Re: Question re: maintenance of CP

[Guest guest]

Zoie,

In regard to your concerns about cancer, when I was first diagnosed with CP

with pseudocysts in April of 2001, I had a biopsy done during a CT-scan, and

the tissue collected was sent to a lab for cancer screening. Negative. Since

that time, I have a CA-19-9 blood test done every 6 months, as well as a

CT-scan.done every 6 months. The blood test can only detect whether or not

there are cancer tumors present, it's isn't a 100% affirmation that cancer

doesn't exist....but what does? It's the next best thing.

My doctor at the Mayo Clinic in ville was the last one to do this test,

plus another ct-scan, in October of 2004. The doctor's have reassured me

that if cancer existed, it will show up in the ct-scan. So my doctor rotates

the

blood test with the ct's, providing me pretty much full time screening for that

concern.

I've been seeing my local GI every month for the last four years, but I've

decided that this is unnecessary now, and am going to ask him to drop back

the appointments to every 3 months. Especially since his schedule is so full

that each appointment has me waiting a minimum of three hours in his office!

The man loves to talk.....but the patients really have to pay the price for it!!

He's previously insisted upon the once a month appointments because of my

pseudocysts, but I think now with the every 6 month CT-screening

recommended by the Mayo Clinic pancreatologist, that monthly visits just

aren't necessary anymore. Of course, should there be any change in my

physical status, I can see him more frequently. Since I also have a Pain

Management doctor that I see every other month, if I have any concerns,

they can be addressed at this time. Both doctors are easy enough to get an

appointment with on short term notice. Not like some, it takes three months

notice to get into my Endocrinologist's office, and if you have to change an

appointment like I did this month, it takes a delay of two months to

reschedule!!

Unless you have extenuating circumstances, (like waxing and waning

pseudocysts like mine), or increased periods of pain, I don't see why a once a

quarter appointment schedule couldn't be arranged. If your gastro is also

writing your narcotic pain medications scripts, you would still have to make

arrangements to go to his office during the months you don't have

appointments, to pick up the scripts. It all depends on that, and how strict

your doctor is about seeing you, many won't write scripts for narcotics without

a physical appointment.

Every situation is different, and you need to set up your treatment in the

manner that suits you best.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina State Rep.

South Eastern Regional Rep., PAI

Note: All comments or advice are from personal experiences or opinion only,

and should not be a substitute for consultation with your medical professional.