Thank you all, once again. My mom had her tests done in Hershey today, so we'll find out what the second opinion is sometime this weekend. She said to me on the phone today, when she was on her way back from the medical center, that the doctors there were more optomistic. Supposedly it could just be disc problem in her back and not cancer at all! They said it is also possible that the doctor saw what he thought was a tumor, but is actually a shadow on the xray. Here's hoping.
That would be a dramatic reversal of fortune if it is indeed just a "shadow." But still, its only been a year since she "won" her battle with breast cancer. I just hope its the best case scenario. She is just starting to get more active and fully healthy, another setback just might make her fold.
Thanks all.
I hope that it's only a disc problem. This kind of story is very common anyway. Xray have an high sensibility, but are not discriminative.
Thank you all, once again. My mom had her tests done in Hershey today, so we'll find out what the second opinion is sometime this weekend. She said to me on the phone today, when she was on her way back from the medical center, that the doctors there were more optomistic. Supposedly it could just be disc problem in her back and not cancer at all! They said it is also possible that the doctor saw what he thought was a tumor, but is actually a shadow on the xray. Here's hoping.
That would be a dramatic reversal of fortune if it is indeed just a "shadow." But still, its only been a year since she "won" her battle with breast cancer. I just hope its the best case scenario. She is just starting to get more active and fully healthy, another setback just might make her fold.
Thanks all.
Be sure to post and let us all know for certain once you find out.
How many other people were waiting to jump in and complete the obligatory "Your mom..." quip?
Life sucks and so does the web.
Well, it is hard to put into words sometimes...I'm going to try...
My father passed away in 1999...complications from Parkinson's Disease. To much of the family it was a relief. After watching a strong, happy and exciting man degenerate into a withered hulk for 6-7 years was painful to us. Yet withing him there was that happiness and love we always had with him. And we miss that everyday.
I stayed at home with my Mom those years to take care of him and I am so grateful for that. I gave me a chance to help and get even closer to him and my Mom. Sometimes bad times do bring good moments and feelings. Stay stong and give yourself to your Mom. Help in anyway. I'll be rooting for you and your family. All the best.
Here is a written tribute I wrote for my brother's book on my Dad's life...
My Father's Eyes
My Dad had very penetrating eyes. Not of an intrusive glance but look of love, caring and concern. I could look into them and sense these qualities. They were attentive. Sometimes when I was doing chores, shooting baskets in the backyard or enjoying a family gathering I would sense Dad watching, smiling.Those eyes seemed to say that he was there, ever ready to advise, care and certainly join in if the need arised.
Sometimes I felt a little nervous of them. Whenever I would be mowing the lawn or doing other things on my own Dad would appear, watching through the window or outside on the back porch. Why is he watching me? I would think. I know now it was just his way of being ready to help or instill some encouragement at the task.
Through good times and bad, my Dad was always there. Always with his love and understanding. Those qualities shown through those eyes. They gave me a sense of security when I felt alone and understanding when all seemed lost. They were in a sense my father's presence. That he was there when a father was needed to be there.
When Dad passed away, I felt that those eyes may have closed forever. But I know that my father's eyes remain open, through my brother and sisters eyes and my own. There is also the faith that he still watches us all. And with those thoughts and feelings...that presence is there with each of us until one day we see those wonderful eyes again.
I feel awful for you man. I can't imagine what you're going through. I will try to send you some good vibes tonight before I go to bed. Let's hope for the best.
the great thing about the hospital/insurance i have is that they itemize the details of each bill... so dr. so and so gets x amount for the five minutes he actually spent diagnosing my kidney stone, which was quite obvious...
Sure they are itemized but i doubt you understand what the charges mean. So and MD may charge a reading of a film but what you don't see is that it includes insurance, dictation, transcription, record keeping, maintenance of certification ...
For example I charge patients for a "weekly physics chart check". I look at some charts for 120 seconds and charge $76 for it. I don't get any of that money. BUT that charge includes, daily machine QA, monthly machine QA, calculation check, plan check. The equipment for that cost thousands and the maintenance and calibration of all that cost thousands. Someone like you might thing I get $76 for 120 seconds of work but you don't realize that I spend hours and hours each month doing things that there is no charge for.
So it's itemized but you have to dig into the billing guidelines to know what is and is not included in that charge.
