Appointment.......

Maria,

Be sure that copies of all your medical info. gets to the new doctor either prior to your visit or hand deliver them yourself. I found, as many others have, that when you request records to be sent from one medical office to another, it doesn't always happen as quickly as you need it to happen...and even if someone tells you they have sent the records, verify with the new office that they in fact have received them. Yes, it's another baby sitting chore but very necessary, more especialy during this time of the year. Take care, Melodie

Hi Maria,

Have you looked through the 'survival guides' on WebCafe's home page? It's in the menu on the left, and there are a few article written by those who've been there, about what to expect, from the women's aspect of getting a cystectomy and Indiana pouch (but much applies to any diversion surgery). There are also FAQ's under newly diagnosed, as well as an article by an R.N., Sharon McMullen that discusses hospitalization for cystectomy. These may give you some insight and hopefully questions you want to ask your new doctor.

All the best,
Wendy

Don't leave your list of questions at home, :)it happens. Don't be afraid to ask them all no question is dumb. Go with an open mind and a cheerful spirit it helps things flow better.

I wish you the best and keep us posted.

justme pat

Hi Maria..
Well first of all they are going to want to have all of your previous tests, ie., CT scans, Pathology reports, Chest X-rays, bone scans if done and Slides that your first uro did in hand..hopefully they will help you expedite that as in Fla. the hospital is apparently your guardian.
Don't be surprised if they want to do their own second TURB since its been quite a while since your first one to aid in their plan of attack.
Take it a step at a time...you're in an excellent facility and they're arent many in Fla. Pat

Finally, after a 4 week search, much stress and moments of crisis I have an appointment with a specialist arranged in 2 weeks. I feel relieved as I really was beginning to think I was not going to get to see a cancer specialist until around February 2008 which was just too long to wait.

In anticipation, and foolishly thinking I would have this appointment much earlier, I have prepared a long list of questions for my first visit.

This is where I need your help, is there any issues from your past experiences with docs and hospitals that could help us who are new to the bladder cancer journey and the medical 'system' to be better prepared?

Hope this makes sense as to what I am trying to say here! Still feeling emotionally drained!

Thanks
Maria x