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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Saw The Surgeon

I think this guy got his medical license from a Cracker Jack box or something.

What a most wonderful visit!! (NOT)

He started out wanting to know why I take the medication I take and I told him. He proceeded to tell me they never should have attempted to fuse my SI joint because "everyone's sacrum moves like that" (over 30 degrees of movement, very unstable)

According to him family history does not count in breast cancer, neither does the changes to my breasts, the calcifications noticed in 2006 should have been biopsied (no one mentioned it). No mastectomy because my reasoning for wanting it isn't good enough, and the above statements.

Lumpectomy only on Tuesday the 6th.

Would consider a mastectomy if a genetic test shows I have the gene (even though the gene and family history don't matter re: chances of developing cancer as he said earlier in the visit), and if lump is cancer then they will do a mastectomy.

According to him needle and core biopsies never have a false negative either.

Not a fun visit. Doctors really hate it when a patient comes in with ideas of their own and he is, apparently, one of those.

End result after crying from pure frustration: July 6th, complete lumpectomy to biopsy whole lump (which I requested and he didn't like but followed along on this point at least). That's pretty much it.

Came home, cried, went to bed. Apparently wanting my best chance at preventing breast cancer is not a good enough reason for mastectomy, the American Cancer Society lies to people, and everything I know is wrong. Lovely visit with a doctor *sigh*

So today I called one of the local oncologist centers and spoke with their nurse (the one who answers patient questions and such). After the way the surgeon so adamantly refuted everything I had been told, or read about breast cancer, I was confused and wanted answers. I wanted to be sure that my information was correct just for my peace of mind. So I called an oncologist office, I figure since they are the cancer treatment doctors they would have accurate up to date information regarding cancer. Yes family history does matter. If you have a first line relative (mother or sister) who had breast cancer, it increases your chances of developing BC. For me, my chance is very high because ALL female relatives had BC diagnosis, before menopause, and all died of BC on both biological mother and father's sides. The gene does count in increasing BC chances but apparently there are several additional genes that are being researched as possible contributors as well as the BRCA I and II. Yes enlargement, thickening of tissues (making it harder to diagnose possible spots on mammogram etc.), and calcifications in a person with family history can be "pre-cancerous changes" and/or precursors to cancer. (all of which I have) The nurse I was speaking with called this surgeon an "idiot" and I laughed. She then told me that despite prophylactic mastectomy being my best chance, I probably won't find a surgeon willing to take the chance on doing it until cancer actually shows up. She also recommended having the genetic test done because it would carry more weight with a surgeon and might tip the scales in favor of mastectomy since the surgeons are refuting an extensive family history are "not enough".

My primary care doctor's office called this morning to set an appointment for me to come in and discuss my thyroid test results, so while there (Next Friday the 9th) I will ask them to order the BRCA genetic blood test.

So at least I know that my information is accurate, even if my surgeon doesn't believe it to be. It is nice to know I'm not nuts LOL

All this stress, and today's lovely rainy weather, is driving my pain levels up pretty dang high. So its been a rough couple of days and it doesn't look like its going to get any better for a little while.

(The above is duplicated on my Chronic Pain/Depression blog)

I did do some stitching in the office, but didn't get very far as I didn't have to wait very long. I was not up for doing much after I got home, but here is where I'm at on the Lizzie Kate design, this pic shows the colors pretty well, though not perfectly:

Peace Love and a Cure © Lizzie Kate
Stitched with DMC on 28ct white Jobelen fabric

9 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry you are having to go through such stressful and worrisome times. I wish the medical profession would all be on the same page.

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  2. ((hugs)) It's hard enough going through something like this then to have a doctor make you feel bad is just not right. Take care.

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  3. Raven, I am so sorry you are having so many problems with the doctors. Your surgeon sounds like a moron !!! Family history is very important as well as other risk factors. My aunt was diagnosed with Breat Cancer / Invasive Carcenoma in April. With more studies and Pathology they found that she has HR2 gene which makes it even worse. Tomorrow she goes for a Mastectomy of the left beast with Chemo to follow. If this doctor continues to act like an imbecil, I would find a new surgeon. I will keep you in my prayers. (((hugs)))

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  4. So sorry to hear you had such a bad experience with your doctor. Still thinking lots of positive thoughts for you

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  5. I hate to hear stories like this. You want your dr to be someone whose opinion you can trust. That guy could sure use some lessons in bedside manner at the very least.
    Sending good thoughts that it all works out well for you.

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  6. You know I've said everything that can be said...you're thought of often! Stitching is looking pretty good!

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  7. Raven, I'm truly sorry your going through this. My mom who lost both her breasts due to cancer went through the same thing with doctors with opposing views. I pray that you find the strenght and the right doctor!!
    I'm praying for you.
    HUGS
    -missy

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  8. I'm so sorry about what you were up to at that doctor's visit. I hope you will find another doctor that listens to you and can help you the way you want it.

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  9. So sorry you had such a bad experience with your doctor. Keeping you in my thoughts and hoping you find a better doctor.

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If you have any questions (looking for designer information of a piece I'm stitching, how to do cross stitch etc. ) please feel free to contact me. You will find my email address in my profile and I will do my best to either answer your question, or find information that can help you get your answer.

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Sincerely,
Missy (aka Raven)