Finally, an update on my cancer.

[Longhorn]

There hasn't been much to report the last few weeks unless I just wanted to rant! I was diagnosed with a uterine sarcoma on March 3 based on a biopsy read by a local pathologist, as well as CT-scans and MRIs, and began radiation treatment immediately. I was told I'd be able to get into MD Anderson by that Friday, the 7th or the following Monday, the 10th, so we did not start chemo. Well, no call came and when I called my oncologist the following week, I was told she was out of town for the week. Also, the pathologist at MD Anderson asked for my slides and got them on the 13th so there was no report yet from MDA.

I called this past Monday, the 17th (two weeks after diagnosis,) and found out that the "world famous" MDA pathologist is out of town for this week and on Tuesday I was told that no other pathologist would do the report that he started. I decided to call MDA myself and was told that no one could talk to me because I'm not a patient. However, the lady at the sarcoma center said that I could not get an appointment for a second opinion unless I was 21 days without treatment. I was scheduled to do a second round of radiation on Wednesday and Thursday. I called my oncologist, who was surprised at this news but who also could not offer my any advice except to go ahead with the treatment she suggested (including chemo today) even though she said it would not cure me and has a 50-percent chance of prolonging my life. Also, it could keep me from entering a trial or getting more specialized treatment at MDA. I called the radiological oncologist and he said let's delay radiation since it had already been two weeks so that the clock would keep ticking and not keep me from getting to MDA. In addition, my gyn oncologist couldn't even get the MDA doctor to call her back. So bottom line, I made the decision to quit treatment until I get to MD Anderson. :scared:

I called for an update on Wednesday and found that my gyn oncologist, her nurse, and her PA were all out of the office for the day. The substitute nurse "shared my frustration." :sarcasm: So I started making some other calls. I called my referring gyn who called a friend who is an oncologist in Houston and he suggested I call the MDA patient advocate (and even mentioned taking my case to the press!) She also said she would call my gyn oncologist. I left a message with the patient advocate. My lap-band surgeon also suggested I look into Sloan Kettering in NYC so I called there and they took my information and immediately emailed the info I would need to get an appointment there. However, getting in there would still hinge on the pathology report.

I don't know if my calls had anything to do with it but I finally got a call yesterday that another MDA pathologist looked at my slide and made a preliminary diagnosis that I have a uterine carcinoma, not a sarcoma. Because of this, I should go to the MDA gynecology department rather than the sarcoma department. Today MDA called and I have a tentative appointment of April 1 (no fooling!) and I should plan to stay 5 to 7 days. I won't yet resume radiation just in case it still turns out to be a sarcoma. All of this hinges on the final pathologist report from the guy who has been gone all week.

Since most carcinomas are much more common than sarcomas, I find this news encouraging. Of course, a lot of this has to do with the staging of the tumor and since it has metastisized to my lungs, I already know it is one of the more serious cancers. But I also know that more research is done on the more common cancers so there may be better treatments available. At least now I should be examined by experts and I can get on with getting rid of this thing!

My daughters, son-in-law, sister and I went to a cancer support meeting Tuesday that was most helpful and positive. Also, I bought a pair of cowboy boots and have worn them the past two days -- they are quite comfortable! I got these:



They have gel insoles so now I'm kickin' and stompin and gellin'. :D I also got a spur keychain for an extra jab now and then. I'm feeling great because I'm more than two weeks out from any treatment and the tumor has quit bleeding. I've found a great teacher who can take my classes because my daughters are going to babysit for her son. So everything is looking pretty positive right now. :)

I'm sorry this is so long but if nothing else, I needed to journal it. Thanks for all your good wishes! I'll let you know when there's more news! :hi:

[lightningandsnow]

1. Good luck to you, hun!

Thanks for updating. You are so brave! Keep us posted, OK?

Sending hugs.
:hug:

[Longhorn]

8. Thanks, Friend!

I don't know if I'm brave or just stubborn but I'm gonna get some results, dammit it! :) :hug:

[mainegreen]

2. Good luck!

:hug:

[Longhorn]

9. Thanks!

:hug:

[Flaxbee]

3. I'm sorry to hear you're getting the run-around, Longhorn!

Jeezus, it's not like you have a stubbed toe! My sister had a few issues with her doctors' offices, too; I think she got quick treatment because she already knew the doctors from a previous bout with cancer, but she did say she had to be persistent.

