What do you ladies think?

arizonaboundgal

I was diagnosed with ILC a week ago. Met with the surgeon last week and really liked her. She works out of MGH and has been in practice for many years. I felt good about my decision to go with her, but last night she really pissed me off.

She called to check in and talk with me after she'd given me time to think about my decision regarding single or double mx and to answer any questions that I might have. OK, cool. BUT she called from her cell phone on her way home from NH and because reception was awful, I couldn't understand half of what she said and the call was dropped twice. I had to keep telling her that I couldn't understand her and I wanted to say, "You know, this is kinda important stuff we're discussing and I really need to hear your answers clearly!" I did have several questions that I never even bothered asking, and it left me wondering about my decision to have her as my doctor.

I get that she's a busy woman and that she needs to multitask, but I was really aggravated about the exchange and now I'm a bit aggravated with myself for not asking her to call me back later so I could hear what she had to say. Should I voice my displeasure to her or am I making a big deal out of it? Ultimately, what matters most is that she's skilled at surgery, but I felt the phone call was very unprofessional. Any thoughts?

AliceBastable

She called you after hours to check on you and go over your decision? That's a keeper. The crappy cell service is not her fault.

Ingerp

My first thoughts were along the lines of Alice's. I love a doc who will try to get in touch as soon as they have the information and time to talk. My BS called me about 5:00 on a Friday with results from my 2016 biopsy. I asked when we could meet to discuss options and he said, "How about now?" Loved that guy.

Spookiesmom

Yeah, sounds like my PCP. A keeper.

SimoneRC

Love that she phoned you from the car. Feel free to leave her a message letting her know the call reception was super choppy and you were hoping to chat with her for a few minutes again. Based on the first call, I would guess she would have no problem taking the time to chat with you again. Hopefully with less noise on the line! Good luck and please keep us posted

Scrafgal

Definitely a keeper...she was trying to do a good thing but didn't think about how it might happen in execution. During this time, we are hyper stressed and so keep in mind that this incident doesn't change her qualifications and, to me, makes her seem really attentive.

Betrayal

Definitely a keeper. I would have given my eye teeth to have a surgeon who listened and reached out to me. You are blessed to have her and I would leave her a message as Simone RC recommended.

arizonaboundgal

Wow. Thanks, for the feedback, ladies. I guess I just felt frustrated because I had so many questions for her that I didn't get to ask. Maybe I'll try to contact her via email. I'm happy that you all felt that it was okay...my first impression of her was really good. Thanks, again.

Runrcrb

agree with all of the above. Beyond skilled surgeon, you want a doctor who understands the human side of this diagnosis and she sounds like one who does.

Rrobin0200

Arizona,

I’m sorry, but if she called you from her cell phone AFTER HOURS to touch base, I surely wouldn’t be pissed off at her. Bad reception is not her fault.

Wised

I would have given my eye teeth for a surgeon like that. Mine never checked w me nor my file and mistakes were made.

arizonaboundgal

I totally didn't mean to come across as demanding or ungrateful. You are all right. The bad reception wasn't her fault. Think I've got me a case of misdirected anger! What I should have done was ask her to call later in the week; I'd been waiting for her call and was disappointed/frustrated that I could only hear every other word she said. .Thanks for being such straight shooters, ladies.

edj3

Hey we get it. As I told my husband when I got super snotty a few weeks ago, "I'm not mad at you, I'm mad near you."

arizonaboundgal

LOL, edj3. "I'm mad near you" Love it and thanks for understanding. I'm really usually pretty chill but this diagnosis has messed with my head big time. Hope that you're healing up well.

beep7bop

I Like the " I'm Mad Near You" Very true, this Breast Cancer throws you for a loop no matter how strong you are. Then when it doesn't go by the plan you really Go Nutty.