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Time frame between Diagnosis and First Oncologist Visit?
Can anyone tell me what the normal time frame is between diagnosis, and the oncology visit? My husband got his terrible news on June 22, and his first oncology appointment isn’t until July 26!
It seems too long to me. What do we do to complain, and or speed this up? I feel like the cancer is growing every second, why are they waiting? Are they really that un caring?
Also, is it better to be at a medical center close to a university, or does that just make you a tool for teaching?
Our insurance lapsed when my husbands income stopped, and were having financial problems before all of this started, now he is on NC State Heathcare. What are our options? Are we able to consult experts when the state is paying?
We have 2 small children (3 and 7), and we have 6 other children (from previous marriages 2 are mine 18 and 20, and the other 4 are his 17-24). Two of our kids start college in the fall (scholarships, Financial Aid, and student loans so they are covered thank god!)
This is getting so overwhelming! My husband is in NC, I am in FL. He went to get a new job and to move us there but instead he got Cancer! We all need to be together, but can’t afford it. I need to get movers, a new place to stay there. etc…Why is this happening! Does anyone have any suggestions? He has Cancer and I am having a nervous breakdown (though I would never tell him), Everyday, I try so hard to be the”Strong” one. But I hang up the phone, and fall apart.
Caregiver for my Wonderful Husband Angelo, who has Metastatic Bladder Cancer.Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.
9 Replies-
I can tell you my husband had his tumor out on July 3rd,, he saw the specialist for bladder removal one week later but I had to insist and push the whole way , otherwise they were headed for a Sept. appointment.
Ginger -
I know of Dr. Torti through his research and publications on the subject of bladder cancer, he’s a renowned expert in the field, you’ve landed in good hands.
Keep us posted.
Wendy
PS you may want to begin a new thread under teh section “invasive bladder cancer” as you learn more. -
From reading his CV, I would say you are a family in extremely good hands.
I know this is a very stressful time for you, but you aren’t in the care of some local-yokel public-health physician. This is a guy who sounds absolutely top-flight in his abilities and his connections.
I think you have enough stress without worrying about someone who is so obviously very qualified.
“Standing on my Head”––my chemo journal
T3a Grade 4 N+M0
RC at USC/Norris June 23, 2006 by Dr. John Stein
I found this information about Dr. Torti today,
http://www.wfirm.org/faculty_torti_fm.htm
Can some of you have a look and tell me what you think, or if anyone has an experience with him?
Caregiver for my Wonderful Husband Angelo, who has Metastatic Bladder Cancer.Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.
Mom,
Please see Private Message.
Rosemary
Rosemary
Age – 55
T1 G3 – Tumor free 2 yrs 3 months
Dx January 2006
He is going to Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital for the remainder of his treatment. They are “Supposed” to be a leading cancer hospital. A Dr. Torti will be the oncologist. I don’t know who will be doing the surgery, I guess we will get the name on the 26th. Is there something we should be doing to be more pro-active?
Caregiver for my Wonderful Husband Angelo, who has Metastatic Bladder Cancer.Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.
The Urologist made the diagnosis, after sending the pathology to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. The tumor was very “Vascular” and had gone into the muscle. They managed to remove the tumor. He also had a CT scan which showed a growth in a lymph node the size of a ping pong ball. Upon biopsy it was also determined to be cancer. The thing is that they haven’t even given it a name yet as the Urologist said it is not typical bladder cancer. (What does that mean?) But it is malignant. He lost alot of blood and needed a transfusion. He is still anemic, and hopefully on Mon. when he sees the urologist again his Hymoglobin will be back up. Shouldn’t they be doing other tests now? Why does he have to wait till the 26th for a consult? It seems if they found it why not start treating it NOW?
Caregiver for my Wonderful Husband Angelo, who has Metastatic Bladder Cancer.Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.
Hi,
I don’t have enough knowledge about insurance mazes, or what the state will or won’t cover, hopefully they would cover an expert opinion, I am pretty sure second opinions are covered in case of cancer.
Who made the original diagnosis, a uro? And then nothing further since then? Do you have any idea of what kind of tumor was seen?
The oncologist visit, what kind of oncologist, uro-onc? That would be ideal in this situation..
Wendy
just do it, dont worry about the financial aspects, get the movers or have him come back, its not rare for a few weeks before ono visit, they have to make a plan, then start the treatments, I hope the best for you, the only advice i can give is read , learn, and keep the faith, mine was Grade 3 T2n0m0, i have gone the bladder sparing route,
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