So sorry about the situation. I hope it's nothing but a shadow like you said. My dad was diagnosed with cancer three weeks ago.
He went to the dr. because of a sty, and it turned out to be cancerous. He had his eye removed a week ago and he's gonna undergo radiation therapy for a couple of weeks. I know how scary it is man, I wish her and you the best.
Be positive, tell her how much you love her, and let's hope it's nothing but a shadow.
Great scott, you are my hero. Someone like you shouldn't be associated with patients because you must assume they are asinine twits (like people like you must be). I know how to read a bill. I know how to read the fine print. I know what goes into a bill. I know what goes into "lab" work. I have spent enough time in clinics to understand details about what people like you do...
Guys, please try to remember that this thread isn't about medical billings, it's about Chris' Mother, for whom I will also add my prayer...as well as for Chris and his family. It sounds like you're away from her...I hope that you can be with her as soon as possible...your presence certainly couldn't hurt.
And to Carol and the other who have lost family members recently, my heart is heavier knowing your burdens. I have not yet travelled that road yet.
Guys, please try to remember that this thread isn't about medical billings, it's about Chris' Mother...
<raises hand> Second!
Chris... please let us know when you get news. I am sure there are quite a few people who want to keep track of how things are. The previous post about watching substances right now is great advice. I was hooked Limbaugh-style for about 2 months after my grandfather-passing trauma. It really sneaks up on you.
Chris, I really hope for the best for you and your mum. I can't offer any wisdom other than be as loving as you can be, stay positive. My mother-in-law has survived 7 years post breast cancer, we found out later that at one stage that the doctors thought she wasn't going to make it through the night.
I really hope that catching it early is going to work for you and her.
Carol, your post must have been very difficult for you to write at such a time but I found it very moving , wise and beautiful. I still grieve for the loss of my father 10 years ago, it too took ages to sink in and i was seemingly callous at first as a coping mechanism, don't beat yourself up over it, the floodgates will open. My long term coping strategy was, is, just to concentrate on the numerous things that made me love him, his company, humour , humanity and love, not to focus on the missing him side of it too much, if that makes any sense.
I do hope it's just a misleading x-ray, and that the problems won't be severe. But if it's not, and if your family wants to fight it, come to Houston and M.D. Anderson, please. People may say really bad things about Houston and its reputation, but we have the best medical complex in the world and the best cancer center in the world with M.D. Anderson.
You're in my prayers, and if it is indeed nothing serious, what a joyous feeling, I can't imagine!
Comments
Originally posted by Messiahtosh
Thank you all, once again. My mom had her tests done in Hershey today, so we'll find out what the second opinion is sometime this weekend. She said to me on the phone today, when she was on her way back from the medical center, that the doctors there were more optomistic. Supposedly it could just be disc problem in her back and not cancer at all! They said it is also possible that the doctor saw what he thought was a tumor, but is actually a shadow on the xray. Here's hoping.
That would be a dramatic reversal of fortune if it is indeed just a "shadow." But still, its only been a year since she "won" her battle with breast cancer. I just hope its the best case scenario. She is just starting to get more active and fully healthy, another setback just might make her fold.
Thanks all.
I hope that it's only a disc problem. This kind of story is very common anyway. Xray have an high sensibility, but are not discriminative.
Originally posted by Powerdoc
I hope that it's only a disc problem. This kind of story is very common anyway. Xray have an high sensibility, but are not discriminative.
and this is why we pay radiologist 250 dollars for five minutes of work...
Originally posted by billybobsky
and this is why we pay radiologist 250 dollars for five minutes of work...
Where i live, my radiologist friends will love to earn so much money.
i can read the bill... (and i know the going rate simply because my dad is a physician)
Here are the first two chapters
Originally posted by Messiahtosh
Thank you all, once again. My mom had her tests done in Hershey today, so we'll find out what the second opinion is sometime this weekend. She said to me on the phone today, when she was on her way back from the medical center, that the doctors there were more optomistic. Supposedly it could just be disc problem in her back and not cancer at all! They said it is also possible that the doctor saw what he thought was a tumor, but is actually a shadow on the xray. Here's hoping.
That would be a dramatic reversal of fortune if it is indeed just a "shadow." But still, its only been a year since she "won" her battle with breast cancer. I just hope its the best case scenario. She is just starting to get more active and fully healthy, another setback just might make her fold.
