[sdbob]

Going through the tests Drs told me to get done.PET scan,prostate cancer,bone marrow biopsy, lymph node biopsy left groin area. So far tests negative except lymph node which is low grade dr said. I got 2nd opinion from Dr at Hillman Shadyside. Initially he said wait 6 mos. This past Monday he wanted 2nd biopsy. Next Monday results. My parents both had cancer I their 50s. My father worked and lived into his 80s. My mother worked, volunteering she was 94. We will find out. My point to all this is what I've found out.Oncologist told me some cancers don't have pain, I guess initially. So early detection is key. Dr said get your checkups regularly, eyes,heart,skin,blood work etc. I had no symptoms. Eat good no pains except arthritis. I had some constipation that dr suggested the PET scan.Take care of yourselves for the future.

[hurryinhoosier62]

Bob, when my cancer was discovered I had zero pain and felt fine.

[sdbob]

Went back to Hillman Shadyside this am. Results from 2nd lymph node biopsy from last Monday. Still low grade lymphoma not fast acting,good. Dr wants me to have another PET scan in 3 mos. He said to monitor my bodily functions over a period of time. Probably monitoring for next year.

[Goatracer1]

I had Lymphoma with no symptoms. They found it when I had gallbladder attack. Went through chemotherapy and so far so good. Good luck to you.

[Steve C.]

"Still low grade lymphoma not fast acting, good."

Agree.

Similar situation here, mine involves Chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Currently nothing rapid. I go for testing every 3-4 months.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma are essentially the same disease, but the main difference is where the cancer cells are located.


.

[sdbob]

Just got my bill from UPMC Hillman cancer center for bone marrow biopsy. The total cost was $17,246.00. My cost $20.00. I was just sitting thinking (share this with you guys) When I was going to retire I asked my wife what insurance to use as I had 3 choices. UPMC

,ETNA and BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD. She said in her experience as a case mgr/social worker over all she liked the 'BLUES'. So we did. Here today it paid off. Thanks again dear up there in heaven.

[Goatracer1]

Blue Cross paid almost all of my treatment also.

[Steve C.]

In addition to Medicare health insurance I have a 'BlueCross BlueShield of Texas' policy that I've had since 2014. My insurance rep has told me to never get rid of it ! From what I understand its no longer available.


.

[The Champ]

Originally Posted by sdbob

My point to all this is what I've found out.Oncologist told me some cancers don't have pain, I guess initially. So early detection is key. Dr said get your checkups regularly, eyes,heart,skin,blood work etc. I had no symptoms.

I'm a veteran of 3 cancer related surgeries.

Back in '06, I needed emergency lung surgery. When I went in to get the clean bill of health on my lungs, thankfully my medical team looked at the complete scan, not just at my lungs.

They noticed a spot on my right kidney. They told me it might not to anything to worry about, but suggested a dye injected cat scan to check it out. After a 10 day stay at the Mayo Clinic and all the associated follow up care, I knew that the procedure wouldn't cost me a dime.

Result - confirmation of cancer - and scheduled surgery number one for two weeks later for a partial nephrectomy of my right kidney.

Nine and a half years later, at a routine oncology exam, a spot was discovered on my pancreas. Biopsy confirmed cancer. Surgery again.

Another two years later a routine oncology exam scan showed something suspicious, but not conclusive. 30 days later an MRI still showed something suspicious., but not conclusive. Exploratory surgery scheduled, eight hours on the table, four surgeons, removed the balance of my right kidney, resection of my liver and the carving out of the core muscles on my right side.

In all three of these surgeries, the only pain involved was POST surgery. I looked healthy, felt healthy, but bad things were going on inside my body.

I remember before the oncology checkup when they discovered the renal cell cancer in my pancreas telling my wife that it was going to be my last oncology checkup - I was 9.5 years cancer free and didn't want to go through the procedure again after this one.

After learning of my diagnosis, I told my wife that I would be getting oncology exams anytime my medical team recommended them for the rest of my life.

Ironically, yesterday, I got a message to schedule my 2024 oncology exam for late September, early October.

[richardk]

Originally Posted by Steve C.

"Still low grade lymphoma not fast acting, good."

Agree.

Similar situation here, mine involves Chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Currently nothing rapid. I go for testing every 3-4 months.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma are essentially the same disease, but the main difference is where the cancer cells are located.


.

Yep, same situation here. My Christmas present was finding out I have Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. The only symptom I have is way too many lymphocytes in my white blood cells, all my other blood work looks fine and I don't have any physical symptoms at all. The only treatment needed so far is to wait and watch and get tested 3 or 4 times a year. CLL is a very slow progressing disease and my oncologist says it could be years before I start showing any symptoms.

[Trulyvintage]

Good to hear from folks
who are winning the battle
and surviving with a positive
outlook on Life.


Jim

[taktikian]

Thank you all for posting your experiences. On top of battling such a health issue must be the feeling of isolation and loneliness, as no one but you knows what is going thru your head. I have no experience with cancer yet, but brain issues which were technically not life threatening, but life ruining instead. Thank God for our loved ones and hold them close, the mental battle can be as brutal as the disease itself. Stay well.

[sdbob]

Thanks guys for sharing. I feel very fortunate getting diagnosed early( I wonder maybe crazy,is my wife Bobbie behind this in heaven?). The Dr at Hillman Shadyside said there is a new drug coming that could help me. He wants to see me in 3mos for another PET scan. May god bless all of you.