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mainsailset View Drop Down
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Points: 5004 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mainsailset Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Your Pharmacist Your Friend
    Posted: Feb 06 2012 at 11:20am
I was just reading a study that told me patients who fully utilize the wealth of knowledge and help that a local pharmacy and pharmacist offers actually do better in resolving and caring for side effects from cancer treatment.
 
I just went through a situation with my sis where her pharmacist and my pharmacist jointly were able to resource a med for her that became suddenly unavailable with the explanation that it was not a 'money maker'. But there was no substitute that the insurance company would agree to.
 
Together our 2 pharmacists got independently on the phone to check inventories and were able to resource enough to get her through.
 
This isn't the first time they've been our heroes and I would encourage everyone to take the time to establish a good working relationship with their pharmacist. They are a true wealth of information!
dx 7/08 TN 14x6.5x5.5 cm tumor

3 Lymph nodes involved, Taxol/Sunitab+AC, 5/09 dbl masectomy, path 2mm tumor removed, lymphs all clear, RAD 32 finished 9/11/09. 9/28 CT clear 10/18/10 CT clear
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ann u View Drop Down
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Points: 181 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ann u Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 06 2012 at 12:41pm
I fully agree with the knowledge and help that a pharmacist can provide!
 
During my chemo, I had a lot of side effects - mainly severe constipation and mouth issues.  My husband went into our local Walgreens, told the pharmacist what my issues were and that I was going through chemo.  She immediately came out and got him all the over-the-counter solutions to my problems.  She also gave him "plan B" solutions if the first line of products didn't work.  So, yes, they even help with OTC items.  (and wouldn't you know, everything always happens on a weekend when it's hard to get ahold of your doc and nurses!)
 
Your dentist can also be extremely helpful in dealing with any mouth issues you may have. 
 
It truly "takes a village" to get you through treatment!
 
Ann
8/06: IDC 1cm, 0/9 lymph nodes, lumpectomy, Mammosite radiation, 4 x A/C
5/07: BRCA1+ (5382insC)
11/09: IDC 3mm, double mastectomy w/reconstruction

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mainsailset View Drop Down
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Points: 5004 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mainsailset Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 06 2012 at 1:31pm
Ann, good point about the help a dentist can add, they're good guys. Thx for reminding me!
dx 7/08 TN 14x6.5x5.5 cm tumor

3 Lymph nodes involved, Taxol/Sunitab+AC, 5/09 dbl masectomy, path 2mm tumor removed, lymphs all clear, RAD 32 finished 9/11/09. 9/28 CT clear 10/18/10 CT clear
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krisa View Drop Down
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Points: 1090 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote krisa Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 06 2012 at 3:04pm
My pharmacist helped me more than the dermatologist when I had shingles. He gave me a great tip, use a capsaicin cream on the shingles. The nerves endings will flame out after about 20 minutes after the cream is applied, no itching nor pain. Better than a cortisone cream.
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mindy555 View Drop Down
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Points: 980 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mindy555 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 10 2012 at 8:03pm
Amen to that!   In several instances I've found a good pharmacist more helpful than the physician.   I so agree...establish a good relationship with your pharmacist.  Those I've experienced have been exceptionally knowledgeable, accessible-  saving a bunch of heartache & time. 
Dx July 2011 56 yo
Stage I IDC,TN,Grade 3
Grew to Stage IIa- No ev of node involve- BRCA1+ chondroid metaplasia
Daughter also BRCA1+
Mass grew on Taxol
FEC 6x better
BMX 3/19/12 pCR NED
BSO 6/2012
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*Nancy View Drop Down
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Points: 78 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote *Nancy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Feb 16 2012 at 9:32pm
My husband and I are both pharmacists. I appreciate the kinds words said about our profession. I truly think that our knowledge did assist me in many aspects of my diagnosis and treatment. But as a cancer patient, nothing prepared me for what the experience was.
Dx March 2010, age 54, 5 mm tumor, Stage Ia, Grade 3, 0/3 Nodes, Ki-67 70%,

Lumpectomy April 2010, TC x 4, Rads x 33, Treatment completed Sept 2010, NED 06/17
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