Rejected surgery

Salmtvernon

Rejected surgery

Salmtvernon

In Dec. 2008, I noticed a redness in the shape and pinkness of a miniature piece of watermelon under my left breast.  Went immed. to my OB-GYN of many yrs. She sent me for a mammogram which was negative. Didn't say 'come back', 'see a specialist', etc. In June,2009 was seen by my Internal Medicine female doc who didn't recognize my symptom, either.  Finally, in late Aug., I saw swelling in the pit of my left arm...went back to the first doc for a referral, by then knowing 'something' was causing the redness and swelling. In between appts., I Googled 'red breast' and up came Inflammatory Breast Cancer...I had 4 of 7 symptoms already.  Went to the specialist, asked about IBC and her reply was, "Where did you get your medical degree!"  She had to take two biopsies, and STILL didn't get enough tissue for an oncologist to be able to 'stage' my dx. I had a thrid wire biopsy (not by her) and was finally diagnosed correctly as having IBC AND Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. (9 months going undiagnosed!)   I had 4 chemo treatments, but refused surgery as my lymph nodes in my neck were involved, and two docs told me I had only a 25% chance of a cure with surgery, so I chose to have treatment, but refused surgery as it was too slim of a chance of a cure for the misery involved. I was put on Arimidex in Nov. 2009, and continue it along with Zometa treatments every 3 months.  I've lived a very normal, full life since the chemo, and my formerly straight hair grew back in curley!!!  I decided long ago, I'd rather live out my life more 'naturally' than have surgical intervention.  Another factor in my decision was that my family history of Alzheimer's is rampant, and why would I want to extend my life a few more years just to end up with that horrible disease for which I appear, if my poor memory is any indication. to be destined.  Having worked in the health care field all of my adult life, I've seen only too close and personal the horrors of diseases of all kinds in old age....I chose not to go that route, and to enjoy my life until a fairly natural end arrives.  My only hope is that I can be kept fairly pain free when that time comes.  I have no regrets about my decision, and hope my experience will help others.....both doctors in the medical field as well as persons who need to be watching their symptoms and acting on them with another doc if necessary.   

pupfoster1

Salm,

You certainly sound like a strong, opininated woman.  Good for you!  But I am sorry you were left undiagnosed for so long.  WHY do doctors seem to poo poo us when we are asking for help?  Not that it would help at this point, but your GYN should be brought to task at the very least for not recommending further testing with your symptoms back at the beginning.  

I wish you luck and good health along your journey.

Take care,

Sharon

iodine

I, too, am in the medical field and have seen many of the things you mentioned.  I truly regret that you were not/mis diagnosed for so very long.  No excuse.  Another case where we have to be responsible for ourselves and can't depend on anyone else to get it right.

You have strong opinions and appear to have have made your end of life decisions.  Hopefully, you will also determine a medical power of attorney for someone you trust to make your medical decisions should you be not able to do so, especially in regards to pain medications and any treatment which would prolong your death.  Also, that you have a do not recisitate order,so that you can also not have your death prolonged, according to your wishes.

I wish you a long and happy life to the level of your comfort.  Not everyone disagrees with surgery for treatment, or with your choices.  Which actually doesn't matter, since they are Your choices to make for yourself. 

Undead

Salmtvernon, there is no need for you to have surgery, there is no need to have your breast cut off and there is no need for you to die of this. PLEASE read my profile where I tell about my neck node metastases (recurrence) and how I got rid of it without pain, without toxins, without radiation, without prescription meds and without surgery. This treatment works - fullstop - it saved my life. It is not a diet or supplements, it is an improved version of Photodynamic Therapy/Hyperthermia/Laser under extreme heat which kills malignant tumors.

I was also told I was going to die of this disease if I did not succumb to the toxic "proven" ways. I refused  radiation to the neck and I refused chemo. 

If you are prepared to spend a couple of thousands and a few days outpatient treatment, please send me a pm and I will tell you all about it. I have my life back.

Sorry I have only just today added my profile 31. July 2010

imbell

In my ironic moments I think I will have to pin the DNR to my pyjamas. My family would either ignore it or lose it.

iodine

Hi Undead, welcome to the breast cancer boards.  I understand that you want to advertise the treatment that brought you to where you feel you are today.

May I offer a suggestion to ck out the "alternative medicine" sections of the boards.  Lots of interesting discussion going on there.