Should I change hospitals? (I'm in Montreal) Help!

Abracadabra

I am looking for guidance. After my abnormal mammograms and US, I was referred to a BS at my local hospital, Lakeshore. It seemed reasonable because at that point I was shell-shocked, and it was very close to home, and I liked the BS.

She did my core biopsy, and then my lumpectomy and SNB. But then she disappeared (maternity leave). The next BS seemed ok ... she had to do a re-excision 2 weeks after my first lx. When I had a follow-up with her, she: 1) thought I was somebody else at first, then 2) could not find my results in my file. When I asked about the possibility of getting treatment at the MUHC (downtown hospital, new, big, state-of-the-art facilities), she became irritated and told me that my type of breast cancer is very standard and very treatable, and that there was no need for me to go to a specialized facility. She said that she would not help with the process if I chose to change hospitals.

Right now I am scheduled to meet the MO at Lakeshore on Friday to find out the results of the surgeries and scans (bone scan, ct scan with contrast). I was thinking I would go to the meeting to hear the MO's assessment and recommendations, and then try to find a second opinion from the MUHC.

Does this make sense? I'm worried about delaying the treatment process (SNB showed 2/6 positive nodes). I want to ensure that my treatment makes sense, though.

Does anyone from Montreal have suggestions about MO's to approach or avoid at the MUHC? Also, any advice about how to go about doing this? All suggestions are very welcome!!!

Thanks,

Barb

Anonymous

I would keep the appointment with your current MO. Be sure to get copies of your results. My MO at the MUHC is Dr. Bouganim. I don't know any of the others. I do know that there is a tumour board that meets once a week to discuss cases, so I felt like a team was supervising my case. Perhaps your MO would be willing to give you a referral to get a 2nd opinion? Your next course of treatment should take place within 90 days of your surgery.

I was referred to the MUHC by my PCP who just happens to be across the street from Lakeshore. If your MO refuses a referral, can you ask your PCP for one? Other than that, I don't know how else you would get an appointment.

My care has been coordinated pretty well among all departments. While Lakeshore would be an easier drive, I'm glad to be at MUHC.

I hope you get good news on Friday.

Abracadabra

Thank you for your reply. I'll meet with the Lakeshore MO on Friday, and see if she will give me a referral for a second opinion from the MUHC. It is true that my PCP could be another option (I hadn't thought of that!)... she's very supportive. Why do I have to start my next course of treatment within 90 days? I have not heard about this before.

I really appreciate your information/suggestions. I feel like I have this little window of time to put all the right pieces in place, and if I don't make the right choices now, I'll regret it down the road!

Thanks again.

Anonymous

I read a study that better outcomes occur within 90 days, and my MO had mentioned having 90 days from surgery to complete all scans and get chemo started.

By the way, Dr. Bouganim is male. I noticed all of your doctors are female. Not sure if that is intentional.

Good luck!

Abracadabra

It's totally a coincidence that all of my doctors are women. Funny, I used to be a very healthy person, and now I've become someone who uses the phrase "all of my doctors" in a sentence!! Yikes!