You shouldn't have to stay on them like this, but I think that is what you just have to do in this country's health care system.

Nice looking boots, though! :hi:

[Longhorn]

10. It really is a shame that the patient has to work so hard.

Maybe I was just being impatient but they could definitely improve communication and it's hard to believe that a pathologist can leave town for a week and a case just stalls! As a teacher, I sure have to leave plans for my subs!

Thanks! :hug:

[auntAgonist]

4. thank you for updating

I was thinking of you again this morning and wondering how things are going.
You are one strong lady! You have a lot of fight in you and now you've got the boots to kick with too.

:)

:loveya: K!!


aA
kesha

[Longhorn]

11. Thanks, Kesha!

I'm nothing if not persistent! :)

:hug:

[supernova]

5. Appreciate the update Longhorn

:hug: My thoughts and wishes go out to you.

I'm glad you finally got an appt at MD Anderson.

Keep Duke in mind also if you don't feel you are getting what you want out of MDA. They do a lot of experimental work and often trade patients w/ MD Anderson.

http://www.cancer.duke.edu/

[Longhorn]

12. That's good to know!

These boots are made for walking (or catching a plane!) :)

Thanks! :hug:

[applegrove]

6. Sending you vibes.

[Longhorn]

13. Thanks!

There have been some low times and that's when I remember good folks like you! :hug:

[lost-in-nj]

7. I will keep the good vibes

the positive thoughts and prayers headed your way......


:hug:

Good thing you are relentless..... HORRAY for you....

the best patient advocate is the patient themselves......
keep us posted......

on another note


I HAVE THOSE SAME EXACT BOOTS!!!!!!!!!
Ariats!!!!
In the brown and blue and I have them in black and
I have just brown I use for riding!

They are so comfy......

:hi:


lost

[Longhorn]

14. How amazing!

I only tried on two pairs and fell in love with these. I never dreamed they could be so comfortable from day one. The spry, little ole saleslady at Sheplers has the same boots, too, though she didn't mention it until I had decided. She said the company was started by a couple of ladies who used to work for Nike and they named the company after Secretariat. Cool, huh? The little booklet that came with them said that the finish is resistant to manure. ;) With five dogs, I can now safely walk around in the back yard! :rofl:

Thanks for hugs and positive thoughts! :hug:

[FloridaJudy]

15. Unbelievable!

That happened to me: a specialist left town, and I didn't get a diagnosis/referral for over a month, but fortunately my case wasn't life threatening. That's the height of callous indifference. Surely some arrangement should be have been made to cover clients who don't have all the time in the world to wait, or just those biting their nails with anxiety. I wish some doctors would have a medical crisis themselves and discover what they put their patients through - nothing drastic, just a nice false alarm so they'd get a clue.

It does sound like you're in good hands now, so I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Love the boots! That's the way to handle it: do something nice for yourself.

And here's a hug.

[Longhorn]

16. Yes, I found the situation absolutely shocking.

And I felt helpless because there wasn't a darn thing I could do about it! At least, not anything that would resolve the situation any sooner. So I just had to wait. But at least now it looks like there's some activity.

Thanks for listening and being there for me! :hug:

[Sheltiemama]

83. First of all, love the boots.

Second, a friend of my mother's has fought similar battles with her doctors and specialists. She's also gotten diagnoses that turned out to be wrong. Patients don't stop being sick when a doctor is out of the office! It's insane that you have to be your own advocate at a time like this. If you can, let a family member help you make those phone calls and badger the doctors. Showing up in person is more effective than a phone call, I think, especially if you have an imposing husband or other male family member to accompany you.

[Longhorn]

88. This is my first venture into the medical world

for more than just checkups and the occasional brief illness. When my father was sick, I was amazed at how much the hospital personnel depended on my mother to keep his records straight, make sure that he ate and coordinated all the doctors. I kept wondering what the patients do who don't have someone there fulltime?

