 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Marlene,
We are not doctors, except a few in the dentistry field, so you really need to consult with the experts. Brian, Gary and JoAnn are close but even they would not venture to make recommendations.
Don't be ashamed or afraid to speak up for and on behalf of yourself. YOU MUST BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE...no one else will be. Seek another qualified opinion if need be and try and become as totally comfortable with the decisions BEFORE you can't affect them anymore. I saw 5 "specialists" before I thought I was comfortable and I still won't ever know who may have been right until perhaps the day I die.
Prepare a list of questions for each doctor you will see in advance of your appt. Keep a sheet of paper with you always and when a new question pops into your head, write it down. Don't rely on your memory in this stressful time. Then when you meet with them ask each one every question and ask more if their answers make you and write their answers down. Say "slow down" if you need to. Hey this is your life, not there's. Just remember that. We were all scared at one point and I guess I still am but I have just grown accustomed to the feeling.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
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