Breast cancer

[motley]

I'm sorry to hear but kick this thing in the ASS! There are never guarantees of course, but breast cancer is one of the most survivable ones. The very best to you.

 

[simple girl]

I've had multiple breast MRI's. I do recall climbing a bit more than normal to get on the table. I think I had to step up onto a step stool. However, what is most unusual is once up on the table, you have to turn your body and lay on your stomach. That could be quite challenging for someone who is not very mobile, because its a narrow table.

You have to get onto your hands and knees and then crawl yourself into the correct position on your stomach.

Then, your chest hangs through an open hole and the the MRI takes a picture from below.

I could see it being quite challenging for someone with limited mobility to get into this position.

Oh and all the while you have an IV in your arm for the contrast material injection.

I'm sure he wants to see images of how much the chemo is shrinking the tumor.

 

[Aerides]

I've had multiple breast MRI's. I do recall climbing a bit more than normal to get on the table. I think I had to step up onto a step stool. However, what is most unusual is once up on the table, you have to turn your body and lay on your stomach. That could be quite challenging for someone who is not very mobile, because its a narrow table.

You have to get onto your hands and knees and then crawl yourself into the correct position on your stomach.

Then, your chest hangs through an open hole and the the MRI takes a picture from below.

I could see it being quite challenging for someone with limited mobility to get into this position.

Oh and all the while you have an IV in your arm for the contrast material injection.

I'm sure he wants to see images of how much the chemo is shrinking the tumor.

I mean if there wasn't a process screaming for redesign...

 

[FindingForward]

Yea, I find that surprising. I've gone for breast MRIs and now that I think of it I sort of had to climb up onto the table. I'd say it was the height of a regular kitchen table. .

That was my experience too....it was actually mentioned in writing via email appt confirmation before I arrived. I had to be physically able to climb up onto the table myself or they wouldn't be able to perform it.

But this was strictly an outpatient center. Yours was at a hospital! One would imagine they'd have to have a gurney or other equipment.

So aggravating to prep and travel to an appointment, sit around and wait...all for nothing! You handled it more calmly than I would.

 

[simple girl]

But this was strictly an outpatient center. Yours was at a hospital! One would imagine they'd have to have a gurney or other equipment.

Mine was at an NCI cancer center. One would indeed think they'd make it more reasonable to get into the position!

 

[Koolau]

My sympathies to you, W2R. MRIs on a good day are not fun. Sounds like your particular machine is worse than most.

My opinion of MRIs in general are that they were not designed for the patients! I had to get one for my back and it hurt a lot just to get into the cradle. When they shoved me into the thing, it was not only claustrophobic but TIGHT.

Back in the day, I used to analyze liquid samples using magnetic resonance - essentially the same thing as MRI but using a small tube (size of a thermometer.) When we all heard that MRI was coming out as a diagnostic tool for humans we wondered if they would have to spin the humans at 200 rpm as we did with our test tubes. Turns out "no" they don't have to spin you, but since they don't, I guess they figured we would put up with being crushed into a torture device.

But you'll get through this challenge W2R. Blessings!

 

[Dash man]

I am all of those and yes it does seem odd. The one they showed me (in a photo) was a good half foot or foot higher than a regular kitchen table and then once I was on it, I'd need to crawl a couple of feet further, up a sloped area to get a bit higher than that. No stool to help me get up there, and nothing to hold onto like a rail, either. It also seemed odd to me that none of the dozen or so very big, strong orderlies standing around could possibly give me a boost, steady me, or whatever while I was climbing.

Strange. I’ve had two MRIs this year and both had tables they could raise or lower with the press of a button. No lifting or climbing required.

 

[pacergal]

Wow, so sorry this happened to you W2R! How frustrating for you.

I am very surprised that neither a step stool was available or their table didn't mechanically go up/down. That has been my experience.

 

[happy2bretired]

I just can’t have MRIs because I have metal in my head. To me it’s scary being around those machines.

 

[MC Rider]

I just can’t have MRIs because I have metal in my head. To me it’s scary being around those machines.

Ouch. I guess not the kind of metal in your head where you yell, Metallica RulZ! That one is mine.

 

[W2R]

You are far more tolerant than I would be. A few calls like that (after I said no nicely once or twice) and the PT bimbo's would be learning a new vocabulary from me that would make most sailors blush.

Got another call from PT tonight (7:40 PM, after dark on a Thursday night). I said "no" nicely again. They threatened again to call my doctor so I told them not to bother because that had already been done, and my doctor's office had called me about it. They may never quit! SO annoying.

 

[Car-Guy]

^^^^^Good for you....

Coincidentally, I had my annual "Medicare" wellness checkup today with my PCP. He's a old school doctor that believes in "don't fix it, if it's not broken". I was in and out in ~30mins, including waiting times, the basis medical "stuff" ordering my refills and my cognitive testing. His cognitive testing consist of talking about current "politics" or "world affairs" or items of "common interest". He's a keeper.