Thanks for the advice! I intend to strongly represent myself! :)

[TZ]

17. Sorry to hear about the runaround....

I've kinda had the same deal from time to time.
Also a couple other places that specialize (which aren't close but are respected) are Dana Farber in Mass and Mayo Clinic. In fact, I sent my blood off for a study at Dana Farber and have volunteered for future clinical trials there as well.

[Longhorn]

19. I've read about both of those places

and know they are highly regarded, especially Dana Farber. I'm hoping everything will be okay once I actually get to MD Anderson since it's just 3.5 hours away but I will definitely go anywhere I need to to get the best care!

Thanks! :hug:

[Akoto]

18. Dealings with doctors can be nerve wracking, I know!

I've had issues with unexplained pain for seven years. Finally, a month ago, a new specialist diagnosed me with a chronic pain condition. Very little is known other than it doesn't have a link to cancer, and he told me it was a miserable condition I'd just have to live with.

Naturally, I was distraught and scared. I was also afraid of the medication he'd prescribed and (rightly) believed it was having unintended side-effects. When I called the nursing department to ask him what I should do, they came back that I had "emotional issues" and he'd no longer see me.

Yes, I'm bitter. :P

Going to a new doctor next week who will hopefully be more empathetic. This is all small potatoes next to what you're dealing with, but perhaps it'll help some to realize that others are getting that run around!

[Longhorn]

21. Oh, no!

What kind of response is that? First, who wouldn't be emotional when dealing with chronic pain, but, second, how can they dismiss you like that? You're definitely better off without those cads! That sounds like an episode of Seinfeld, only it isn't funny in real life!

My mother told me she had to go through 14 doctors until she found one who was able to help her with her myasthenia gravis. It's a rare disease and she's been dealing with it for more than 40 years. But she knew she wasn't crazy and persisted until she found someone who knew how to deal with it.

Doctors can only know so much but to display that kind of attitude toward you is unforgivable! I hope you have better luck with the new doctor! :hug:

[Akoto]

28. I hope so, too!

I don't deny that I have anxiety problems, and counseling would probably help, but that doesn't mean I can't also have physical problems! He's one of those "God complex" doctors, I guess. I was just stunned when I heard those words from the nurse. First time I've ever been fired by a doctor.

I've been working hard to stop being so depressed about it over the last few days. Sitting here crying does me no good. I worry about the future, but trying my best to focus on the present and get out every day.

You certainly sound to have more strength than I do! You'll pull through. :)

[Longhorn]

38. I don't know if it's strength

or fear that if I start crying, I'll never stop! :)

Let's keep each other strong! :hug:

[ceile]

20. Good luck!

:hug:

[Longhorn]

22. Thanks!

:hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

23. I am sorry that you got the run-around from the "world famous" doc. And good

for you for getting those boots! LOL You just stay positive and live life the way it should be lived. *hugs*

[Longhorn]

25. I'll probably be glad that he's so famous

if he gets the diagnosis right (especially if it's better than what I've already been told! ;)) But I wish he had finished the report before he left!

I'm lovin' my boots! :D

Thanks! :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

24. Thinking of you.

Sending get well vibes.

:hug:

[Longhorn]

26. Thanks!

I'm feeling good and that helps my attitude. I need to remember that when I'm not feeling so great. :) :hug:

[MissMillie]

27. you hang tough

and make the professionals take good care of you!!!!

[Longhorn]

31. I will, MissMillie!

I'll think of you out there huffing and puffing around the track, determined to reach your goal! :hug:

[UndertheOcean]

29. dear Longhorn

I am very sorry that you are going through this terrible ordeal.

[Longhorn]

33. Thanks!

I can't help but think of what people go through when they don't have insurance! My treatment has cost more than $20,000 so far and I've barely started! Yet I've paid about $150 in copays. What if I had to worry about how to pay for it on top of these delays? It's unimaginable, yet I know it happens every day. :(

[Delphinus]

30. Longhorn,

I've been following yours posts, although not responding, 'til now.

Sweetie, I am holding you in tons of loving, healing energy.

I am sorry you have to go through such rigamarole with what seem to be uncaring medical professionals. Your attitude, along with your new boots, are going to keep you going far! :hug:

[Longhorn]

35. Thanks so much!

I really think these folks are trying to do their best but the timing just wasn't good for me these last few weeks.

