It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. ~Abraham Lincoln
There’s this feeling that I have and a voice inside (and no, it isn’t speaking to me) that gnaws at me and makes me wonder. I wonder if I’ve sought out THE absolute best answers from THE absolute best people. Have unturned every stone? Have I crossed every “T”? Am I getting the absolute best cancer care possible?
This might sound really stupid considering I went to Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York City back in July. You would think that seeing a top oncologist at that hospital would settle my fears. That his recommendations for treatment and care would be enough. Sure, my doctor here at home is absolutely wonderful and can administer that treatment but is he the best for the long haul?
Because I’ve got news for you…
I’m here for the long haul.
Sure, this is recurrent ovarian cancer but if it’s going to keep coming back I want the top doctors in the world to manage my disease so I can BE here for the long haul. That’s not crazy, is it?
And there’s that feeling inside that gnaws at me because I know that I’m about three hours away from one of the top hospitals in the world that deal with Ovarian Cancer. Isn’t the cost of gas and a three hour car (six hour round trip) worth taking if it meant I could get THE best care possible?
So, it’s a question of what to do. Do I wait and see if chemotherapy is working or call in the big guns who specialize in my specific type of ovarian cancer…just to see what they have to say. This is the kind of thing that keeps me up ALL weekend long…when I CAN’T get answers.
Hope you had a much more peaceful weekend.
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Any and all information is good…..doing nothing is bad.
I was taught that my entire life. In school, at home, and on the street. It may be worth it to go and get the opinion of the other hospital. Heck, it can’t hurt right? And if they say your doing OK…..great! If they have more suggestions….even better! I say go for it.
{{HUGS}}
Blondefabulouss last blog post..I’m Tired, But I’m Gonna Blog Anyway!
I definitely think it’s worth the trip.
Avitables last blog post..My brief love affair
I can’t see the downside to going to the specialists. Why wouldn’t you go? They might confirm your current course of action, which would be mind-settling, but if they don’t, then at least you can make an informed decision about your next step quickly.
Candys last blog post..Another good reason not to be a poodle
I would want to know if I was on the right path with treatment. I’ve done scads of research and questioning for my kids issues. Wanting the best when the stakes are this high? Do what gives you peace and peace of mind. *hugs*
HeatherKs last blog post..Best Shot Monday: 1st day of pre-K!
call in the big guns.
shes last blog post..My Kryptonite by She 9.4.08
I would absolutely go anywhere to get the best treatment. If you’re in it for the long haul, as you say, then you go to the biggest gun you know of, no matter where that gun is. I moved 3000 miles to get to MY big gun, and I understand the personal sacrifice involved well, but like you, I couldn’t sleep for worrying that the doctors were missing something, that something that could make a huge difference in your quality of life.
So go for it!
margalits last blog post..There is life beyond politics
If a 45th or 100th opinion makes you feel that you’ve done all you possibly can, do it. Even if your current treatment seems to be helping, it will help you to have someone else concur with what’s being done.
Finns last blog post..An Open Letter To The Candidates
Definitely call the big guns!
I agree. For your peace of mind, call in the biggest guns you can find!
no question; call in the big guns. get second opinions on all your second opinions and then get second opinions on those.
big, big guns.
Cryss last blog post..Curses
I’m with the crowd — go for it, if at all possible! If it was me, I couldn’t rest until I knew for SURE I hadn’t overlooked some avenue of help.
Gayles last blog post..Taking Stock
Oh yes.
Especially to be here for those precious girls…
Take that drive! Know that you have done all that can be done.
It cannot hurt
It’s definitely worth it!
LASs last blog post..Like riding in a wagon over a sidewalk with some huge cracks in it
Blondefabulous: It can’t hurt…you are right.
Avitable: Definitely!
Candy: I can’t find a downside either.
HeatherK: That’s what I want to know…if I’m on the right path.
she: Yes, that’s what I think I’m going to do.
margalit: Wow, 3000 miles is a long way to go but I think I would totally move if it meant life or death.
