6 week wait for MD Anderson

vixkix69

Grade 3 invasive, looks small on US and Mammogram but of course, no real tests yet.. No stage as I've had no surgery, MRI, etc.

Diagnosed and now, have to wait 6 weeks to see the oncologist and surgeon at MD Anderson..... What, if anything, can I do? Will my aggressive/ fast growing cancer become considerably worse in 6 weeks?? Should I give up on MD Anderson and try local?

Peregrinelady

Maybe try local first, then MD Anderson can be your second opinion. A 6 week wait could be very unnerving.

BEEPOSITIVE18

Howdy vixkix69

If you have been seen at MD Anderson before you can use your "mychart" to message your care team and ask for a sooner appointment. I have found that most of the time the care team is already trying to get your sooner appointments in the background. The dates that are further out most of the time are just placement holders while they continue to work to get your a earlier appointment. I'm sorry to hear that your cancer is a grade 3 and that you are worried about the wait. Please keep your chin up I promise things will work out for the best. I would also try local first if they can't get you in sooner, for peace of mind. I personally love my care team at MD Anderson and feel that its truly the best place for me to be.

illimae

Most cancer centers follow the same protocol and you could leave the MDA appointment place while you try out something local and get any required tests/scans done.

vixkix69

Thank you, ladies. I appreciate the input & support. I know its silly to feel alone & yet so self absorbed at the same time. BC seems to be pretty common & I am shocked at the different kinds & all their individual traits. I am 49, but I am a baby here as far as knowledge. I am learning quickly. I have many things to be thankful for . I can see that this site will be one of them.

TarheelMichelle

When you’re new to a diagnosis, it can be unnerving to see how comfortable everyone else seems to be discussing treatment and stages. You will get there. Every single one of us was once a newcomer. You will learn as you go, just as we did. I, too, felt lonely and self-absorbed. As I learned, those feelings dissolved and were replaced by feelings of empowerment and security. We are here to help.

I was given a similar wait time when my cancer was Stage IV at age 47. I was expecting to be seen immediately. After another patient cancelled, I was seen earlier; I hope that happens to you. In the meantime, I had consults with other oncologists. I didn’t tell them I was waiting to see my first choice; it wasn’t important. Oncologists are accustomed to providing second or third opinions. Bring someone calm and smart to take notes and help you assess. A casual friend with strong medical knowledge may be preferable over a nervous immediate family member.

By the time I saw my first choice for an oncologist, at Memorial Sloan Kettering, I had met with three other oncologists. All of the consults were valuable. I was able to compare other aspects beyond treatment recommendations — hospital location, quality of support staff, and so on. I highly recommend choosing a surgeon based on the type of surgery you have. Mastectomy surgeons aren’t always the most skilled at lumpectomies, for instance.

Hoping the road ahead is as smooth as possible for you.

bella2013

Who told you it would be six weeks before you could get into MD Anderson? I ask because if it’s your gynecologist then he/she may not be aware of how MD Anderson operates. My case was before the tumor board at MD Anderson before I even knew the results of my biopsy. I was scheduled for a breast MRI before I met with my team of doctors

Have you been assigned a nurse navigator at MD Anderson? She is your go to person and will guide you through this process. She will make things happen. You have received good advice about getting other opinions from oncologists and breast surgeons.

Six weeks is a long time.

vixkix69

Thank you for the replies, ladies. I've never been to MD Anderson. I'm a newbie. Lol. So, I'm just waiting my turn behind all the other terrified people, I guess.

I havent had an MRI . Ive had a biopsy only which revealed Invasive breast cancer grade 3. I met with an oncologist. She didn't even list whether it was IDC or ILC.... At the time, I didnt know to ask. No size was listed. She commented on that being weird.

So, MD Anderson is redoing all tests AND adding more.

The wait is crazy. All the Google activity. All the good and dire possibilities. The uncertainty.

So, i guess i will arrange to see some other doctors during this wait.

Just feeling crazy.

bella2013

Sorry about the wait...once you get in you will be in very good hands. We will pray that something opens up soon.