I appreciate your kind thoughts! :hug:

[Haole Girl]

32. I'm so glad you are keeping a positive attitude!

And I love the boots!

Hold on!!

:loveya:

[Longhorn]

36. Thanks!

The sweet gal that sold them to me also gave me a 20-percent off coupon! And she didn't even know why I was buying them, only that they were my first pair of cowboy boots and that I was so excited about getting them. :) But they've already made me stronger!

[lavenderdiva]

34. good Lord, sweetie, its a good thing you have big balls-

and keep after them. Your new boots should help kick some butt. I'm glad you finally got through and got a better diagnosis, and now have an appointment, even if it is on April 1!!! Thank you for the update, I've been wondering about and thinking of you. Sending you lots of hugs and good energy! :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Longhorn]

37. Well, I don't know about balls

but my boots are pretty big. ;) I wear size 11 shoe but was pleased to find out that I only wear size 10 boots. I feel positively petite! :rofl:

So I'll be down your way next weekend. I'll stay at my mother's house in Spring unless they want to see me as an in-patient. We also might decide to stay downtown if the commute seems too arduous. I know I'll feel your good energy even more when I get there! :)

Thanks, Hon! :hug:

[SeattleGirl]

39. Keep on kickin', honey!

:loveya: :hug: :loveya: :loveya: :hug: :loveya:

[Longhorn]

42. The boots I got also come in red

and looked really nice but I'm more of an orange person -- especially burnt orange. ;)

Thanks for the help! :hi:

[ultrabrown]

40. You are going to live a long, long life

Cancer has been tackled by recent technology. NOt only will you get through this, but you will live a happy, healthy live until you are over 100.

Put it in the bank.

[Longhorn]

43. I could go for that!

Thanks! The deposit has been made! :hi:

[ThomCat]

41. Damn. I understand that doctors have a right to go on vacation too

but it's horribly inconsiderate of them to leave your treatment hanging like that without passing off the work to someone else who's competent to do it. You should not have to jump through hoops to get treatment. x(

:hug:
I hope all goes well from here on.

[Longhorn]

44. So true!

I guess it could be a sign that only the best is good enough for me! ;) I read somewhere online that I've likely had this cancer a few years so a few days delay in treatment in order to get the RIGHT treatment shouldn't be a problem, but it sure did mess with my psyche this week! I woke up with an anxious feeling in my chest every morning. Thank goodness for my sleeping pills or I wouldn't have gotten any sleep!

Thanks! :hug:

[GOPisEvil]

45. What a story!

You keep kickin'! :thumbsup:

[Longhorn]

46. I will, thanks!

Congrats on the Aggies' win last night! :thumbsup:

[GOPisEvil]

47. Thanks! The Big 12 is rockin' this year (except for Baylor).

The Longhorns looked good today. I'd like to see all the Big 12 teams go far.

[Longhorn]

63. Me, too!

I have Kansas and Texas going to the Final Four in my bracket. Of course, I had the Longhorns winning it all last year! ;)

I'll be rooting for the Aggies against UCLA and won't be at all surprised if they win. I have no money involved so Gig 'em, Aggies! :thumbsup: :D

[mwdem]

48. Sweetie, I'm in there, kicking for you, still!

I'm a B.C. survivor (2 years ago) and a uterine cancer survivor (1 year ago). You hang in there, stay informed, connected, and positive! I've got your back, girl!:pals: from the DFW area.

[Longhorn]

52. I know you know

how inspiring it is for me to hear about people like you! Thanks so much! :hug:

[mwdem]

55. You just keep those boots on.

Never stop kickin'

[barb162]

49. Sheesh, what a run-around, but things seem to be looking up

and you actually have an appointment now that's not that far off. Good luck and much love to you, dear.