Finn: I don’t know if even 100 opinions will make me feel that I’ve done all I possibly can do.
Janer: You are vote #2 for the big guns.
Suzanna Catherine: Peace of mind would be really cool.
Crys: I hear you!
Gayle: That’s where I’m at…not resting until I have every single answer I need.
Yvonne: And you know I’d do anything for my girls.
LAS: Definitely.
LIsa-
I would go for broke, too. 20 years ago a “little girl” I know(17) complained of weight gain for a long time, and nobody would listen to her. An only child, OC took her way too soon. I know that in 20 years there must be some other shit and experimental drugs to try and kick this CA’s ass. Go for it!!!
If it were ME, for my peace of mind, I’d try any and all avenues possible; to help stop the unease, and to rest my mind. You already know this - follow your gut. Hopefully you’re on the right path, but this way you can find out for sure - and if by chance you’re NOT, you’ll be ohso glad you took this step. Much luck, many prayers!
Tugs last blog post..Birthday Flowers
I am with everyone else in saying go for the big guns. If nothing else, you get some support that the treatment you are on is right, or you find out something new and better is available for you (and can maybe still be administered close to home). Besides - Road Trip - woohoo!
Defendusa: She was only 17??? Wow. I read about a case last night about an 11 year old girl with ovarian cancer.
Tug: Peace of mind is what it’s all about.
Suzy: LOL…Road trip!
You know what to do–trust your gut and get more answers! What’s 6 hours? Or 8 after you wait in the waiting room for awhile?!
misfithausfraus last blog post..My Fantasy Life is So Much Better Than My Real Life
Go for it. What have you got to lose?
Jamies last blog post..Gravity
Now you KNOW you’ve got to go for it. You won’t ever regret going and trying but you will regret never going in the first place.
You deserve the best so call in the big guns.
Jos last blog post..What To Blog About Today…
Honey, any time you want to come to NY, you know you have a place to stay. I am moving soon, but I am moving to a BIGGER place with plenty of room for all of you. Don’t hesitate if the “gnaw” tells you to get up to S-K. I got your back and I can cook you up some doctor approved deliciousness, too. Praying for you daily - and admiring you for your strength and your will to fight. *hugs*
Ninas last blog post..River walk
Considering what happened during Round 2 of this shit, having SK monitor your progress is a great idea if they’re willing to do it. I haven’t been thru half the shit you have and I ask the PS to come along to nearly all my appointments because of the problems I’ve had with dealing with pain specialists and family practice docs. Not only do I feel less exposed and less like I won’t be heard by my doctor, but if I run into more doctors like the two pain management specialists that I’m considering suing, then I have at least one witness whose job doesn’t depend on the assholes I’d be dragging into court.
Yes, there were nurses present during both exams. Did they help me? Not only no but HELL no–they just stood there, as far from the exam area as possible, saying nothing and not stepping in to help me when things got scary bad for me.
So, since it never hurts to have someone watching your back, I’d go to SK for monitoring at least, if not for the whole treatment course. I’m not sure if you have insurance but it might help cover some of the travel expenses if you do.
PandoraWildes last blog post..Needles, porn and Vince
misfithausfrau: It would totally be worth a day of my time to seek the best health care.
Jamie: I’ve got NOTHING to lose.
Jo: You are absolutely correct.
Nina: Thank you so much for the offer. This time I would be headed to Maryland…Johns Hopkins. They have a center devoted entirely to Ovarian Cancer, specifically my kind.
PandoraWilde: It sounds like you had a horrible experience.
Like I said to Nina…I’d actually be going to Johns Hopkins this time.
The bottom line is that if you are feeling like you’re missing something by NOT going to the top guns, then you have to go with your gut feeling and do whatever it takes to keep you around for a very, very long time.
At this stage in your life, you certainly don’t want to have any regrets.
Do it. Get the biggest gun you can find. Do it right.
Matties last blog post..Part II: This Is NOT a Political Statement
oh man, what crys said! i would have typed the same exact words if she hadn’t already. you, my friend, deserve the VERY best.
hello haha narfs last blog post..451