Life may be short

#201
#201
Gmule, thinking about you each day and the struggle you are dealing with. Best, best wishes for strength and clarity!

Don't go with a dr. who won't talk so you can understand or someone you don't feel comfortable with! You are uncertain enough--don't deal with someone who seems tentative, if you are not comfortable.

The surgeon I went to for my heart was recommended by my Dr, who I think very well of, but I was uncomfortable with the disarray of his support staff. They scheduled me to come talk to him WHEN HE WAS DUE IN SURGERY! Then they got some paperwork screwed up.

I ended up going to another surgeon while I was healing from being flogged by a rooster (don't ask) (and the surgery postponed) and immediately felt more comfortable, as did my family. The guy I chose was easy to talk to and would listen all we needed to, and went to bat for me when I had a snag (to put it mildly) with the discharge planner. Although he said he had never had trouble with her, he listened to me, took it seriously, and fixed it!

I hope you can soon find someone you feel good about so you can devote yourself to getting well--that is enough for you to do!

You have a lot of people cheering for you!
 
#202
#202
it seems my ENT guy won't give me a referral to Welmont Cancer Institute in Kingsport,told me to go thru the oncologist instead of them, I think that is a bit weird,since I want a 2nd opinion other than his :) oh well

at least things are moving forward :)
 
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#203
#203
bobkitten said:
Gmule, thinking about you each day and the struggle you are dealing with. Best, best wishes for strength and clarity!

Don't go with a dr. who won't talk so you can understand or someone you don't feel comfortable with! You are uncertain enough--don't deal with someone who seems tentative, if you are not comfortable.

The surgeon I went to for my heart was recommended by my Dr, who I think very well of, but I was uncomfortable with the disarray of his support staff. They scheduled me to come talk to him WHEN HE WAS DUE IN SURGERY! Then they got some paperwork screwed up.

I ended up going to another surgeon while I was healing from being flogged by a rooster (don't ask) (and the surgery postponed) and immediately felt more comfortable, as did my family. The guy I chose was easy to talk to and would listen all we needed to, and went to bat for me when I had a snag (to put it mildly) with the discharge planner. Although he said he had never had trouble with her, he listened to me, took it seriously, and fixed it!

I hope you can soon find someone you feel good about so you can devote yourself to getting well--that is enough for you to do!

You have a lot of people cheering for you!
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I've got to hear about this rooster :)

and again,thank you all for the support
 
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#205
#205
governmentmule said:
it seems my ENT guy won't give me a referral to Welmont Cancer Institute in Kingsport,told me to go thru the oncologist instead of them, I think that is a bit weird,since I want a 2nd opinion other than his :) oh well

at least things are moving forward :)
Click to expand...

I know nothing about Welmont, but when my wife and I were facing similar decisions, we learned that the big "cancer institutes" rated very high on customer satisfaction... but their survival rates were no better than generic city hospital oncology teams. And some Institutes have financial arrangements that may be a little sketchy in the details.

So go full-bore stats analyst on the issue if you're inclined -- or go to Knoxville. The city hospitals have accumulated so much first-hand experience, and have access to the world's research and technology. Cancer treatment is a world-wide network of dedicated people searching daily for something better, something more effective. Teaching hospitals are an ideal node for accessing that network.

I suspect smaller hospitals have access to the same network, but just don't have the personnel with time to fully explore each patient's potential options in detail. But that's a general assessment. I'm sure there are exceptions. But it's the folks in Knoxville who can tell you if Morristown is one of the exceptions, based on the patients who eventually get referred to them from there.

Beyond that, look for an oncologist who will always be honest about quality-of-life issues, who lets you make an informed decision on when--to you--a specific treatment's side effects may not be worth its success rate. We had the option of experimental treatment at UAB, but were encouraged to weigh the possible benefits against quality-of-life, making that drive to B'ham three times a week.

We had as good an experience as can be imagined at Chattanooga Erlanger. I expect you can find the same in Knoxville. But if one doctor doesn't "click" with you or your family... ask to see someone else. They understand. Behind the scenes, they're all on the same team.
 
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#206
#206
governmentmule said:
well more bad news today,found out from my oncologist I will most likely being losing either all or part of my larynx

there checking to see if a partial removal can be done if not,due to the type of arthritis (Ankylosing spondylitis) I have the odds of a total removal with radiation therapy is extremely high

I'm looking for a surgeon that can do this,with the Ankylosing spondylitis,does anybody know of one ? at UT Med or somewhere else,my ENT will most likely be checking with Wake Forrest ,I'm waiting to hear from him,but I need more options,so I'm looking on my own too,any help would be greatly appreciated

makes me wonder as to what is next ,it just keeps getting worse
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Thoughts and prayers are with you! Keep us updated!
 
#207
#207
Weezer said:
Many years ago, I played trumpet in the UT band (both marching and pep). I loved going to the LV games and joking with the players. We had Tiffany Woosley cracking up at the free throw line once. Luckily she made her shots or Pat probably would have had our heads, lol.
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I could be wrong, but I think woosley holds the record at ut for best free throw %, so it is not surprising she didn't miss
 
#208
#208
This thread has really hit home... not trying to high jack this thread but my family and I just experienced over 24 hours of panick as my nephew went missing ! He was found today safe and sound and I am just thankful to be able to share the good news with fellow lady vol fans! Often these stories don't turn out like this but truly thankful this one did !
 