[Longhorn]

53. I feel much calmer now.

I feel like I'm now on track for beating this! Thanks! :hug:

[barb162]

75. Good!

[Darth_Kitten]

50. I am wishing you well!

:hug:

[Longhorn]

54. Thanks, DK!

:hug:

[Darth_Kitten]

57. Just get better......and kick some butt!

:)

[Maestro]

51. What a run-a-round. Sorry for this but at least you have the appt.

for the first! I had to wait 3 months for my bioposy when the doctor first told me he felt "something." As soon as I had the biopsy, I received a phone call two days later to be given the news it was cancer. One month later I had surgery. Hopefully, your ball will get rolling like mine did after an initial slow start. :hug:

[Longhorn]

58. Wow, how did you stay sane?

It's the waiting that drives me crazy but I guess that's what cancer is all about -- waiting for the diagnosis, waiting for the treatment to begin, waiting for it to work, and waiting to find out if the cancer comes back. So I guess I best get used to it. I know you understand. Thanks! :hug:

[Maestro]

61. In my case, I had work and family to keep me

preoccupied. I was feeling badly, but during the whole three months I had weekly check ups with my doc. He basically had me convinced that it was probably nothing since many women get these thyroid nodules and 90% of the time they amount to nothing. But I had read that if men get them, the cancer rate is much higher so I was worrying, but I knew my tumor had been caught very early by an excellent P.A.! I trust this guy without question. He's awesome. So between work, family and a good doc, I dealt with it. My surgeon, once I had surgery, was excellent as well. My endocronologist though not so much plus after surgery I was only able to see my oncologist for about six months before my damn insurance company dropped him! Actually, he chose not to renew with the company because he never could fight through their red tape even to get paid for services rendered. He gave me a heads-up and even referred me to oncologists that took my insurance, but in the end, my general practioner has been doing all the oncology stuff for me and in one more year, I will be five years out from cancer! Yeah!

Anyhow, you can fight this, A positive attitude, a good physician and family support are what you need. Just understand that there will tons of red tape. That is life under the medical system that we have. I suppose docs need some time off too, but to make people wait needelessly is not right. But I am sure once you are in, the ball will get rolling.

[Longhorn]

64. I have all the necessary ingredients, then.

I'm ready for the fight and your story inspires me! Thanks and congratulations! :yourock:

[Redbear]

56. Hang in there. I had a runaround at MDA also, but once

I got there the care was fantastic.

[Longhorn]

59. That gives me much hope!

Thanks! :hug:

[CBHagman]

60. I salute your stick-to-it-iveness

The way you were treated was disgraceful. :grr:

But I am relieved to hear that you're getting more than one opinion and that you might be dealing with a better scenario than the first diagnosis you received.

Hang in there, and know we all really want you to come through this with flying colors and boots kicking up a storm!

Hm. You want I should kick some medical professional in the keister? :evilgrin:

[Longhorn]

65. As soon as I get the pathologist's report

you can give him one big virtual kick in the ass! :D

Thanks! :hi:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

62. ~

:hug:

[Longhorn]

66. Back atcha!

:hug:

[mwdem]

67. Oh, yeah, and btw, Cowgirl Up!!

Keep it up.

[Longhorn]

69. Wow! I decided to Google "Cowgirl Up" and look what I found!

http://www.mohavedailynews.com/articles/2007/03/25/news/local/local9.txt

Miss Rodeo America will ‘cowgirl up' during cancer event Wednesday eve

Sunday, March 25, 2007 12:11 AM CDT

“Cowgirl Up” is a catch-phrase that reminds cowgirls to be tough, to hold their own and that no whining is allowed. There is no doubt, Ashley Andrews, the 2007 Miss Rodeo America understands well how to cowgirl up, and Wednesday she will be inspiring local women to do the same.

“Having cancer was unexpected and I realized I had to cowgirl up,” Andrews said.

During her reign as Miss Rodeo North Dakota, Ashley was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. After receiving six months of chemotherapy treatment she was given a clean bill of health to compete at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. Giving others encouragement and hope is something she is sharing during her reign as Miss Rodeo America.

Andrews will be the guest speaker at a reception co-hosted by Western Arizona Regional Medical Center's Healthy Woman program and We Care Cancer Support. This event, which is open to the public and free of charge is entitled “Cowgirl Up, an Evening with Miss Rodeo America.” All area women are encouraged to attend at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Laughlin Ranch. Refreshments will be served.

