I have Kaiser and will be going in for a Biopsy this Thursday....

Anyone have any experience with them relative to this diseas?

Hi Cali girl. Not with this desease but lots of good luck in the past with Kaiser. they are no longer available herre in NC.

Good luck,

my prayers are with you. I have been thrpough the whole process and this board is a good place to bounce your questions off. I would be glad to talk with you regarding processes and treatment if you want.

Steve

Cali Girl, I have had Kaiser insurance for years and am convinced beyond doubt that their docs saved my life. I showed up with a stage 4 tumor and they did a magnificent job of surgery, farmed me out for IMRT at a local cancer center hospital because it was then new and they did not yet have it, and put me on chemo before it was standard, and even before I could ask for it. They even had a plastic surgeon involved in the 14 hr. surgery, so I do not look anything but normal today. I have heard a lot of Kaiser bashing, but I received top notch treatment and the fact that I am here going on 4 years later, feeling like a million bucks, gives lie to that. One of our other long-time posters was also treated by Kaiser and got excellent results. I am in the Northwest, and he is in CA. Hope this gives you a little more confidence in Kaiser. Lots of good luck, and as Steve posted above, this forum, as well as the extensive information on the main site, are wonderful places to get up to speed on the things you need to know.

I'm the other cancer patient who has Kaiser. They were great and still are. They paid for me to go to UCSFCCC for the radiation part of my treatment. I have an excellant oncologist and head & neck surgeon at Kaiser. I was consistently moved to the head of the line and given copies of every single item in my medical files. I received my biopsy during my first visit with the H&N surgeon and had the pathology report 3 days later. The advice nurses were fantastic and helped me through many bumps in the road. Pain management was excellent and they also follow the NCCN omcology practice guidelines as well.

We also have eye care and dental through them. It's a little pricey but the $5 copay makes up for a lot.

My wife and I are 100% satisfied with the services there. They have cleaned up their act to the point of a complete transformation from their reputation back in the 70's.

They are poised to set the standard of care in the US.

Thank you for the positive feedback. I have been reading up on the Kaiser where I will be going and they are partnered with a huge cancer treatment center right across the street from the main hospital. I'm hoping I never have to see the inside of it, but have comfort knowing people are getting excellent care through them. I will have my biopsy in a few hours. Wish me luck!

Cali Girl, wishing You Lots of Luck Amy

You may have seen my other post, but the doctor did not seem to be concerned about my mouth and throat at all. I asked if she might do a biopsy just to ease my mind and she said, "Biopsy what?"

She seemed a little flipid considering the amount of anxiety I've been going through during the waiting period. She did order a Sed Rate test to help ease my mind. Apparently it is useful in determining if something is going on (though is not specific) before the tell tail signs are apparent.

One thing I have gotten from this board is that early diagnosis is crucial. My boss had breast cancer and despite going in for a check-up just 2 months before she was diagnosed, they missed it and she was so angry to have waisted those precious 2 months doing nothing when she could have had treatment. She is a 20 year survivor, and a huge advocate about managing your own health, as doctors have so many patients, they do sometimes miss things.... we know our bodies best.

I am to go back in 2 months for a follow up if my symptoms have not improved and then an annual check-up there after.

I have begun to take the Zantac again, even though it has not offered any relief for my sore throat, but I'm going to give it a real try. I've also started taking my Alegra, in case post nasal drip is part of the problem. All of this was just prescribed to me 3 months ago when my symptoms began and I used them for a while but stopped after 2 weeks of no improvment. Seems they want to blaim everyting on acid reflux or alergies these days, but hey, with the stress I've been under, nothing is impossible.

Well, the Zantac and Alegra have not had any affect at all so far. I had a pin head size cavity right next to an old filling that the dentist wanted to take care of in May. I've called and set the appointment to have it taken care of, but I'm also hoping to talk to him about the changes in my mouth, as they are much different than when he saw me in May. The appointment is set for 4 days ahead of my follow up ESR test. Hopefully a second set of eyes from a doctor I've been seeing for 8 years will help me one way or the other.

I have an appointment with the ENT tomorrow, as I have a feeling like something is stuck in my throat and having some pain in my jaw hinge up by my ear. The funny feeling in my soft patlate, I am realising is coming from the other side, the thoat side and I've been having headaches and a lot of sinus congestion. I pray she says it's all just some post nasal drip.

When the office called me back to make the appointment, I told them last time I was in there the doctor treated me like I was a space alien. The lady on the phone laughed and said they'd be sure not to do that to me again tomorrow.

Hi, Cali Girl, After your exam, you may want to more your posts to another area other that Ins. Best luck. Amy