Need help ;in making decision re treatments

My husband was diagonsed wtih Brain Tumor in March and after surgery at Sloan Kettering, we are up to Avastin and CPT11. We already did Temodar and not too much difference noted. We have an MRI coming up on Monday and I am keeping my fingers crossed. This will have been two months on the Avastin etc.

Here is my problem: We are snowbirds. We live in NJ and in the winter we go to Florida. My husband is 70. We have been doing this for ten years since we both retired. Our NO here more or less "flinched" when I told him that I would like to continue treatments in Florida for the winter. I know that he is doing well in trying one thing then another. However, neither one of us can stand the cold weather. A friend put me in touch with a doctor in Florida who I have spoken to and will see in a few weeks when we fly down to open our apartment. We had hoped that we would fly back and forth to NJ for the treatments every two weeks. However, in giving it some thought I think that it would be better for all of us to be in the warm weather during the next few months. I have every intention of keeping my doctor here in the loop. However, first I must sell it to him.

What are some of your thoughts? I would appreciate input. Thanks

Does your insurance cover you in either place? That's all that's keeping my son here in freezing cold Maine for another unwelcome winter, (Maine Care, a wonderful policy for the uninsured and low income, but it only works for instate care) or he would definitely be in North Carolina. I think you guys should go wherever you want to be. You don't really have to sell the doctor on the plan. It's not up to him. You tell him you're leaving and you need a complete set of records. I mean, nicely. :o)

Good luck,

Sarah

mother of Andy 27 dx gbm/pnet 1/09

You two are in control of your husband treatment.  Alot of times, not all, money is a factor.  Also, doctors treat patients differently.  Ask your doctor if he would please work with the doctor in Florida. 

You need to enjoy life.  Enjoy each day. 

Just my opinion.

Dear Sarah: Thank you for your input. Yes, I am very fortunate to have Medicare which should pick up treatment wherever we are. And you are right. It is not up to him. I just need to convince my husband !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hope ;your son is doing well!!!!!!!!!!Marcyanne

Wife of Merrick age 71 gbm diagnosed on green day  March 2009. The St. Patricks day parade was taking place during his surgery!@Sloan Kettering.

Hi

Like Sara I agree if your insurance will cover you go for it and being Medicare you should be ok. Since I have been diagnosed we have did more traveling and do not regreat it at all. The sun shine should be good for both of you. My goodness we have telephones and fax machines they should be able to communicate with each other. This is also just my opinion.

Pat   Diagnosed 8.05

I agree, My dad is now in rehab and will probably be transferred to a nursing home if he doesn't get better. He is completely bed bound and unable to feed himself or really do anything.  The one thing we did when he was able was travel and see friends.  You do what's best for you and your husband, you have to enjoy time while you have it and not let this stupid disease take away anything before it's time.  From these boards I know of many people who's dr's coordinate treatment from another facility / state.  Go live!

I say "Live life to the fullest". 

Do what YOU two want to do, and what you are able to do.

My husband's last MRI was good.  His Oncologist told him to go live life, do whatever he wants to.  There's not a lot we can do because he has Macular Degeneration besides the Glioblastoma Cancer, but we do what we can, because his next MRI will be in January and who knows what the outcome will be then.  I feel the Oncologist is giving my husband some quality of life.  He does not have him taking chemo or anything, because it took such a toll on his body.  So I am happy for now, but still cry and worry about the months ahead.  I know it's not over so,,,,,,,,,live life to the fullest.

I hope you can get your husband to agree with you.

You are in my prayers.

Penny