|
| Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Welcome to OCF, MandaRe!!! Im very glad you found our site so we can give you info and support to get your thru the next few months. Its not an easy road but to me it sounds like you are on the right track with getting a second opinion at one of the country's top CCC's (Comprehensive Cancer Centers).
Some doctors dont mind if you tape their consults. Ask if its ok and tape it so you can refer back to the recording when you cant quite remember the exact words you were told.
As far as help goes, you will need lots. Any person who offers to help you tell them when the time comes you will let them know what they can do. Write down everyone's name and contact info, hopefully you can text them or your caregiver can reach out if they need help. This can be a rough road but dont worry, you have us in your corner.
Read the forum and also the main OCF pages to help educate yourself about your disease and treatments. When first diagnosed it can be a confusing and scary time. Just not knowing what comes next can be enough to freak most people out, let alone facing your own mortality. Many patients (and quite a few caregivers too) use anxiety meds and a good therapist to help.
Dont be afraid to ask questions both of your medical staff and here. We may be OC patients/survivors and caregivers but we have been thru this and can help pass along tons of tips to help make this as easy as possible.
Best wishes!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | |
Forums23 Topics18,263 Posts197,173 Members13,356 | Most Online1,788 Jan 23rd, 2025 | | | |
|