My last visit - memorable!

This morning I had an exciting and moving experience, the last visit to my
medical oncologist.

The New Oncology Wing at St James's Hospital is one of the biggest
purpose-built cancer centre in western Europe and is less than two miles
from where I live. Its external architecture is futuristic, inside it's open
and light, with atria, pictures, themed lighting, wide stairs (and silent,
seemingly unmoving, lifts for the adventurous!). It reminded me of a setting
for a science fiction film.

The wing has taken a few years to build, it's now part of the huge general
hospital which has very many large specialist units but this 'wing' can't be
compared with any of them. The staff have previously worked in three
separate hospitals and the university, all functions are now under one roof.
There is at present one linear accelerator which uses intensity modulated
arc therapy and a second is planned, they will revolutionise radiotherapy
for all cancers.

Research will be undertaken in the wing too, everything is together for the
first time ever. The staff have been involved with the planning and seem
happy with the result. Out-patient facilities are splendid and although I
didn't see the in-patient wards I'm led to believe that they are superb,
with a home-from-home feel. The older hospitals were inconvenient, having
developed over a century and not being purpose built. Not that I had any
complaints about my treatment in those places, it was the best. Would have
been nice to experience some of the future though ...

Not to be. I was discharged by the nice registrar who fondled my breasts (!)
and I knew it was coming but it was still a bit sad, knowing that I shan't
see the staff any more. They've become like friends over the last ten years.

Of course I don't want to *have* to see them again. I'll continue having
mammograms though, if I hadn't been to a routine one I might not be here
now.

And I'll stick around here, I can't cut off all my friends - even though
it's been very quiet for a long time ...

Hugs to everyone, let everyone know what you've been doing.

Mary

Congratulations and thanks so much for sharing the good news with us!
Nothing is more exciting to me than having one of our own reach the
stage you are in. Gives us great hope that one day, we too, can be
"booted" out of our oncologist's office!

By the way, at what stage does one have to get to to be declared "cured"
and no longer in need of the tit squashing by the doctor or his staff.
I know we will always, if we have any sanity, go back for the mammograms
but when does the Onc get to decide we no longer need visits to his
office??

How fantastic that new place you went to sounds! I don't think we have
anything like that in the US, yet. Most places I have gone to are
depressing and the last thing we need is more things to depress us. So
let's hope someone decides to build more places like yours for the rest
of us.

Thanks for deciding to stick around on the board, Mary. We need to keep
contact with the survivors so we can keep our hope up that one day we,
too, can be sharing such good news and letting others know that one can
become victorious over this damnable disease!

Congrats and thanks again!

Bea

'NO FORWARDS OR SPAM, PLEASE"

"OO OO" <pm95sb@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:21404-47FA8184-162@storefull-3251.bay.webtv.net...
> Congratulations and thanks so much for sharing the good news with us!
> Nothing is more exciting to me than having one of our own reach the
> stage you are in. Gives us great hope that one day, we too, can be
> "booted" out of our oncologist's office!
>
> By the way, at what stage does one have to get to to be declared "cured"
> and no longer in need of the tit squashing by the doctor or his staff.
> I know we will always, if we have any sanity, go back for the mammograms
> but when does the Onc get to decide we no longer need visits to his
> office??
>
> How fantastic that new place you went to sounds! I don't think we have
> anything like that in the US, yet. Most places I have gone to are
> depressing and the last thing we need is more things to depress us. So
> let's hope someone decides to build more places like yours for the rest
> of us.
>
> Thanks for deciding to stick around on the board, Mary. We need to keep
> contact with the survivors so we can keep our hope up that one day we,
> too, can be sharing such good news and letting others know that one can
> become victorious over this damnable disease!
>
> Congrats and thanks again!
>
> Bea
-------------
Bea, you said this so well that I have nothing to add to it except "Me Too!"

