more then just mad now.
Hi everyone.
Its been 3 weeks since I was diagnosed with DCIS (with possible microinvasion according to the lab report). I'd tell you more about my diagnosis except I don't know anything more about it. Oh except that it appears I have calcifications in lymph glands in the armpit. That'a according to the mammogram report.
I have only spoke to a Nurse Practitioner at the free clinic I was diagnosed at (where the lab sent the results). She couldn't tell me anymore then what the lab results say. Only that it was malignant. She refered me to the Broward County Breast Navigator. You know those people that are supposed to help you through all this?? Maybe they would if they ever answer the phones.
The BCBN (once one got back from vacation and jury duty and the other was sick and then we had to wait a week for the Dr. to be in his office) then told me that I could not be seen by Broward General hospital (that the free clinic told me that I would be taken care of at.)
They referred me to North Broward Cancer Center...who then tells me that they can't see me, I have to be seen at Broward General, due to the zipcode that my address is listed at. The Docotrs can't agree on who I should go to but claim that I need to be seen by a surgeon right away. Broward North continually tries to get ahold of the breast naviagators.......................but guess what?? NO ONE ANSWERS THE PHONES!!
So finally North Broward gets mad over all this stupid bs, especially since no one will answer her either. And they take me anyhow. They finally make me an appointment last week to see a surgeon for Next monday. I was elated. I finally had an appointment date.
They called my phone today while I was at the hospital with my son for some results on something with him and very sneaky like....cancel my appointment with the surgeon, saying that he won't be there next monday and that I need to reschedule my appointment.
Next week starts 4 weeks with a cancer diagnosis and I STILL have not seen a surgeon. Not even a MD..........nothing.
Am I crazy in being so mad about all this?? I am past the point of wanting to be cordial anymore. When the hell is it going to be important to them?? I know its only MY life.....not theirs.
Oh yes, I forgot to add that I don't have insurance and I'm not allowed to work due to some other health issues. BUT I do have a grant through the county so it is all paid for for the next 6 months. My biopsy isn't healed from over a month ago and its still hurting. And my anxiety is through the roof. I don't know what to do anymore. There is no excuse for this.
Comments
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oops...this might need to be in IDC. Sorry.
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I am so sorry you have to deal with all of this on top of your diagnosis. It is WRONG! Can you contact The American Cancer Society and see if they can help with any other resources? I would also call the social worker at the hospital that diagnosed you. They may be able to help. If all else fails, patient relations at the hospital. Good luck...I hope you get to see the surgeon ASAP! Hugs!
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Try the komen foundation. They raise lord knows how much money. I think they have programs for you
http://www.northshoreoncology.com/patientassistance.shtml#general
http://ww5.komen.org/breastcancer/financialresources.html
Hope some of these can help -
I'd probably continue with the course you're on, at least until you find out when you can see the surgeon. I'd hate to have to start over with another center if there's a chance you can get rescheduled soon ... at least this center was prepared to take you despite you not falling into their catchment area.
When you call first thing Monday morning, perhaps ask when the surgeon is next in the office and say you'll be there that day. If you can't get an appointment soon, maybe take whatever appointment they give you (so you have a backup) and pursue the other resources people have mentioned. If you can see another surgeon sooner, then you can cancel the first appointment.
Waiting and feeling powerless is awful. Hang in there.
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Dear tightrope, I am so sorry for all the stress the run around has caused you. When u call the surgeon's office, u might ask for the practice manager. Also, where I live, we have a program called " in my corner" on one of the television stations that would love to investigate. Maybe you have something thing similar in your area. Good luck and please keep posting. Brenda
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