Thanks for the comments and support. I do feel good about
having Dr. Lam as my doctor.
While I am pleased to get another reprieve, I am ready for that next step, too. It will happen, soon.
In answer to an earlier question on how I get to consult with Dr. Lam:
When I researched the best doctors, I narrowed it down to Hussein (advantage: she is in Michigan), Strum, Myers, and Scholz/Lam (they are partners). After talking to some people, I just didn't feel comfortable with Strum or Myers (in one sense, they are brilliant, thinking outside the box, but I also heard stories of them losing it when a patient didn't quite comply). So, I called the Scolz/Lam office. They were VERY helpful and in fact immediately answered follow-up questions/emails (and that has been true to this day). They sent me an extensive new patient packet. I had to fill out many forms and include copies of biopsy reports, surgeon's notes, test results, etc.).
Oh, let me backtrack. I did all this research when it became apparent that my surgery was non-curative. I previously researched the best treatments. I chose surgery and found that one of the very top surgeons was Dr. Menon here in Michigan, so I first did that.
Back to Lam. His office accepted me as a patient. I then made an appointment. I flew out to California. Our daughter lives in the area (10 minutes away) so we got to spend time with her, too. We met with Scholz and liked him a lot.
In answer to your question, once you are a patient, they will gladly do telephone consultations. You call the office and make an appointment. They then call you at the appointment time, get your credit card information (hey, it is a business!) and connect you to the doctor. I might add that they stongly encourage you to occassionally consult with the other doctor in the practice. They feel it is best to get that second opinion.
Anyway, my first telephone consultation with Dr. Scholz was disappointing. I had to keep reminding him about certain results. It just was a significant contrast from my face-to-face meeting. Also, I was hesitant to start with regarding the concept of just talking by telephone. I made the next telephone conversation with Dr. Lam. I didn't expect much after the previous experience, but it was fantastic! He was just so personable and seemed to be aware of every single aspect/test result of my case. Not bad for an initial meeting. The next meeting was a face-to-face one (again, got to spend time with our daughter). It was just as good. Since then, we have consulted with Dr. Lam. I would not mind consulting with Scholz again, either, in person.
I hope this helps.
Mel