Well, I asked today to find out some of the answers to my question. The chemo onco told me that it's their practice at the CCC that I see all three doctors (ENT, chemo and rad) about monthly for the first year and then the appointments spread out to every couple to three months for the next two years. After that it will be the pattern to have CT scans every three to four months. The next appointment today with the rad doc had similar information (including that I would be on the dreaded Iressa drug for up to two years. UGH)

As far as planning out some actual "living" again after cancer treatments, the chemo onc told me that I could go ahead and plan stuff like a vacation and things would just work around it. That's good because the rad onco is getting ready to take a three week vacation. HA. So I get to skip him next month.

Cclark, I can certainly understand the frustration with doctors that get one all riled up. I have one that likes to call me "Sweetheart" followed by some of the pissiest comments afterwards. I sort of try to buck myself up before seeing him and tell myself "Well, this time maybe it will be different" hmmm... no doubt he's brilliant at what he does, but the communcication skills leave something to be desired.

I'm determined next time I see him I'm just going to count on my hand everytime he calls me "Sweetheart" or "darling" and mumble "well that's insensitive" every time he makes my eyes roll.

Here's hoping it's good news for Jerry. Afterall, many people on this board keep saying "It isn't cancer until they positively determine that it is"

Jen

that's really impressive that you see eahc doc every month for a year. Very thorough aftercare. if you can put up with being called "sweetheart" once a month :rolleyes:

Jen, have you ever tried smiling at him when he walks into the exam room and saying "Hi,Honeybutt"
or something equally demeaning? Amy

It sure was helpful to read all the imput above. We go for John's 1st appt.[post rad tx's] with the surgeon in about 10 days and we've been wondering what all we should ask, and as others have said, we'd like to get back on some kind of a normal schedule also. Amy

LOL... "Hi, Honeybutt!" Believe me, I'm going to brace myself next time I see him. I try very hard to be professional during the visits and NOT say what's really on my mind. Believe me, the interaction would be rated "R" for language.

Fact is, when you are a patient, you are really not in the power position. I respect the fact that he's brilliant at surgery etc (he also likes to talk about how brilliant he is, but I've heard it from other sources too, which is why the doc that diagnosed me sent me there)

It's just such a bummer he has poor communication skills. But hey, I feel like I'm getting stronger every day. Yes, I'm grateful, but maybe I'm getting stronger simply because now that I feel better, I'm gaining strength from being "pissed off".... :::giggle:::: perhaps at some stages it's a good indicator that I'm feeling normal emotions again.

Watch out world...

Jen