“The reason I want to speak to people about cancer is that I want them to know it isn't a death sentence,” she said. “You need a positive attitude and good support system around you. Having the love and support of my family and friends helped make my recovery a success.”

I just chose the boots for my signature because I liked them but I think I do have a new slogan! Thanks, mwdem!!!!! :yourock:

[mwdem]

70. Sweeeeeet!

Yeah, I so rock..:pals: You go, girl!

[Sheltiemama]

84. Do you watch "Wife Swap?"

A couple of years ago, one of the swappers was a woman whose family lived on a ranch. Whenever their two little girls would complain about their chores, their mama would tell them, "Suck it up, cowgirl." We've used that phrase in my house ever since.

[Longhorn]

86. No, I've never seen the show.

I'll have to use that phrase on myself! Thanks! :hi:

[Lex]

68. You kick serious butt in my book, Longhorn!

[Longhorn]

71. That is one cool graphic, Lex!

Thanks! :hug:

[Lex]

72. I stole it for you.

:loveya:

[KitchenWitch]

73. ARGH! How frustrating.

:hug:

Keep kickin', and I will too!

:hug:

[Longhorn]

78. Can you believe that one time when I was talking to the doctor,

she asked me, "Are you as frustrated as I am?" I answered, "Well, maybe a tad more," but I don't think she got the sarcasm. :shrug:

Thanks for your help! :hug:

[KitchenWitch]

82. LOL

Unless your doctor has actually been a cancer patient, she cannot possibly get how frustrating your situation is.

I am putting on my virtual "shit kickers" for you. Complete with spurs.

:hug:

[emilyg]

74. Hugs to you.

[Longhorn]

79. Thanks, Emily!

:hug:

[Arugula Latte]

76. Hang in there! You're in my thoughts!

Kick that cancer with those s@#$-stompin' boots!

:hug:

[Longhorn]

80. That's the plan!

Thanks a bunch! :hug:

[kath]

77. Sooooo - the pathologist got the slides on the frickin'goddam THIRTEENTH of March, and a report

won't be issued until the frickin' TWENTY-FOURTH, at the EARLIEST?? WTF?! This is Un.Ac.Cept.A.Ble. (and I'm a doc, not currently in practice, but still...) I think you should ask whichever of your docs you think cares about you the most (your gyn? or the lap-band doc? or do you have a primary-care doc besides the gyn? and maybe the Houston oncologist who seems outraged could assist... or at least find out the Head Path's name) to contact the HEAD of the Pathology Dept. at MDA and/or the Chief of (Medical) Staff and raise Holy HELL. A call to the patient advocate (by the doc) might be a good idea as well.

The Memorial-Sloan Kettering suggestion might not be a bad idea, especially if MDA doesn't stop bullshittin' around immediately. My niece, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 4 years ago, had her double mastectomy at MSK the week she turned 20 (possibly the youngest breast CA patient they'd seen there). My sister was quite happy with the care her daughter received there, and felt it was worth the travel and extra expense to make the trip from Ohio to NYC in order for her to receive such expert care. There are some charities that provide free or very low cost air travel for cancer patients.

Another top-notch place, and a bit closer for you, would be Wash U in St. Louis.

I'm so, so sorry that you're being treated this way.

Nice pair of shitkickers you bought there! I'd like to vigorously apply them to that pathologist's ass.

[Longhorn]

81. Yes, you got the timetable down exactly!

Not only that, I still don't have an explanation why my slides weren't sent until the 11th even though the biopsy was done on the 3rd. What added to the complication is that they believed I had a sarcoma, which really limits my choices in places to go. All roads seemed to lead to MD Anderson in all the research that I did. Plus, by the time I realized that the pathologist's report was stalled, an alternative option would have taken just as long or longer. I really felt trapped and somewhat abandoned, especially due to the poor communication I was getting from my doctor -- gone for a week, out of the office on Mondays (though to be fair, the first time she saw me was on a Monday -- I was her only patient that day -- and she has returned calls on Mondays) and out of the office on Wednesdays. She did insist on the pathology department getting someone else to look at the slide, which is why I now have a preliminary diagnosis of a carcinoma and a tentative appointment.