Thanks all.
Be sure to post and let us all know for certain once you find out.
Originally posted by Matsu
114 views and 7 posts.
How many other people were waiting to jump in and complete the obligatory "Your mom..." quip?
Life sucks and so does the web.
Well, it is hard to put into words sometimes...I'm going to try...
My father passed away in 1999...complications from Parkinson's Disease. To much of the family it was a relief. After watching a strong, happy and exciting man degenerate into a withered hulk for 6-7 years was painful to us. Yet withing him there was that happiness and love we always had with him. And we miss that everyday.
I stayed at home with my Mom those years to take care of him and I am so grateful for that. I gave me a chance to help and get even closer to him and my Mom. Sometimes bad times do bring good moments and feelings. Stay stong and give yourself to your Mom. Help in anyway. I'll be rooting for you and your family. All the best.
Here is a written tribute I wrote for my brother's book on my Dad's life...
My Father's Eyes
My Dad had very penetrating eyes. Not of an intrusive glance but look of love, caring and concern. I could look into them and sense these qualities. They were attentive. Sometimes when I was doing chores, shooting baskets in the backyard or enjoying a family gathering I would sense Dad watching, smiling.Those eyes seemed to say that he was there, ever ready to advise, care and certainly join in if the need arised.
Sometimes I felt a little nervous of them. Whenever I would be mowing the lawn or doing other things on my own Dad would appear, watching through the window or outside on the back porch. Why is he watching me? I would think. I know now it was just his way of being ready to help or instill some encouragement at the task.
Through good times and bad, my Dad was always there. Always with his love and understanding. Those qualities shown through those eyes. They gave me a sense of security when I felt alone and understanding when all seemed lost. They were in a sense my father's presence. That he was there when a father was needed to be there.
When Dad passed away, I felt that those eyes may have closed forever. But I know that my father's eyes remain open, through my brother and sisters eyes and my own. There is also the faith that he still watches us all. And with those thoughts and feelings...that presence is there with each of us until one day we see those wonderful eyes again.
Wish you the best in hope and recovery.
Originally posted by Scott
Please do
what a nice person you must be in real life
the great thing about the hospital/insurance i have is that they itemize the details of each bill... so dr. so and so gets x amount for the five minutes he actually spent diagnosing my kidney stone, which was quite obvious...
For example I charge patients for a "weekly physics chart check". I look at some charts for 120 seconds and charge $76 for it. I don't get any of that money. BUT that charge includes, daily machine QA, monthly machine QA, calculation check, plan check. The equipment for that cost thousands and the maintenance and calibration of all that cost thousands. Someone like you might thing I get $76 for 120 seconds of work but you don't realize that I spend hours and hours each month doing things that there is no charge for.
So it's itemized but you have to dig into the billing guidelines to know what is and is not included in that charge.
He went to the dr. because of a sty, and it turned out to be cancerous. He had his eye removed a week ago and he's gonna undergo radiation therapy for a couple of weeks. I know how scary it is man, I wish her and you the best.
Be positive, tell her how much you love her, and let's hope it's nothing but a shadow.
And to Carol and the other who have lost family members recently, my heart is heavier knowing your burdens. I have not yet travelled that road yet.
Originally posted by drewprops
Guys, please try to remember that this thread isn't about medical billings, it's about Chris' Mother...
<raises hand> Second!
Chris... please let us know when you get news. I am sure there are quite a few people who want to keep track of how things are. The previous post about watching substances right now is great advice. I was hooked Limbaugh-style for about 2 months after my grandfather-passing trauma. It really sneaks up on you.
Thanks in advance.
I really hope that catching it early is going to work for you and her.
Carol, your post must have been very difficult for you to write at such a time but I found it very moving , wise and beautiful. I still grieve for the loss of my father 10 years ago, it too took ages to sink in and i was seemingly callous at first as a coping mechanism, don't beat yourself up over it, the floodgates will open. My long term coping strategy was, is, just to concentrate on the numerous things that made me love him, his company, humour , humanity and love, not to focus on the missing him side of it too much, if that makes any sense.
All the best to you both.
Stay strong.
You're in my prayers, and if it is indeed nothing serious, what a joyous feeling, I can't imagine!
---Phillip