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#209
#209
Quick post on the rooster: I was putting him up, just before GETTING IN THE CAR TO HEAD TO ATLANTA the night before the heart surgery, when he took exception to my hurrying him and spurred me in the face! Big old nasty gouge. When you are having heart surgery you cannot have infection, sores, etc, so I had to call the doctor and reschedule.

As I was getting over the chunk removed from my cheek, I explored seeing the other top-ranked heart surgeon. I immediately felt in sinc with him so 2 weeks later he installed my new porcine valve!

Same rooster, a few years earlier, tagged me on the face. I went to the dermatologist for a twice yearly skin scan (me=red haired, blue eyes) and she asked me what was going on with my face. I said I'd rather not tell her. She said she had heard EVERYTHING. (You need to know this was a fancy, chi-chi practice). I said, "Oh, I don't think you have ever heard this." She assured me that she really had heard it all, so I told her my rooster spurred me. There was a long silence, then she admitted, 'No, no, I have never heard that one before."

Hope this makes you smile! I'm thinking about you!
 
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#211
#211
va_volfan said:
this thread has really hit home... Not trying to high jack this thread but my family and i just experienced over 24 hours of panick as my nephew went missing ! He was found today safe and sound and i am just thankful to be able to share the good news with fellow lady vol fans! Often these stories don't turn out like this but truly thankful this one did !
Click to expand...

🙏🏻🙏🏻
 
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#213
#213
bobkitten said:
Quick post on the rooster: I was putting him up, just before GETTING IN THE CAR TO HEAD TO ATLANTA the night before the heart surgery, when he took exception to my hurrying him and spurred me in the face! Big old nasty gouge. When you are having heart surgery you cannot have infection, sores, etc, so I had to call the doctor and reschedule.

As I was getting over the chunk removed from my cheek, I explored seeing the other top-ranked heart surgeon. I immediately felt in sinc with him so 2 weeks later he installed my new porcine valve!

Same rooster, a few years earlier, tagged me on the face. I went to the dermatologist for a twice yearly skin scan (me=red haired, blue eyes) and she asked me what was going on with my face. I said I'd rather not tell her. She said she had heard EVERYTHING. (You need to know this was a fancy, chi-chi practice). I said, "Oh, I don't think you have ever heard this." She assured me that she really had heard it all, so I told her my rooster spurred me. There was a long silence, then she admitted, 'No, no, I have never heard that one before."

Hope this makes you smile! I'm thinking about you!
Click to expand...

Good grief - that rooster is a mean one! That is one of my greatest fears in life - getting flogged by a chicken! I am scared to death of them! I am sorry you got hurt by the mean rooster but your story did make me smile,(and hopefully it did GMule too) so thanks for sharing. 😊🐓
 
#214
#214
VA_VOLFAN said:
This thread has really hit home... not trying to high jack this thread but my family and I just experienced over 24 hours of panick as my nephew went missing ! He was found today safe and sound and I am just thankful to be able to share the good news with fellow lady vol fans! Often these stories don't turn out like this but truly thankful this one did !
Click to expand...

That had to be terrifying...praise the Lord he is home safe!
 
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#217
#217
VA_VOLFAN said:
This thread has really hit home... not trying to high jack this thread but my family and I just experienced over 24 hours of panick as my nephew went missing ! He was found today safe and sound and I am just thankful to be able to share the good news with fellow lady vol fans! Often these stories don't turn out like this but truly thankful this one did !
Click to expand...

Good to hear that your story ended well VA

gule said:
you should put that rooster in a pot and cook him. :)
Click to expand...

KFC !
 
#218
#218
I finally got my Mom an appointment with a Dr in The Pat Summitt Clinic. Only problem is it's not till February but at least she's in. She's been on the Alzheimer's meds for awhile but I thought with all the research there that's the best place to go. This stuff is bad. My Grandmothers on both sides of the family had it and now I'm watching my Mom slip away right in front of my eyes and I'm her primary caregiver. Prayers please.
 
#219
#219
Ladyvolfan4ever said:
I finally got my Mom an appointment with a Dr in The Pat Summitt Clinic. Only problem is it's not till February but at least she's in. She's been on the Alzheimer's meds for awhile but I thought with all the research there that's the best place to go. This stuff is bad. My Grandmothers on both sides of the family had it and now I'm watching my Mom slip away right in front of my eyes and I'm her primary caregiver. Prayers please.
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Praying for strength for your mother and yourself through this trying time !
 
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#223
#223
Ladyvolfan4ever said:
I finally got my Mom an appointment with a Dr in The Pat Summitt Clinic. ... My Grandmothers on both sides of the family had it and now I'm watching my Mom slip away right in front of my eyes and I'm her primary caregiver. Prayers please.
Click to expand...

🙏🙏🙏🙏 for both of you.
 
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#225
#225
Ladyvolfan4ever said:
I finally got my Mom an appointment with a Dr in The Pat Summitt Clinic. Only problem is it's not till February but at least she's in. She's been on the Alzheimer's meds for awhile but I thought with all the research there that's the best place to go. This stuff is bad. My Grandmothers on both sides of the family had it and now I'm watching my Mom slip away right in front of my eyes and I'm her primary caregiver. Prayers please.
Click to expand...

I'm so very sorry. My heart breaks for you. Prayers are with you and your family.
 
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