this medical facility doe not have 'Critical Health plan' for patients. This is crucial in todays treatment of developing cancers, show lack of foresight of this treatment center. Patient should certainly seek second opinion urgently. Critical Health Plans are implemented for patients of advanced care for strategic action going upto palliative action. Nurse stations should be aware of this situation so as to action in an emergency. meningiaware@gmail.com
For a wait if six weeks to see an Oncologist says this medical facility doe not have 'Critical Health plan' for patients. This is crucial in todays treatment of developing cancers, show lack of foresight of this treatment center. Patient should certainly seek second opinion urgently. Critical Health Plans are implemented for patients of advanced care for strategic action going upto palliative action. Nurse stations should be aware of this situation so as to action in an emergency. meningiaware@gmail.com