Eva

Great news Mary, I finished with the hospital last month after 5 years,
forgive me,why was yours 10 years ?
I live in the Peterborough Cambridge area.
Kathleen
"Mary Fisher" <mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:47fa463b$0$760$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet.ne t...
> This morning I had an exciting and moving experience, the last visit to my
> medical oncologist.
>
> The New Oncology Wing at St James's Hospital is one of the biggest
> purpose-built cancer centre in western Europe and is less than two miles
> from where I live. Its external architecture is futuristic, inside it's
> open and light, with atria, pictures, themed lighting, wide stairs (and
> silent, seemingly unmoving, lifts for the adventurous!). It reminded me of
> a setting for a science fiction film.
>
> The wing has taken a few years to build, it's now part of the huge general
> hospital which has very many large specialist units but this 'wing' can't
> be compared with any of them. The staff have previously worked in three
> separate hospitals and the university, all functions are now under one
> roof. There is at present one linear accelerator which uses intensity
> modulated arc therapy and a second is planned, they will revolutionise
> radiotherapy for all cancers.
>
> Research will be undertaken in the wing too, everything is together for
> the first time ever. The staff have been involved with the planning and
> seem happy with the result. Out-patient facilities are splendid and
> although I didn't see the in-patient wards I'm led to believe that they
> are superb, with a home-from-home feel. The older hospitals were
> inconvenient, having developed over a century and not being purpose built.
> Not that I had any complaints about my treatment in those places, it was
> the best. Would have been nice to experience some of the future though ...
>
> Not to be. I was discharged by the nice registrar who fondled my breasts
> (!) and I knew it was coming but it was still a bit sad, knowing that I
> shan't see the staff any more. They've become like friends over the last
> ten years.
>
> Of course I don't want to *have* to see them again. I'll continue having
> mammograms though, if I hadn't been to a routine one I might not be here
> now.
>
> And I'll stick around here, I can't cut off all my friends - even though
> it's been very quiet for a long time ...
>
> Hugs to everyone, let everyone know what you've been doing.
>
> Mary
>

"OO OO" <pm95sb@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:21404-47FA8184-162@storefull-3251.bay.webtv.net...
> Congratulations and thanks so much for sharing the good news with us!
> Nothing is more exciting to me than having one of our own reach the
> stage you are in. Gives us great hope that one day, we too, can be
> "booted" out of our oncologist's office!
>
> By the way, at what stage does one have to get to to be declared "cured"

I was told that after five years. I gave the doctor who said it short
shrift - could he guarantee that i wouldn't have a recurrence? Of course
not, then he shouldn't give false hope to people.

He thought he waas saying what I wanted him to say ...

> and no longer in need of the tit squashing by the doctor or his staff.
> I know we will always, if we have any sanity, go back for the mammograms
> but when does the Onc get to decide we no longer need visits to his
> office??

Normally, here, after five years of n.e.d. Mine was ten years because I was
on a research programme. I could have stopped after five years but didn't
want to :-)
>
> How fantastic that new place you went to sounds! I don't think we have
> anything like that in the US, yet. Most places I have gone to are
> depressing and the last thing we need is more things to depress us. So
> let's hope someone decides to build more places like yours for the rest
> of us.

I'm sure they will, it's the future.
>
> Thanks for deciding to stick around on the board, Mary. We need to keep
> contact with the survivors so we can keep our hope up that one day we,
> too, can be sharing such good news and letting others know that one can
> become victorious over this damnable disease!
>
> Congrats and thanks again!

Thanks, Bea. Haven't heard from you for some time ...

Mary

"didlems" <danceswithclay@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:MKGKj.43760$Ge4.34461@newsfe1-win.ntli.net...
> Great news Mary, I finished with the hospital last month after 5 years,
> forgive me,why was yours 10 years ?
> I live in the Peterborough Cambridge area.
> Kathleen

Because I took part in the ATAC research programme. It wasn't essential.

In May we're going to be at an event at Sacrewell, if you're likely to be
around it would be nice to meet you and perhaps have supper and a glass
together.

Mail me if you're interested.

Mary

That is wonderful news, Mary. My onc didn't "kick me loose" until 20 years!
I thought I would continue to see him forever. For me there were mixed
feelings.....I don't know how an annual visit was reassuring, but it was.
In the Fall it will be 25 years since my diagnosis, so by now I'm ok with
not seeing him regularly. He assured me that if I had another problem he
would be there...If one is lucky, the Dr. and his staff do become special.

Here's to your continued good health, dear Mary!

