Are you getting cancer treatments during COVID-19?

@colleenyoung I had a blood test scheduled for this Friday at the local Mayo Family Clinic and called today to check to see the status and if it might be cancelled or if I should still come in. The appointment nurse said they were cancelling all non emergency appointments due to the COVID-19 situation so they can focus all of their resources on emergency type care. She also said they are thinking 6 to 8 weeks until appointments can be rescheduled. On the bright side...gives me more time to work on lowering my weight and my HDL, LDL, Triglycerides and A1C numbers 🙂

This is great question. At this time last year I was going thru treatment, and what a difference this COVID-19 crisis would of made. I have appts in April with Oncology for recheck; the blood work and EKG is still sched, but Mayo wants dr appt to be via phone call. I am not sure of this approach. I may resched to later date when can meet with dr in person.

Laurie

@colleenyoung A week ago Thursday, I went for my CT scan to check on any lung cancer present. I am at one year post-surgery. There was a table at the entrance and we were requied to answer an empoyees questions before b eing admitted further into the place. It was the standard stuff: id you travel outside the US int he last two weeks, do you have a dry cough, etc. I was allowed in, had the CT scan and left. Results were negative for any cancer. It was not unpleasant. My city--San Antonio, TX is now under complete lockdown. It wasn't when I went for the CT scan. Oh, my oncologist's office called and the doctor is only seeing people that need from certain cancer issues to be seen personally. Got a call from the doctor to report the results. That is how he's running his practice. Don't know about my PCP.

I had my final surgery cancelled following mastectomy and reconstruction due to halt on all elective surgeries. No idea when it will be rescheduled.

I have been very fortunate to receive excellent care from my local VA Hospital. I have been challenged with Stage 4 Prostate cancer which metastesized to my spine following radiation. I have had no difficulty at all getting blood tests, appointments or medications. I visited my oncologist today and the change from bicalutamide to enzalutamide has reduced my PSA from76.9 prior to starting enzalutamide just over two weeks ago to 20.6 today. I have experienced no difficulty in continuing my treatments in the current pandemic. I am thankful for good doctors and for a Gracious Loving God watching over the entire process.

I will be getting chemotherapy tomorrow as Cancer is not going to wait for a virus to pass... I plan to be very vigilant in contact with people etc the cancer center said it was up to me... I was there last week and figured I had already bucked the odds so onward to kick cancer's ass! Best of luck to everyone and all be well!

Colleen this is Nancy (shortshot) Nothing to do with the virus.... wanted to let you know I will be having another surgery on April 7. They are putting in a filter so catch any blood clots that may travel. I will be off of blood thinner then. Couple weeks ago the doc removed a liter of fluid off my left lung. Then they went in with a camera on my right Lung and found spots where I've been bleeding and marked them for radiation. Tomorrow will be the 5th session of radiation and then I also have to go to the hospital for seven days to get the medicine in my port to supposedly kill the UTI . So far as many times as I've had the medicine it has not permanently killed the bug. Keeps coming back about every month or so. I'm really tired of it all. just wanted to keep you and Teresa updated. By the way my book is done. Proof copy coming in couple days. Then I will order. Thanks For listening Colleen. Nancy (shortshot)

@colleenyoung
My oncology clinic remains open with appointments, vitals taking, blood tests, and chemo treatments; but I televisit with my other doctors. The only difference at the oncology clinic is that there are no hugs 🙁

My wife has her blood work and Octreotide injection scheduled for next week. Its at the ThedaCare Cancer Center in Appleton and we've heard nothing about any cancellations. My wife has an appt at Mayo the end of April and have not heard about any changes. Depending on where things are in a month, we may reschedule since we have to stay overnight in a hotel and we want to avoid getting sick since she is on Afinitor (oral chemo) and has a compromised immune system.

I cancelled all my iron infusion and labs due to COVID -19 and the oncologist arranged to have my B-12 shots sent to the pharmacy for me to take these at Home . Mayo is now scheduling telemedicine appointments, but we still have to go in for labs. I am not going out since I have almost all the co-morbidities listed for high risk. I talk and text family and friends to pass the time and keep Praying that God will protect all our healthcare staff and those providing essential services for the rest of us! ✝️🙏