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Northwind's health updates

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Thanks Pilgrim. I called the surgeon's office and they will advocate for me if necessary. The referring physician will too. At this point though, the ball is in the surgeon's court so I went that route
 
here-with INterior Health there is a policy that if you choose you can take an MRI appointment anywhere in the Region. I wonder if Island Health has the same policy?
 
That's interesting @Tabitha. i can't imagine though that there are many MRI machines in the region. I may ask though. Hopefully a cancellation will happen or that the surgeon can do something if its more urgent
 
And this is the problem with our health care system. There is a scarcity of resources and patients get minimal input

Not sure how close you live to the border but you could ask your surgeon if it is worth a trip to the border and $3-500 to get one in the USA


Is the lack of MRI holding up surgery decisions?
Why?
What will the MRI tell him that the Biopsy has not? Or ultrasound?

For me , this is an issue. They have diagnosed breast cancer. Let’s get it out and start treatment. Not screw around with letters and waits

An issue for hospitals and clinics that run MRIs is staff. To operate and to read. Not enough techs and radiologists since this has become the go to diagnostic test. Why? Train more.

These expensive machines don’t run overnight. Because of staff shortages. But if I was told, come tomorrow at 3 am or wait for two to three weeks I would be there at 3 am

It’s frustrating. I would call and push a bit about options that are out there
 
@Lastpointe I understand that the MRI machines on the island run 24/7. In fact my appointment is at 8:00 on a Sunday morning. I think the MRI is for the surgery only. It is also to check the other breast. This tumour doesn't show well on mammograms. I'll have to have chemo first. I think things will proceed before I have it.
 
@Lastpointe -- to my knowledge, an MRI is about margins and stage.
I felt that way when I had my initial scan. I knew that I had cancer, I knew where it was. I wanted it cut out. The MRI was to do analysis the other scan would not. It is important to not take out part of a tumour.
Yes, I wanted it out, but, in the end, the MRI said let's do radiation & chemotheraphy instead. no surgery.
 
If we all got up and went elsewhere would we become immigrants to some and exposed to the alternate?

Thus the powers on the other side would be distraught ... when down to subtle ... one can slip under the Planck Wall ... don't be facetious ... expose the whole thing ... imagine a bare trump card! Potentially embarrassing and why the republic fights ...
 
Yes. The MRI is valuable. Not trying to say it isn’t. But we have this crazy scarcity of resources.

Drive to the US and buy one. Could be done this afternoon
 
Today was a rough day. I phoned my father to let him know about my diagnosis and how it will affect our travel plans. He was of course sad about the diagnosis. He was very excited about our visit so was disappointed that we probably won't be coming. He's 90 so we won't have a more visits. A neighbour/friend came by with flowers and a hug. Lots of tears for me today.

I called the surgeon's office to check in. I haven't heard back yet. Hopefully tomorrow.

I'm thankful for Ellen for making me laugh. I'm knitting a hat that is fun. I'm loving the colours.
 
That does sound really difficult and sad Northwind. Hoping you get some news soon re timing for next steps on your journey. I'm always grateful for friends, especially those who make us laugh and bring flowers too!
 
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