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Old 08-19-2006, 12:53 AM   #3
sarah
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: france
Posts: 1,648
Dear chelee,
I am so sorry to hear how upset you are and totally understand that you are stressed out. I see that you're in southern California, have you contacted UCLA in LA or St John's in Santa Monica??? I know that both hospitals have Breast Cancer Clinics (actually I think every American Hospital does - St John's looks like a boutique hotel!) and maybe they could help you. St. John's certainly would help even if paying was a problem and UCLA should have some method also since it's a teaching hospital. I know UCLA has a paying system where you can meet with doctors from all the areas (radiation, oncology, chemo) and they look at your case together and give their advice. Also UCLA has a 2nd opinion service and a highly respected radiaologist oversees it - Dr. Basett?? and he would discuss your case with you.
It's good that you are being pro-active and definitely get more opinions but I think if the doctors thought you were in a critical situation, they would deal with it sooner. Doctors are in the business of saving lives so try to lessen your stress perhaps by doing yoga breathing or meditation or reading a good book when you aren't trying to get another appt. I do hope you have a friend or family member who is acting as an adovate for you. You sound as if you need a stronger support system. Have you been in touch with any of the local cancer associations that help people???
Also in Southern California - I think at UCLA? is the Susan Komen association - their purpose is to help cancer patients since they get money from the Revlon foundation. Maybe contact them and they could steer you in a good direction. Here in France, I could help you more.
Good luck and don't dispair, help is coming and the wait is often the worst time. Lots of people on this site have gone through tremendous health problems and are strong and positive, so take inspiration from them.
Take a deep breath.
sarah
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