Mikemo: How what is the test for the BRCA gene?...this is my sis, and , her supposed condition was atherosclerosis (NOT). Strokes do run in my family, but not THIS early...we come from long lived stock!
CA does not, as yet, run in the family.

Belle

Bonnie, Jorr... it makes me sad to read about your siblings because my beloved dad did the same thing--my head spins if I think too much about it. I've been there, my dad has passed, and still I don't know what the answer is and the peace I thought I would find in his passing has eluded me. My heart goes out to you.

Clouise, Jersey is where I once believed Jersey cows came from :p

:)>-

AnnMarie, this hug is for you: >:D<

I only regret that I can't increase the font in order to give you a bigger hug.

I'm just waking up so if I miss anyone, I apologize right now!

CAPH--I picture a pacman guy eating all those bad cancer cells so that when your DH has his tests, all the docs will see are fat, happy pacmen!

STW--Ain't bureaucracy wonderful?? You'll get that job. I just feel it! In the meanwhile, sounds like a glass of wine would be medicinal!

To Jorr, Bonnie, PM, Melissa and anyone else dealing w/an alcoholic...I'm sorry. My dad's brother was an alcoholic and as a result, I don't know my cousins on that side of the family. It's sad how far-reaching substance abuse problems can be. Big hugs!

Rave: My MIL is doing ok. She gave herself and us a scare this week when she complained of a bad headache but turns out it nothing serious. Seems her body needs to adjust to the increased bloodflow to the brain--a good thing!

Tiff--If you see this, I lost your email address when our harddrive crashed. I wanted to wish you a good trip but couldn't :(

See you guys next week!
OWJ

OSB,
You mentioned your friend with a hx of breast ca had surgery for recurrent colon ca. I suggested that your dear friend (DF) had the gene - nothing to do with your sister and/or your family.
Family history is often very suggestive but genetic testing is an expensive double edged sword: what does one do with positive results (prophy mastectomies; oophorectomies; biannual colonoscopies, etc.)? Not to mention the possibility of insurance discrimination.
Not fun and no easy answers.
M

mikemo: Oh yes, you are right...was in a hurry to get to work and forgot I had mentioned my DF...although ALZ doesn't 'run in the family', I sometimes think I'm getting it!

But, could I impose upon you to tell me how YOU would decide where to get an MRI...how would you be able to find out their accuracy ratio in advance?

Thanks, Belle

P_M, you're a sweatheart, thank you.

Oh, dear....of course I meant to write sweetheart! ((L))

OSB,
Pretty simple re: MR accuracy: call the on staff docs (neurosurgeons/orthopedists in the case of head/neck/spine issues).
I would never have a Neuro MR unless it was interpreted by a US Neuroradiologist who is a "senior member of the US Soc of NR".

Be aware that lots of the non emergent digital imaging (MR, CT, Sono, etc) is being interpreted offshore in India and elsewhere. Has been for years, especially in the larger, cash strapped
places - Mass Gen'l Hosp. comes to mind as one of the first to go offshore to save $$.
M

Mikemo: How does one find out if a particular physician is a 'US Neuroradiologist who is a "senior member of the US Soc of NR".'?

Belle

Hola,
Call the hospital radiology department and ask for the name(s) of the Neuroradiologist(s) and ask if they are (senior) members of ASNR.
I think one has to have had a two year fellowship and/or passed the ABR's NR certification exam to be a senior member of ASNR.
ASNR has a web site, but it's not fun.
M

I've been laying low lately -- trying to get my head in a more positive place. Some of you are going through some tough stuff. I remember as a young child losing my uncle to alcoholism -- those were the days that it was kept quiet. I never really knew what happened to my uncle until I was much older. I hope that those who have relatives with this disease, and are affected by it, can find inner peace.

Thanks for the support and encouraging words on the job thing! OSB, lately I have felt like a "boobie prize", lol, but things are looking up!

I just signed a conditional contract appointing me to the position. Hopefully, my license will be issued in time for the next step -- Those bureaucractic wheels can move very slowly...arrrrgggh!

I am more optimistic now, and think this might be a great learning opportunity, although not necessarily a permanent move. I still have great hope that there will be an opportunity where I did my internship.

OWJ, I hope your MIL continues to recover.

Girlonthego -- just keep thinking 40 is fabulous! But I know what you mean about the belly thing ;)

CAPH, you are my inspiration! I said a special prayer for your husband (and you) yesterday. :) Have a wonderful week and happy trip planning! :)

Take care, everyone.

Mikemo: Thank you ever so much for your indulgence! I'll send the info to her.

Belle

Belle,
Por nada.
M

Thank you, STW. I don't think anyone's ever said that to me before!

And thanks so much for the prayer. It means a lot. And it's certainly the best thing anyone can do for us right now!

I sure hope that you do eventually get a chance to work where you did your internship. Situations like that do seem to occur frequently. Meanwhile, good luck with the current position and getting your license!

Transitions are so hard. But I'm glad you're feeling more positive.

OWJ, I like that Pac Man scenario! Glad to hear your MIL is okay.

Hope everyone going through tough times has lots of raves to share by Friday!

Have a great week!