Barb



"Mary Fisher" <mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:47fa463b$0$760$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet.ne t...
> This morning I had an exciting and moving experience, the last visit to my
> medical oncologist.
>
> The New Oncology Wing at St James's Hospital is one of the biggest
> purpose-built cancer centre in western Europe and is less than two miles
> from where I live. Its external architecture is futuristic, inside it's
> open and light, with atria, pictures, themed lighting, wide stairs (and
> silent, seemingly unmoving, lifts for the adventurous!). It reminded me of
> a setting for a science fiction film.
>
> The wing has taken a few years to build, it's now part of the huge general
> hospital which has very many large specialist units but this 'wing' can't
> be compared with any of them. The staff have previously worked in three
> separate hospitals and the university, all functions are now under one
> roof. There is at present one linear accelerator which uses intensity
> modulated arc therapy and a second is planned, they will revolutionise
> radiotherapy for all cancers.
>
> Research will be undertaken in the wing too, everything is together for
> the first time ever. The staff have been involved with the planning and
> seem happy with the result. Out-patient facilities are splendid and
> although I didn't see the in-patient wards I'm led to believe that they
> are superb, with a home-from-home feel. The older hospitals were
> inconvenient, having developed over a century and not being purpose built.
> Not that I had any complaints about my treatment in those places, it was
> the best. Would have been nice to experience some of the future though ...
>
> Not to be. I was discharged by the nice registrar who fondled my breasts
> (!) and I knew it was coming but it was still a bit sad, knowing that I
> shan't see the staff any more. They've become like friends over the last
> ten years.
>
> Of course I don't want to *have* to see them again. I'll continue having
> mammograms though, if I hadn't been to a routine one I might not be here
> now.
>
> And I'll stick around here, I can't cut off all my friends - even though
> it's been very quiet for a long time ...
>
> Hugs to everyone, let everyone know what you've been doing.
>
> Mary
>

"Barb" <ammerman@epix.net> wrote in message
news:d1PKj.344$555.8443@news1.epix.net...
> That is wonderful news, Mary. My onc didn't "kick me loose" until 20
> years! I thought I would continue to see him forever.

Perhaps he was after your body ... ? *

> For me there were mixed feelings.....I don't know how an annual visit was
> reassuring, but it was. In the Fall it will be 25 years since my
> diagnosis, so by now I'm ok with not seeing him regularly. He assured me
> that if I had another problem he would be there...If one is lucky, the Dr.
> and his staff do become special.

Indeed.
>
> Here's to your continued good health, dear Mary!

And to yours! - and to all of us!!

Mary

*for science ...

<ducking>

"Mary Fisher" <mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:47fa463b$0$760$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet.ne t...
> This morning I had an exciting and moving experience, the last visit to my
> medical oncologist.
>
> The New Oncology Wing at St James's Hospital is one of the biggest
> purpose-built cancer centre in western Europe and is less than two miles
> from where I live. Its external architecture is futuristic, inside it's
> open and light, with atria, pictures, themed lighting, wide stairs (and
> silent, seemingly unmoving, lifts for the adventurous!). It reminded me of
> a setting for a science fiction film.
>
> The wing has taken a few years to build, it's now part of the huge general
> hospital which has very many large specialist units but this 'wing' can't
> be compared with any of them. The staff have previously worked in three
> separate hospitals and the university, all functions are now under one
> roof. There is at present one linear accelerator which uses intensity
> modulated arc therapy and a second is planned, they will revolutionise
> radiotherapy for all cancers.
>
> Research will be undertaken in the wing too, everything is together for
> the first time ever. The staff have been involved with the planning and
> seem happy with the result. Out-patient facilities are splendid and
> although I didn't see the in-patient wards I'm led to believe that they
> are superb, with a home-from-home feel. The older hospitals were
> inconvenient, having developed over a century and not being purpose built.
> Not that I had any complaints about my treatment in those places, it was
> the best. Would have been nice to experience some of the future though ...
>
> Not to be. I was discharged by the nice registrar who fondled my breasts
> (!) and I knew it was coming but it was still a bit sad, knowing that I
> shan't see the staff any more. They've become like friends over the last
> ten years.
>
> Of course I don't want to *have* to see them again. I'll continue having
> mammograms though, if I hadn't been to a routine one I might not be here
> now.
>
> And I'll stick around here, I can't cut off all my friends - even though
> it's been very quiet for a long time ...
>
> Hugs to everyone, let everyone know what you've been doing.
>
> Mary
>


Mary,
I hope you will be here forever. Sounds like a lovely cancer centre, hope
that you or your husband won't need any future services, but it is nice to
know that it is available if you need them.

Looks like my son is going to be leaving the east coast and going to Arizona
for graduate school. It takes about the same time to get to Phoenix as it
does to go to London. I guess he is born to travel.

