Hi All!

We'll our oncology appointment was !@#$%^&*()! No matter what I do I feel like I am going backwards!

Mark's oncologist would not give him a referral for a PET Scan and could care less about anything else he's going through. He did put in a referral for an neck MRI on this Valentine's Day; Neurologist appointment was rescheduled for Feb 16th.

In the mean time the lump in my husband's throat is becoming larger. He said he it is starting to give him a slight choking sensation. He is so upset that he thinks no one (MD's) cares if he lives or dies.

He lost his second tooth and is totally embarrassed. I took him to the dentist (whom had already made him a partial, for a previous tooth loss that he can't wear because it makes him gag.) He walked out because they want $800 to replace the tooth with a rod & new one. He said "$800 for porcelain?" I can buy a few nice porcelain toilets for that amount!" As he was walking out, tooth in hand, he slid it back over the old rod and took a drink of water and swallowed the tooth. Okay now I am privately giggling=) It's not funny... Sorry... So just another thing to add to the list of things we can NOT afford to fix=(

Thanks for letting me vent...

PS: Anyone have tips for SSD? We hear they do not approve 80% of the applications received. Mark's oncologist will not write a note to say how long he will be disabled, since it differs for everyone. SSD wants it to be a year or more. UGH! The way it is going now it will be more than a year for sure.

PPS: Please don't take this as being ungrateful; I am blessed to still have my husband at my side.

I'm sorry you guys are having so much trouble. It sounds very much like your dr doesn't give a crap! My advice move quickly either get a different dr. Or change hospitals - I can't remember if he's at a ccc - I get the feeling he isn't - but if he is! see if there is somewhere else he can go. I wouldn't wait - whatever is in his thoat is an airway obstruction. Airway is number one when it comes to care. No breath - no live...it's that simple I wouldn't wait. do a bit of research and find a better dr. I know there are issues with finances and insurance. There is information here on the orum about negotiating that. I wish I could help more but I live in Canada.but do try to see someone else. hugs - and VENT away!

Well, I'm glad the MRI is scheduled. Since the oncologist seems to be a loser, is there any chance of seeing his ENT or RO? Sorry that you are going thru all this.

@ Maria: The oncologist is the ENT. I don't even think he is board certified. When I call to make an appointment with him they don't show him listed, but he is under ENT Surgeons.

@Cheryl: Thank you for your support. We live in California and have an HMO? "PRICELESS" or should I say "COULDCARELESS"

Kelly change drs ASAP! Seriously. If you can't change hospitals - at least get a better surgical oncologist! I wish I knew a little more about hmos - hugs!!!

Kelly - re your question on SSD - my son's ENT did write a letter for the SSD, and anyone concerned, indicating he was completely disabled and would be for at least a year. Paul was out of a job, no health insurance, severely depressed and we went thru hours of interviews with SSD. They still denied his disability but they also said we could get an attorney and and re-apply. My son was so tired and discouraged that he just didn't want to have any more to do with them. With SSD, you really have to be aggressively persistent and make sure to keep on top of them, checking everything they say or do with names and dates. I hear now that there are attorneys that will represent you and don't charge you until you get the disability $. Don't know how this works, but it might be something to look into. I sure hope everything works out for Mark and you and that you can find a better, more knowledgeable and compassionate doctor. My son got thru the experience and doing just great now! So can Mark and you!