 

[Koolau]

Got another call from PT tonight (7:40 PM, after dark on a Thursday night). I said "no" nicely again. They threatened again to call my doctor so I told them not to bother because that had already been done, and my doctor's office had called me about it. They may never quit! SO annoying.

^^^^^Good for you....

His cognitive testing consist of talking about current "politics" or "world affairs" or items of "common interest". He's a keeper.

You don't have to do the "clock dial" while remembering three words? I usually revert to "test anxiety" and forget one of the words. But, so far, that hasn't changed in 15 years so maybe I'm okay for a while longer.

 

[Car-Guy]

You don't have to do the "clock dial" while remembering three words? I usually revert to "test anxiety" and forget one of the words. But, so far, that hasn't changed in 15 years so maybe I'm okay for a while longer.

Nope... As long as I can converse with him on the merits of the upcoming election (and if we are in agreement) , or what we doing with our tractors out on our properties, he's good.

 

[Jerry1]

I had a neurologist test me once and one of the questions was "who is the president", then "before him?" and so on. I think I got as far back as FDR when he said, that's good, I was just wondering how far you could go. Apparently, he only needed a couple past presidents.

 

[Koolau]

Nope... As long as I can converse with him on the merits of the upcoming election (and if we are in agreement) , or what we doing with our tractors out on our properties, he's good.

I know it's thread drift, but before I got my back stimulator implanted (don't ask) I had to do a "psych exam!" I talked to the psychiatrist (psychologist?? anyway) for maybe 30 minutes. He asked a bunch of questions and mostly we just talked (or so it seemed.) Then he asked if I had any issues with dementia (to which he answered his own question "No, I can tell just speaking with you that you don't have any dementia." I was happy to hear that."

The Psych exam was ordered before MC would cover my procedure. I suppose if one were "demented" they wouldn't be able to assist in the implantation of the stimulator which requires at least some capability to react to the back doctor's questions during the procedure. (Heh, heh, that was the least fun I'd had with my clothes off for quite some time, but I digress - yet again.)

So, returning you now...

 

[W2R]

Got another call from PT tonight (7:40 PM, after dark on a Thursday night). I said "no" nicely again. They threatened again to call my doctor so I told them not to bother because that had already been done, and my doctor's office had called me about it. They may never quit! SO annoying.

This time their home office ("Vital Care") called me at home. The lady says she wants to come out here, be admitted INTO my house, and have me sign a release saying I don't want their services. Well, I never signed anything saying I did want them! I told her I was very sick and all I wanted her to do is go away. (This is probably the 20th phone call so far). She managed to get me to tell her what my diagnosis is (yes, I was dumb to tell her any information like that). I am so mad I could spit.

Just now I called back and told the bimbo that answering her phone, that if they used that information to "prove" a business relationship or any such thing, that I would call my lawyer and sue them. She says, "It says here you had a session with our physical therapist!" She's referring to him bopping in uninvited while my doctor was over here, and telling me to stand on my tiptoes 10 times. I told her what I told you all, that I had already stood on my tiptoes 30 times that day and that this was not a physical therapy session by anybody's definition. She wanted to call me back and I told her no, that I had probably had 20 calls from them already.

 

[Koolau]

This time their home office ("Vital Care") called me at home. The lady says she wants to come out here, be admitted INTO my house, and have me sign a release saying I don't want their services. Well, I never signed anything saying I did want them! I told her I was very sick and all I wanted her to do is go away. (This is probably the 20th phone call so far). She managed to get me to tell her what my diagnosis is (yes, I was dumb to tell her any information like that). I am so mad I could spit.

Just now I called back and told the bimbo that answering her phone, that if they used that information to "prove" a business relationship or any such thing, that I would call my lawyer and sue them. She says, "It says here you had a session with our physical therapist!" She's referring to him bopping in uninvited while my doctor was over here, and telling me to stand on my tiptoes 10 times. I told her what I told you all, that I had already stood on my tiptoes 30 times that day and that this was not a physical therapy session by anybody's definition. She wanted to call me back and I told her no, that I had probably had 20 calls from them already.

Can you contact your doctor(s) to call off the dogs, so to speak? My doc SENT me to PT due to my back issues. He specified 8 appointments. I quit after 3 as they weren't doing me any good and were actually causing me more pain. I called my doc and he was fine with my judgement on the subject. I heard from "my" therapist once by phone and I told her I'd talked it over with my doctor who agreed the treatments were not helping. Last I heard.

I hope you can shoo these pests away! They seem more like vermin instead of healers. Blessings!

 

[FindingForward]

This time their home office ("Vital Care") called me at home. The lady says she wants to come out here, be admitted INTO my house, and have me sign a release saying I don't want their services. Well, I never signed anything saying I did want them! I told her I was very sick and all I wanted her to do is go away. (This is probably the 20th phone call so far). She managed to get me to tell her what my diagnosis is (yes, I was dumb to tell her any information like that). I am so mad I could spit.