Hugs back to you.

"xela56" <noaccount@nw.nl> wrote in message
news:ZfGdnRLeeaiHqmHanZ2dnUVZ_hudnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>
>
>
> Mary,
> I hope you will be here forever. Sounds like a lovely cancer centre, hope
> that you or your husband won't need any future services, but it is nice to
> know that it is available if you need them.

Indeed - and so close to home. I had three of our children in the 'old'
hospital - which is still there - and used to walk to the ante-natal clinic,
pushing prams or push-chair and being great with child. I'm not so good at
walking now but it will could be done.
>
> Looks like my son is going to be leaving the east coast and going to
> Arizona for graduate school. It takes about the same time to get to
> Phoenix as it does to go to London. I guess he is born to travel.

Yes, we here forget the enormous distances in America. London is 200 miles
from here and only two and a bit hours by train but it still feels like the
other end of the Earth for those of us who live in the 'Far North' . Well,
that's how many southerners think of us!

And Edinburgh is another 200 miles in the other direction and then there's
the rest of Scotland, another few hundred miles to John o'Groats. Yet it
would be an unimportant distance to Americans!

When I first went to USA and would ask about how far somewhere was it was
always expressed in hours rather than miles. It took some time to understand
why, it's sensible but I couldn't picture such distances. Of course I had no
idea of your roads (so different from ours) or your driving speeds (so
different from ours!).

OK, I've gone off-topic but I'm thrilled to see so many 'old hands' of this
ng popping up as the result of my post, it had looked as though the group
was on its last legs. Now I know that I'm not alone in still looking and
hoping for more contact. I still feel more part of this group than any
other.

Keep it going!

Mary

On Wed, 9 Apr 2008 09:32:21 +0100, "Mary Fisher"
<mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:

>Yes, we here forget the enormous distances in America. London is 200 miles
>from here and only two and a bit hours by train but it still feels like the
>other end of the Earth for those of us who live in the 'Far North' . Well,
>that's how many southerners think of us!

You don't live in the Frozen Nawf, ye Soft Southern jessies! Does
anyone here from the UK live further North than Newcastle?

Glad to hear your good news Mary, although, from what you've posted in
the past, I expect you're feeling a bit ambivalent about it, aren't you?

<x{yz}enophil44@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:45hpv3t01kb7sp92t1jh92pf9vb8sjeh9v@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 9 Apr 2008 09:32:21 +0100, "Mary Fisher"
> <mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
>
>>Yes, we here forget the enormous distances in America. London is 200 miles
>>from here and only two and a bit hours by train but it still feels like
>>the
>>other end of the Earth for those of us who live in the 'Far North' . Well,
>>that's how many southerners think of us!
>
> You don't live in the Frozen Nawf, ye Soft Southern jessies! Does
> anyone here from the UK live further North than Newcastle?

I did qualify wht I said :-) We don't live in an igloo :-))))))))))))))))

And nor do you, I know, I went to Newcastle. Once ...
>
> Glad to hear your good news Mary, although, from what you've posted in
> the past, I expect you're feeling a bit ambivalent about it, aren't you?

in that I'm sorry to lose the contacts yes, I thought I'd said that in the
post. Perhaps I didn't.

Know anything good for a failing memory?

LOL

Mary

Mary, I love it when you speak of your homeland. I've never traveled out of
the USA, and I think it's very interesting to hear you draw some
comparisons.

Are your roads smaller? Do you travel more slowly? A while back you shared
a bit about a holiday meal that fascinated me.

Isn't internet a wonderful way of sharing? :-)

Barb
>
> OK, I've gone off-topic but I'm thrilled to see so many 'old hands' of
> this ng popping up as the result of my post, it had looked as though the
> group was on its last legs. Now I know that I'm not alone in still looking
> and hoping for more contact. I still feel more part of this group than any
> other.
>
> Keep it going!
>
> Mary
>
>

"Barb" <ammerman@epix.net> wrote in message
newsO9Lj.351$555.8721@news1.epix.net...
> Mary, I love it when you speak of your homeland. I've never traveled out
> of the USA, and I think it's very interesting to hear you draw some
> comparisons.
>
> Are your roads smaller? Do you travel more slowly? A while back you
> shared a bit about a holiday meal that fascinated me.

I think most differences are because of the relative sizes of our countries.
USA is HUGE compared with UK - and most of the population of UK is not
evenly distributed - same with you but it makes more of a difference here.

