Would like to got to another breast care center

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ke2ri
ke2ri Member Posts: 2

Hi, I have breast implants and with a diagnosis of atypical duct hyperplasia and atypical papillary cells from the pathologist, following an ultrasound biopsy. The radiologist's recommendation was for an excisional biopsy of the small lump/mass.

The surgeon I was referred to recommended an MRI and stated some women take "an aggressive approach" and go on tamoxifen possibly w/out the biopsy. I am not comfortable with that approach. Not sure the surgeon looked at my file, but she seemed uncertain and not sure about the palpable lump in my breast and spent very little time with me. I felt something didn't quite connect. She sent me for an MRI. When the results came back, the breast care assistant told me to schedule the excisional biopsy. The whole process -with the surgeon's cool impression, then not being able to contact the surgeon's OR coordinator to schedule the biopsy, the long ordeal of not hearing back from the coordinator, and finally speaking with the breast care assistant to get help, who told me it would take some time to book, followed by another lag in booking, allowed me the opportunity to look for another surgeon at a different breast care office. After waiting and then finally getting a call w/ a surgical date, I realized the surgery date is only a few days after the new appt. with the second surgeon. 

I realize I could run into the same problems due to my implants, low priority diagnosis, OR schedule, busy surgical coordinator etc. with the second surgeons office, but it has been a real "tooth-pull" just to get a date for the biopsy to be scheduled with the first surgeon, that I thought I check around to find out if this is the standard.  Maybe its me, but I feel a little uncomfortable about going through with the surgery w/out talking to the new surgeon first.  I'm keeping my appointment and feel better about my decision of a second opinion.  Of course it will delay the surgery until after the second opinion appt.  Will it be a problem to cancel/postpone the original surgery to compare what is right for me and make a decision after talking to the second breast care surgeon?  Also, is it risky health wise to put off the surgery only until I gone for a second breast care surgical consult?

I realize this is a lengthy post.  Thank you for taking the time. 

Comments

  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited August 2012

    tough one, but if you are not comfortable with first surgeon, then best to do the second opinion now as BS is a very important person if there is anything wrong.

    I would call the first surgeon and be honest that you want to check out a second opinion

  • cancerregistrar
    cancerregistrar Member Posts: 2
    edited September 2012

    Here's another option ... some cancer treatment centers or programs are accredited, meaning that they offer a full spectrum of treatment options and have multidisciplinary care, and follow a set of guidelines and requirements that include cutting-edge treatments, quality control measures, etc.  Quite often all the services are in the same building or campus.  The Commission on Cancer (CoC) has an online facility locator that you can use at:  http://www.facs.org/cancerprogram/  

  • thefuzzylemon
    thefuzzylemon Member Posts: 2,630
    edited September 2012

    Just wanted to chime in and tell you to follow what you know...I would rather feel more comfortable with the treatment plan than rush a plan that I'm not comfortable with.  I wouldn't want any regrets. 

  • ke2ri
    ke2ri Member Posts: 2
    edited September 2012

    Thank you all, for your helpful relplies.  Checked out the CoC site as well, thanks!  Lots of good stuff there.  Went to my appointment w/the second surgeon.  Quite a different consult!  I felt I was in good hands, was able to schedule the biopsy asap, and am now in recovery mode. Waiting for the results and the follow-up appointment to know where I go from here.  Keeping my fingers crossed. : ) Thanks again.

  • Galsal
    Galsal Member Posts: 1,886
    edited September 2012

    Go with your gut feelings on this.

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