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Re Ann: Not always the case. In case of serious symptoms, I can call my doctor (or some doctor covering) anytime 24 hours. My oncologist works closely with a "collaborative nurse" who works closely with the doctor and tends to know a lot. Any message left for her during work hours typically is responded to the same day. Maybe I am just fortunate (it's not a farce).
All this said, it's not the same as a 24 hour professional who is immediately available to answer any question you might have. But it has worked for me.
[Actually I'm probably just fortunate...I don't know what I'd do if I lived where access to doctors was more difficult. If you don't have that...that would be frustrating indeed.]
Melanie
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Diagnosed: 7/13/07 (or 7/7/07)
Surgery: 8/15/07 Modified Radical One Side with Lymph Node Dissection
Pathology Report: ER/PR-, HER2+ with FISH at 8.4 copies, Grade 3, Stage IIIa, 3.2 cm tumor plus 4/19 positive lymph nodes
Portacath: 9/7/07
Chemo: 9/14/07 with AC (every three weeks) for four rounds
Physical Therapy for ROM Loss / "Cording" (but not Lymphodema)
Taxol + Herceptin weekly (started 12/2007 with 8 of 12 Taxol)
Radiation: (28 rads from 3/07 to 4/07)
Reconstruction (silicone implant)
Herceptin done (10/08)
Cognitive Remediation (11/08 - 12/08)
Lymphedema Diagnosed 5/10/10 (almost 3 years post cancer diagnosis)
Lymphedema Rehab 9/10/10 - 11/10/10
Six years NED...7/7/2013!
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