The only comparison with your interstate highways are our motorways which
are nothing like as long nor as wide yet mile for mile there is far, far
more traffic on them. The same applies to your freeways but at busy busy
times they're not much different. I've been driven through Seattle's evening
rush hour and it's very similar to driving through many of our major cities
at rush hour - except that our roads are a bit smaller and there are more
holdups. Local roads are much the same here as there - but again there's
more traffic per mile.

I was reminded of this when I went to the new oncology centre - thus nicely
going back on topic. The corridors were wider than in the older hospitals so
the same number of people had a lot more space to walk with ease.

As for speed on the British roads - in built-up areas the limit for cars,
vans and motorbikes is 30mph, on many residential streets it's 20mph. Hardly
anyone drives within those limits.

On open roads the limit is 40mph. Hardly anyone keeps to that limit.

On motorways and dual carriageways where there isn't a lower limit the limit
is 70mph for all vehicles except those towing and Heavy Goods Vehicles. The
HGVs have governors which mean that it's impossible for them to drive at
more than 60mph - their limit. Most other drivers don't keep to the speed
limit.

What's worse is that people feel justified in not keeping to the limits ...

When I was in Washington State I was surprised at the low speed of traffic
and at the observation of driving regulations. We're brought up with
American films which show fantastic speeds and reckless driving, I saw none
of that. I'm sure offences do happen - I saw notices asking for offences to
be reported. This was before mobile phones were common in UK but must have
been common in USA. We still don't have such exhortations and probably
because most Brits seem not to like to tell on other people's misdoings -
poerhaps because they think someone might tell on them.

We are irresponsible drivers and the deaths and injuries on our roads
reflect that - but people still continue to break the laws - which in my
opinion aren't sufficiently enforced. Our street has had a 20mph limit on it
for some time, it's clearly marked and there are humps and marks in the
road. But drivers still travel its short length at far higher speeds than
even 30mph - some doing high speeds while reversing for long distances
because they can't be bothered to do three point turns.

Road deaths aren't taken seriously by Joe Public but withold a cancer drug
and there's Hell to pay. We often hear such plaints as, "If it saves one
life the cost will be worth it!" Ten lives a week could be saved by drivers
being responsible.

You can tell I feel strongly about car crime!

Then there are those drivers who park on pvements, thus forcing pedestrians,
some tith toddlers or prams or in wheelchairs, into the road. That happens
in our street because people can't be bothered to park in their drives.

Ggggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr ...........


>
> Isn't internet a wonderful way of sharing? :-)

YES! Even when it's sharing ill-feelings :-)

Mary

Mary Fisher wrote:
> This morning I had an exciting and moving experience, the last visit to my
> medical oncologist.

Hooray for you Mary!!! I get to wait more years!


> The New Oncology Wing at St James's Hospital is one of the biggest
> purpose-built cancer centre in western Europe and is less than two miles
> from where I live. Its external architecture is futuristic, inside it's open
> and light, with atria, pictures, themed lighting, wide stairs (and silent,
> seemingly unmoving, lifts for the adventurous!). It reminded me of a setting
> for a science fiction film.

Hope it's not like the sets in Clockwork Orange!!!
>
Though not modernistic, my cancer center is new and pleasant. It seems
small but I heard on of the receptionists say one day that they had over
200 people with appointments and treatments that day. They have warm
lovely waiting areas, the inner one being an art gallery.

The paintings are done by artist patients and consequently portray
images and emotions that only
we can understand. The works are for sale and the proceeds go to the
volunteer wing of the clinic. These volunteers, many of them former
patients that are giving back to others, are fantastic. They also play
(quietly in he background) CDs made by patients. Since I am a musician
I keep trying to push such a project to the foreground of my To-Do List!