I think some of the problem is lack of experience in dealing with MD Anderson and some of it is working with a doctor who has too much on her plate, especially right now when she attended an oncology conference the week after my diagnosis, probably putting her behind with all of her patients. I don't know if I'll ever know how a pathologist can leave town without finishing my report or turning it over to someone else and I think a letter and investigation is called for but I don't want to do anything now that could hamper my future relationship with MD Anderson. Once I have a patient number and an advocate assigned to me, I'm going to have that discussion, for sure!

Thanks so much for your understanding and advice. I understand Lance Armstrong changed his treatment from MDA to a doctor in Indianapolis because he just didn't agree with the proposed treatment. I've learned that I need to learn everything I can about my disease and be active in the decision-making and I plan to do that. In fact, I already have in deciding not to continue treatment until I get to MD Anderson so that all options are still open to me. I have no medical background and half the time, I can't even pronounce the terms but I have a masters degree in math so I know I can be a good student. :) :hug:

[fortyfeetunder]

85. Those are some fly boots!

First, Sorry to hear about your predicament, that has to be so frustrating dealing with the medical bureaucracy :hug:

I am glad you treated yourself to them. Did you have more than one use planned with them? I notice they have a nice pointy toe :evilgrin:

[Longhorn]

87. Thanks!

Mostly, I hope to keep myself motivated. They do make me feel strong! And yes, I've imagined them in all kinds of situations. :)

:hug:

[ashling]

89. Love the boots

:hi:

[Longhorn]

92. Thanks!

It only took me 37 years in Texas to get a pair! :hi:

[tammywammy]

90. Sorry to hear you got such a runaround

My boyfriend's dad is going through treatment at MD Anderson right now. His doctor in the DFW area told him it was a lost cause pretty much and he went to Houston and now is going to pull through. He had his last monthly treatment this weekend and then he'll only have to go back every 3-6 months.


Wishing you the best. :)

[Longhorn]

93. Thanks for sharing your boyfriend's dad's story!

I hope he continues to get well and that I have the same results! :hi:

[tammywammy]

95. I'll be keeping you in my prayers

It's a good hospital to be going to, hopefully they stop jacking around and you get in there soon.

[Sugar Smack]

91. What you've been through,

I can't even imagine the waiting and the elusiveness of the doctors. Your spirit is amazing. Thank you for the update.

[Longhorn]

94. I couldn't imagine it either.

I am still anxious to get started and hope things are different at MD Anderson. Thanks for caring! :hi:

[Scooter24]

96. Thanks for the update, and of course you're in my prayers!

I understand how difficult it is to see a doctor sometimes. My mother is a pediatric surgeon who is almost always traveling. I know that she has a system set up where her patients can email her office and if necessary her office will forward them on to her. She also brings her laptop and webcam with her so she can video conference back to her office when needed. It's a pretty cool system :)

But enough of my rambling. Hope your appt. goes well :hi:

[Longhorn]

99. Your mother sounds like she really cares about her patients!

I think communication is so important and that is what was lacking, at least in the last couple of weeks.

Thanks for the good wishes! :hi:

[CreekDog]

97. There's some better news in your update

I will pray for health and healing. :hi:

[Longhorn]

100. Much appreciated!

:hi:

[sakabatou]

98. Ganbaruyo!

Hang tough!

[Longhorn]

101. I will!

Thanks! :hi:

[shaniqua6392]

102. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

I love the boots!! I was reminded of that old song, "These boots are made for walking"!! You could sing that to your tumor. Sick humor....Sorry about that! I really do wish that all goes well and you have a speedy recovery.

[Longhorn]

103. No, I thought the same thing!

On another message board, an online friend who lives in Israel actually wrote some special lyrics for me to that tune and made a graphic:



Isn't that cool? He's even got his synagogue praying for me! Thanks for the positive thoughts! :hi:

[shaniqua6392]

104. OMG!! That is fabulous and I love it.

It was the first thing I thought of when I saw your boots. I love the idea of the synagogue praying for you too. I always picture God up there hearing your name over and over and over....until it grabs His attention!! I know it sounds silly, but when I need help I always tell my best friend's Mom who is a "prayer warrior". She spreads the word and before too long I have thousands praying for me. It always works!!