Just now I called back and told the bimbo that answering her phone, that if they used that information to "prove" a business relationship or any such thing, that I would call my lawyer and sue them. She says, "It says here you had a session with our physical therapist!" She's referring to him bopping in uninvited while my doctor was over here, and telling me to stand on my tiptoes 10 times. I told her what I told you all, that I had already stood on my tiptoes 30 times that day and that this was not a physical therapy session by anybody's definition. She wanted to call me back and I told her no, that I had probably had 20 calls from them already.

Getting the doctor to cancel the PT order would fix this immediately, if that were possible. If not, I know you're exhausted and not up for it, but if I had ANY strength left after going thru chemo, I'd be sending this agency an email with "official notice" in subject line informing them that I'll be submitting a written request for a formal investigation to the Louisiana State Dept of Health due to unreasonable patient harassment by close of business Monday, if they do not cease. (I'd add in my email that I have a written log of all their excessive calls (and scripted attempts at intimidation) which will be cc'd to the DOH.

(Nothing like the threat of a state regulatory agency poking their head into your business to scare you straight....last thing any healthcare agency wants.)

 

[W2R]

Can you contact your doctor(s) to call off the dogs, so to speak? My doc SENT me to PT due to my back issues. He specified 8 appointments. I quit after 3 as they weren't doing me any good and were actually causing me more pain. I called my doc and he was fine with my judgement on the subject. I heard from "my" therapist once by phone and I told her I'd talked it over with my doctor who agreed the treatments were not helping. Last I heard.

I hope you can shoo these pests away! They seem more like vermin instead of healers. Blessings!

Good idea, but this is essentially a small town and I think they are in cahoots. When I told my doctor's assistant a few days ago that I was not going to do PT, the doctor was furious. I doubt she would go with my judgment on it.

 

[W2R]

Getting the doctor to cancel the PT order would fix this immediately, if that were possible. If not, I know you're exhausted and not up for it, but if I had ANY strength left after going thru chemo, I'd be sending this agency an email with "official notice" in subject line informing them that I'll be submitting a written request for a formal investigation to the Louisiana State Dept of Health due to unreasonable patient harassment by close of business Monday, if they do not cease. (I'd add in my email that I have a written log of all their excessive calls (and scripted attempts at intimidation) which will be cc'd to the DOH.

(Nothing like the threat of a state regulatory agency poking their head into your business to scare you straight....last thing any healthcare agency wants.)

Good idea - - but I don't have a written log to cc to anybody. Maybe I should call the doctor's office, though.

Edited to add: I did call my doctor's office as Koolau and FindingForward suggested, asking to get the PT order cancelled, and the girl answering the phone said she would relay the information to my doctor. All of which might just mean more phone calls to cope with, but who knows.

 

[Jerry1]

Good idea, but this is essentially a small town and I think they are in cahoots. When I told my doctor's assistant a few days ago that I was not going to do PT, the doctor was furious. I doubt she would go with my judgment on it.

Nonetheless, I would work through your doctor. He should explain to you why PT is important and if you agree, then maybe there are things you can do on your own to satisfy the concerns your doctor has. e.g. you can stand on your tip toes x number of times a day and log it for your doctor.

I had PT one time on my own accord. After a couple visits, I quit. My thoughts were very simply that I could do all that stuff at home which would be more convenient and cost less. All you need is a plan/schedule, whatever, that you can do on your own.

Wishing you well.

 

[Dtail]

Tell them that they are no different than any of us who aren't allowed in your house.
Lighthearted comment, as you are in charge, and you make sure you get whatever you want and turn down whatever you want.

 

[Alan]

This OT/PT thing seems bizarre to me. Over the years I have had multiple surgeries on various joints, with a series of PT sessions prescribed post surgery. In every case I have only attended one or two sessions before discharging myself on the grounds that I can do them at home, saving lots of time and money. Even if I had no intention of doing the exercises, that would have been my decision and no one else’s.

 

[FindingForward]

Good idea - - but I don't have a written log to cc to anybody. Maybe I should call the doctor's office, though.

Oh you don't actually NEED a written log....you just TELL them you're prepared to send one to the DOH in the note. If push came to shove, you'd just jot down however many calls you can remember getting from the PT/OT agency and add in a few - they likely didn't track it on their end and even if they did, so what? They'll say they made XX calls instead of XXX calls - same issue - it's unreasonable harassment.

When companies have ignored or stonewalled me, I've had success in getting their attention with this tactic most times.

Of course, this is all just a "hail mary"/nuclear option if nothing else works. If your doc is reasonable and is satisfied with you doing the exercises yourself that they've already shown you, above isn't needed.

My genuine sympathies on all this aggravation - last thing you need when you're already feeling lousy.