> The wing has taken a few years to build, it's now part of the huge general
> hospital which has very many large specialist units but this 'wing' can't be
> compared with any of them. The staff have previously worked in three
> separate hospitals and the university, all functions are now under one roof.
> There is at present one linear accelerator which uses intensity modulated
> arc therapy and a second is planned, they will revolutionise radiotherapy
> for all cancers.
>
> Research will be undertaken in the wing too, everything is together for the
> first time ever. The staff have been involved with the planning and seem
> happy with the result. Out-patient facilities are splendid and although I
> didn't see the in-patient wards I'm led to believe that they are superb,
> with a home-from-home feel. The older hospitals were inconvenient, having
> developed over a century and not being purpose built. Not that I had any
> complaints about my treatment in those places, it was the best. Would have
> been nice to experience some of the future though ...
>
> Not to be. I was discharged by the nice registrar who fondled my breasts (!)
> and I knew it was coming but it was still a bit sad, knowing that I shan't
> see the staff any more. They've become like friends over the last ten years.
>
> Of course I don't want to *have* to see them again. I'll continue having
> mammograms though, if I hadn't been to a routine one I might not be here
> now.

I don't want to see mine either but hey, the alternative is not good
right now. My Onc is great and so is his whole staff. In fact I have
an appointment next week but at least it's just a followup from my
3-month checkup (had a little scare, but the dx mammo looked good).
Guess he'll just have to feel up my "good" breast once more this Spring?

> And I'll stick around here, I can't cut off all my friends - even though
> it's been very quiet for a long time ...
>
> Hugs to everyone, let everyone know what you've been doing.

Hugs to you, Mary.
Marsha

"Mizz Marcia Ryder" <missotis@regrets.com> wrote in message
news:qfadnYDFJp7zZ53VnZ2dnUVZ_qOknZ2d@comcast.com. ..
....
>
>> The New Oncology Wing at St James's Hospital is one of the biggest
>> purpose-built cancer centre in western Europe and is less than two miles
>> from where I live. Its external architecture is futuristic, inside it's
>> open and light, with atria, pictures, themed lighting, wide stairs (and
>> silent, seemingly unmoving, lifts for the adventurous!). It reminded me
>> of a setting for a science fiction film.
>
> Hope it's not like the sets in Clockwork Orange!!!

No idea, I haven't seen that one!
>>
> Though not modernistic, my cancer center is new and pleasant. It seems
> small but I heard on of the receptionists say one day that they had over
> 200 people with appointments and treatments that day. They have warm
> lovely waiting areas, the inner one being an art gallery.
>
> The paintings are done by artist patients and consequently portray images
> and emotions that only
> we can understand. The works are for sale and the proceeds go to the
> volunteer wing of the clinic. These volunteers, many of them former
> patients that are giving back to others, are fantastic. They also play
> (quietly in he background) CDs made by patients. Since I am a musician
> I keep trying to push such a project to the foreground of my To-Do List!

I like the idea of the gallery and music, perhaps I'll put that idea to the
trustees of the new wing. In fact I shall!
>
....
>>
>> Of course I don't want to *have* to see them again. I'll continue having
>> mammograms though, if I hadn't been to a routine one I might not be here
>> now.
>
> I don't want to see mine either but hey, the alternative is not good right
> now.

No ... when people complain about their treatments and their side effects I
rememer that. Evey minute is precious.

> My Onc is great and so is his whole staff. In fact I have an appointment
> next week but at least it's just a followup from my
> 3-month checkup (had a little scare, but the dx mammo looked good).
> Guess he'll just have to feel up my "good" breast once more this Spring?

Enjoy it. We have to get our kicks where we can :-))))

Mary

I'm puzzled; you had a diagnosis 25 years ago and are still visiting the
oncologist? why, 25 years later?

"Mary Fisher" <mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:47fbc202$0$771$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet.ne t...
>
> "Barb" <ammerman@epix.net> wrote in message
> news:d1PKj.344$555.8443@news1.epix.net...
>> That is wonderful news, Mary. My onc didn't "kick me loose" until 20
>> years! I thought I would continue to see him forever.
>
> Perhaps he was after your body ... ? *
>
>> For me there were mixed feelings.....I don't know how an annual visit was
>> reassuring, but it was. In the Fall it will be 25 years since my
>> diagnosis, so by now I'm ok with not seeing him regularly. He assured me
>> that if I had another problem he would be there...If one is lucky, the
>> Dr. and his staff do become special.
>
> Indeed.
>>
>> Here's to your continued good health, dear Mary!
>
> And to yours! - and to all of us!!
>
> Mary
>
> *for science ...
>
> <ducking>
>
>

"pumpkin" <billowroad@att.net> wrote in message
news:rwwMj.95520$D_3.43385@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> I'm puzzled; you had a diagnosis 25 years ago and are still visiting the
> oncologist? why, 25 years later?
>
> I was told I was needed to see an oncologist the rest of my life. Alex