In need of a local oncologist

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  • #63433
    laurkcp
    Spectator

    Thanks Kris.

    It took my mom a few days to be herself after the liver biopsy so I’m sure this won’t be much different. I will let you know how Fox Chase went. She has an appointment this Friday.

    #63432
    kris00j
    Spectator

    Lauren:
    I LOVE my port. I had it put in after my first chemo treatment. I wasn’t going thru that again! It makes life so easy. Used for blood work most places, accessed for CT scans, etc. and then there’s chemo.
    It’s not as easy as you would think. I thought it would be easy 1, 2, 3 and then I would feel fine. I was tired the next day and worn out. It is considered a surgery, so just to warn you and your mom that she will feel the effects! But way worth the day or two of discomfort. And make sure she has her card with her if she checks into any other hospital. To prove it’s a medi port and can be used with contrast for MRIs. Or she’ll be getting an i.v.
    I hope you get the Fox Chase Dr. to cooperate with MSKCC. It really would be easier. Maybe if you do, I can talk to the doc and get the nurses trained in my pump so they can fill it. I LOVE Dr. Lee in Priceton but 15 min. is much better than 1 hour….

    #63431
    lainy
    Spectator

    Lauren GOOD WORK! You are a fast learner.

    Lauren and Kris, OH BOY, do I hope you gals can meet up! There is nothing like members on our site meeting each other, the best feeling in the world! Keep us posted girls!

    #63430
    laurkcp
    Spectator

    Thanks Kris.

    I live about 10 minutes from you! Mom is getting a medi port put in on the 13th at MSKCC and then she will have her first dose of chemo there. I miraculously got her into Fox Chase on this Friday with Dr. Dotan. I am hoping that she will act as “pinch Hitter” for her.

    Unfortunately she has to have a tooth extracted this week so we have to delay treatment until the 13th.

    Thanks for the advise. I will definitely call you. I tend to drive into the city. I think it is easier on my mom and I like the flexibility. I would be happy to give you a ride!

    Best,
    Lauren

    #63429
    kris00j
    Spectator

    Oh, and I take the train into NYC from Trenton. Much easier on me. It takes a little longer, but the drive is only 45 min or so. Park in Trenton at station, then train, then subway. It lets me out at 53rd and 3rd for offices. It’s really easy. If you decide to try this, or know when her next NYC appts are, maybe we can meet and have lunch across the street… I have an appt on the 8th. Then again on Sept. 5th. Dr. Kemeny, 5th floor.
    My phone # is 267-625-9873.

    #63428
    kris00j
    Spectator

    Lauren:
    I live in Willow Grove, and also am primarily treated at MSKCC. I drive to Princeton for my “alternate” care because I have an infusion pump. I needed an onc’s office that was trained in filling it. You should check with your insurance to see who local is covered and make them work with Sloan. Sloan is pretty good at letting the “lesser” important stuff be done elsewhere.
    I also suggest your mom get her CT scans, etc. in Basking Ridge. Much easier to get to than NYC and they ARE MSKCC.
    Unfortunately, I can’t help you with an onc in the area. I hope you find one you like. That’s important. And like my Princeton onc says, he’s the “pinch hitter” for my primary onc at MSKCC.
    My prayers go out to you and your mom.

    #63427
    summergirl
    Member

    Lauren, My mother was diagnosed with cancer a year ago. We live in Baton Rouge, but they weren’t sure what type it was so we went to MDA in Houston where they diagnosed her with CC. Up until June she got her scans and treatment plans there and then came back to BR for her chemo sessions. That worked very well, however, she began radiation last month and decided to have it at home and she doesn’t plan to go back to Houston. She is 79 and the trip was becoming difficult for her. I hope your Mom does well and I’ll be thinking of both of you.

    #63426
    laurkcp
    Spectator

    Thanks Lainy!

    #63425
    lainy
    Spectator

    Lauren, tell Mom that eveyone reacts differently and we are all cheering for her to have an ok time with it all. CC is certainly overwhelming itself let alone thinking about side effects from treatment. The best advise I can give anyone is to be strong, very strong. It does work. Tough times never last, tough people do!

    #63424
    laurkcp
    Spectator

    Thank Tiffany and Lainy,

    Sloan Kettering already faxed over her reports, so at least I’ll get the ball rolling. My mom is so scared about the treatments and side effects. Hopefully they are manageable.

    It’s been a great comfort being able to go this forum.

    Lauren

    #63423
    tiff1496
    Member

    I do this.
    I get my treatments here in Alabama, but I go to md Anderson for scans and to have my treatment plan managed. It has been working out good this far.

    #63422
    lainy
    Spectator

    Hi Lauren, understandable. I believe our Kris is taking her treatments closer to her home but is also under the care of an ONC elsewhere. I believe it is Dr. Fong. I know she will be checking in here but it can be done. Yes, our other shoe keeps dropping and we just put them back on and tie the laces even tighter. Sending much good luck on this and please do keep us posted.

    #7185
    laurkcp
    Spectator

    Greetings,

    We met with the oncologist at MSKCC yesterday. The pathology reports confirm CC. They want to start her on 3 rounds of gem/cis. As much as I love the care at Sloan, I cant keep driving mom into NYC for treatments weekly. The 4 hour round trip is wearing on me. Has anyone done their treatments closer to home and done the scans and procedures at a larger hospital?

    We live in the Philadelphia suburbs so we have great hospitals here. I just don’t want to have to have her start over.

    We already had a problem with mom where her blood pressure was dropping and she was dizzy. Turns out she was dehydrated. The docs said it was because she is not eating as much. She drinks a ton and although she is eating much less (and with a limited diet), she still eats healthy food. I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop.

    Thanks in advance,
    Lauren.

Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total)
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