New here

Lynn,

I was in ICU overnight after my neobladder surgery so I guess that was about 6-7 hours.

The 7-10 weeks is a long time. It is important to do your research on the options and get the 2nd opinion (GREAT that it got moved up to earlier) but it is also important to move quickly depending on how aggressive the BC is.

You will be in good hands at Emory. I've found this site to be a great source of information and inspiration and hopefully you will also.

Mike

Hi everyone,

Well, after talking to you all and my brother and several friends, I didn't feel quite right about the Dr. I saw this past Monday. So I called a specialist at Emory today and made a appt. They gave me an appointment for Sept. 9, but my GP called and they gave me a sooner one for this coming Tuesday. Turns out the first Dr. that I talked to was not going to do my surgery, that a Doctor he had hired and who is in transit was going to do the surgery, thus the 7 to 10 week waiting period.
My GP also made a appt. for a stress test and a kidney Dr. so I feel things a advancing forward a little more. My GP also gave me the number of a cancer navigator, she said they help pay co-pays and the service is free, so I am checking into that. Just thought I would update everyone, I am still planning on coming here and asking questions. Everyone here has been a world of help to me. Thank you.

Lynn

Sunflower,

Sometimes the doctor is not aware of the problem. He sees the patient the staff is supposed to take care of paperwork. If you are not getting referals in a timely manner you may consider leaving a message for the doctor. Sometimes they are unaware of the problem.

If it continues to be a problem you may have to consider a new doctor. I know this is a scary time and the last thing you want to do is find a new doctor. I had to find a new GP during my journey because the one I had was jepordizing my future.

Wishing you a fast response from your doctor.

Webs

Sunflower,

Don't be shy about calling your medical office and pestering the powers that be so they take action and get the referrals you need in a timely way. This is your story...you be the author...you call the shots. Many in the medical profession mean well but they sometimes need some reminders. We don't often want to be a pain in the butt, especially if we like a particular doctor of office, but sometimes it is necessary. Luckily, I didn't need to get referrals but I often called the doctor's offices for other reasons...I'm sure some of them considered me a nuisance but that's OK. I'm alive to tell my story.

At the time, We had to get the referrals but it was handled seamlessly and swiftly in my case. Once i was handed over to the uro who did the surgery, my gp was essentially out of it. Although he did stop by the hospital, the uro/surgeon did everything including the hospital visits. never went back to the gp except for regular checkups unrelated to this.

You have to have a sense of humor when you're not sure if the puddle on the floor is you or the dog! Fortunately that will pass too!

Believe me when I say, you all are a blessing to me, it helps so much to read about your experiences and know that you survived it all. You all have kept your sense of humor which I love.

One thing I wanted to ask you all, did you have problems getting Dr.s to call in referrals. My insurance needs me to get a referral from my GP, then sometimes they say I need to go through the specialist, then the specialist sends me back to the GP. The whole time I am having to check and be sure they are in my network. I can feel the time is ticking away.I am doing this alone so suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks to all of you!!

Lynn