went to UNC-Rex Cancer ctr today..

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allvirgo71
allvirgo71 Member Posts: 196
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Wow-talk about night and day..I went to a big cancer center in Raleigh (about 2 hours from where i live) for a second opinion. (1st opinion was leave the minorly dirty margins in, do rads for 6 1/2 weeks and take tamox for five years..I asked about tamox side effects and was told the only thing to worry about was 'clotting'..)

I had my u/s, mammo path report as well as all associated labs etc sent ahead-I met with a Dr. Zeitler-I absolutely love him ! For the first time I am confident that whatever decision is made, it will be the right one for ME..as opposed to my previousexperience with Dr. Its-not-cancer-just- take- this -drug and -do -this -treatment.

He listened to my concerns about tamox and why I dont want to take it-and said that he wants to do a few things-first get my removed tumor from the local lab and check the previous results that were given as well as anything they want to look at additionally. Secondly-schedule me for full breast MRI, but within first6 days of my period, third take everything to the 'tumor board' for recommendations. From theie for the most part it depends on my BRCA results. 

We will discuss bilateral mx dependent on BRCA and MRI. (My U/S stated that they couldnt be definitive in my other breast  due to high density tissue)   I am not interested in the side effects of tamox and would be more open to Mx than I would taking a drug that affects my emotional well being.  I know thats probably a little wack to some of you, but for me personally I just dont handle mood swings well-I tend to be very laid back and easy going-but throw in PMS or hormonal changes and all of a sudden Im crying at the drop of a hat...angry and crazy-intensify that with a drug? Ugh. No. I cant ask anyone to deal with me like that for 5 years. 

The onco says that while tamox isnt a neccesity, it does help but that they arent there to shove things down my throat..he also said that if I had IDC, itd be a totally different choice that Id be making..

So..what do yall think? 

PS NO ONE at the Cancer Center even MENTIONED chocolate...WHEW! LoL

 SO most likely around November 12th Ill be going in for MRI and on the 13th I met Dr. Wu the rads oncologist, that afternoon the tumor board meets and following that, Ill meet with Dr. Zeitler to determine the next course of action.

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  • Jelson
    Jelson Member Posts: 1,535
    edited October 2009

    am so glad you had a good experience at UNC-Rex. Thank you for the update. I bet it feels great to be listened to! Great to have your concerns considered! it sounds like you have put yourself in good hands. Congratulations and I send you a virtual shower of m&ms.

    Julie E

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  • allvirgo71
    allvirgo71 Member Posts: 196
    edited October 2009

    Julie

    ahhh thanks for that- I know theres more testing and stuff but I am totally okay-its huge sigh of relief at being able to trust a team..I didnt realize how far removed I was from 'real' doctors being out here in the sticks-ha ha Id definitely recommend to any woman to seek out a BS over a general onco any day!

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  • Lisa1962
    Lisa1962 Member Posts: 1,187
    edited October 2009

    allvirgo71, I am so happy to hear that you had such a positive experience at UNC-Raleigh!  I also live in the sticks (in southeastern Ohio), and travel 2 hours to Columbus to the Breast Center there---it's completely worth it for me!  I'm thrilled that you weren't told to avoid chocolate!  I'd say a trip to Hershey, PA is in order when all of your treatment is done!  Until then, the m&m's (the pink ones for Breast Cancer Awareness Month---they are really pretty) would be great comfort food!  Keep us posted with how your are doing!.....Lisa

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  • AmyD
    AmyD Member Posts: 75
    edited October 2009

    Lisa,

    Did you see someone at The James?  I used to work there.  

    AmyD 

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  • bearlysane111
    bearlysane111 Member Posts: 735
    edited October 2009

    Hello,

    I had my Mammotome biopsy,lumpectomy and liver scan done at Rex Hospital(four yrs ago,this past Oct 17th.) My diagnosis was DCIS...early stage/right breast. I had the rads treatments and other-related cancer care across the road at Macon Pond/CCNC...great private center. However,I know that Rex/UNC is awesome and have friends who have gone there,too. My breast surgeon was excellent and worked in conjunction with Rex. Love the fact that Rex/UNC are such close collaborators...great hospitals,both of them.

     Best to you...just wanted to say hello to another Tarheel sister.

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  • allvirgo71
    allvirgo71 Member Posts: 196
    edited October 2009

    well hello to my fellow NC women! Im glad to hear such great things about care at UNC! You know I havent heard 1 bad thing about them yet, which is encouraging! Ive got to figure out what hotels are close by so when we return we can spend the night since its basicly two days of apptmts-any suggestions?

    Lisa-you know, I LOVE the idea of going to Hershey when all is done...HOWEVER i promised my 8 year a trip to Disney next year..so I suppose itll have to wait until after that...lol

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  • bearlysane111
    bearlysane111 Member Posts: 735
    edited October 2009
    Hi!
    Not sure what exac you have in mind abt hotels but there are plenty near Crabtree and also near Cary which is only a few miles away. Sometimes,a few miles down the beltline can be cheaper and quality as good. Best.... 
     
     
    Iris 
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  • Lisa1962
    Lisa1962 Member Posts: 1,187
    edited October 2009

    allvirgo71, A trip to Disney with an 8 year old sounds fantastic!  So glad that UNC is going to treat you so well, so that you'll be able to plan that trip eventually!!

    AmyD, The James is a wonderful place, however, I go to the Breast Center at Riverside Hospital.  They are wonderful there, from the receptionist, to the nurse contact person, to the radiologists that were so diligent!  I feel very blessed to have great medical care, even if I have to travel 2 hours each way to get there!  I live in Athens, OH, home of Ohio University---Go Bobcats!.....Lisa

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  • allvirgo71
    allvirgo71 Member Posts: 196
    edited December 2009

    I absolutely loved everyone at the Rex Center - now I move over to the mx and reconstruction which I think will be at Chapel Hill - thanks guys!

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