Chris Cat Scan

[Chris'Mom]

Thanks so much ....I feel better...and it seems like it is the standard policy...I appreciate all of your input...sorry I panic...Mary Ellen

[Karen]

Hey, no apologies for panic allowed....it's a BIG part of why we all need this site.

[Fish]

Hang in there Mary Ellen.

I think that many in the medical community don't understand how much anxiety is associated with these follow up tests. Believe me, I ( and everyone else here) understand your stress -- I start getting a bit freaked about a month before my scans are due.

I'm sending you lots of good thoughts and prayers.

Fish

[Fed]

our local hospital doesn't want path slides, just his last cat scan

My bad... I don't know where my head is today .
As everyone has said, this is standard-operating-procedure whenever you switch radiology centers, hospitals, or docs. I do agree with Fish. It would be more helpful to co-survivors if physicians understood the impact of pre-test anxiety. Some might, but not all do. And Mary Ellen, don't apologize for panicking; that comes with the job description of rightfully concerned parent (that's the part I'm just learning ).

[Chris'Mom]

Thanks Karen, Fed, Jim....I appreciate your understanding....I just can't shut off the anxiety....because with just one call or bad scan, it could start all over...enough of that...positive....I had a bad day today all around...and of course you all understood...Mary Ellen

[DianeE]

Mary Ellen,

I understand your anxiety. As we discussed at the party, it is sometimes harder and more stressful for the caregiver than the patient!

Brian recently had his "All clear" a year after his chemo ended and I thought it
would mean less anxiety for me, but I know when it comes time for his next
follow up, I will be as stressed out as always. As parents, we can't stop
worrying. It's just part of being a parent.

Hang in there!

Diane

[TCLEFT]

I just can't shut off the anxiety

Hi Mary Ellen,
We just came back from dinner to try and alleviate some of our stress. We had a nice meal and I had a couple of Summer Ales. I'm full, yet drained and more than a little sleepy, assuming I'll actually sleep. Only one thing left to do, down the first chalk and mortar mix beverage. Ah well, Carpe Diem, Carpe Barium. We'll seize this and every other day, TOGETHER. All my best.
Love ya,
Mark

[Ampaman]

Mary Ellen,

I will include your family on my prayers tonight : ) . It was nice seeing you at Dadmo's I still have five more days to go on my fat free diet and I will hit Chinatown for some dim sum and tea.

[mkl]

Mary Ellen
I will keep you in my prayers..my heart is aching as i read your posts. As a mom we just want to protect our kids from every pain and hurt. I understand your sadness and anxiety.
Hoping for good news for your family.
Michele
________
SUZUKI TS250

[Chris'Mom]

Mark, you said it,,,together we seem to make it better for each other....hang in there also...thanks for support.I wish we got to visit more at Dadmo's....your son reminded me of Chris a few years back..........Ampaman.....we enjoyed meeting you and your lovely family.....hang in there on that fat free stuff...soon you can eat the good stuff!!!! You looked great after surgery so soon last week....take care..thanks for prayers Michele......this is what this site is...people from all over coming together when we really can't talk to anyone else...because we have been there..off this afternoon for the Utica Club Brewery tour to get Chris' mind off tests.....and a few free brews for him and Don!!!!..Mary Ellen

[Chris'Mom]

I forgot...hi Diane....one year free for your son....that is what is important...you are right,,,our talk about the "kids" was so true...we wait for every result...they sometimes forget to tell us like it is no big deal....M

[MRMRSU]

Most hospitals will actually give you a CD with all of your radiology films for free (I know Brigham and DFCI do it in Boston; I don't see why Sloan wouldn't). The CD is not copy-protected so if you need to pass it on to another locale, you could avoid extra fees for that.

So please pardon the newbie question I'm about to ask, but is it recommended that a patient request these CD's of the radiology films? I feel so backwards and silly for not knowing that you could even request that. Here I was thinking that the written reports were all I needed. Would love feedback on this.

Mary Ellen...still thinking happy thoughts for Chris. I hope you hear soon, keeping fingers and toes crossed for an all-clear. Much love from Cali!

[Lori]

Hi Maria, I actually get a copy of the CD for all Jon's CT Scans or any other tests. I keep a copy in our house just in case it is needed by someone in the future. Our hospital doesn't charge anything and it takes about 5 minutes, so very easy for us!

[Chris'Mom]

Hi all...I guess it is probably a good idea to have a CD so you don't go thru what we are right now...I am kind of shocked Sloan charges 30.00 and our local hospital last year sent it to Sloan for nothing..but whatever..small cost to just get it here....I am just wondering if anyone out there knows how long they think it will take to get here to our local center....thanks....Mary Ellen

[jdunn]

HI MARY ELLEN
I KNOW CHRIS'S SCANS ARE AOK. DOES IT EVER STOP THOUGH. I'M SURE HE IS HEALTHY AS EVER. JOSH HAD BLOOD DRAWN ON THURS. WILL CALL ON MONDAY FOR RESULTS. ALTHOUGH THE FEELING OF CANCER IS GONE IT IS NEVER FORGOTTEN. AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT WE FEAR EVERY ACHE AND PAIN. IT'S WEIRD BUT LOOKING BACK (more than 2 years ago) I WILL NEVER FORGET HOW I FELT FOR THOSE MONTHS. THOSE 4 MONTHS. IT WILL BE FOREVER IN MY MEMORY SOMETHING I WILL NEVER FORGET.
JOSH IS HEALTHY AND DOING GREAT! STILL STRUGLING WITH HIS HAIR REGROWTH BUT WILL TAKE THAT AND DEAL WITH IT CUZ HE'S HEATHLTY!!!
BEST WISHES AND PRAYERS ALWAYS MY DEAR FRIEND.
JANE