how to find the RIGHT kind of health provider?

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Kayla23
Kayla23 Member Posts: 54
edited June 2014 in Alternative Medicine

Hi there,

I have LCIS and have been told that I need a surgical
biopsy to rule out ductal cancer. When I found out I had LCIS, I
immediately consulted with my nutritionist who put me on an
anti-inflammatory diet (including no added sugar, lots of
veggies/fruits, no grains, etc). In general I have a more-than-slight
mistrust of mainstream medicine - I believe in looking at the source of
the problem instead of just using a drug to deal with symptoms. I am
scared of the surgery and scared to find any cancer, because I don't
want to go on drugs. What kind of doctor would go along with not giving
a patient Tamoxifen to reduce cancer risk? I'd like to know. I had
also read that Dr. Susan Love also believed that the drugs didn't reduce
the risk THAT much. I am just really lost and not sure who to trust
(because at the same time, there are plenty of alternative medicine
quacks out there...who can I trust?). I want to believe that lifestyle
changes & nutritional supplements are all that's needed - but finding a doc who is well-versed in that philosophy is hard!

Thanks for listening.

-Kayla

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited March 2014

    Kayla, first of all, making sure you know exactly what you are dealing with is always wise. In other words, I urge you to have the biopsy.

    If you simply have LCIS, you can definitely discuss treatment options with a doctor, and if you don't like what the doc says, you can find a second opinion. I know it all seems completely daunting and scary right now, but if you go one step at a time, you will find solutions. 

    Also, you are in charge. Not the doctors. The doctors are there to provide information and help. It is always up to you to decide what you want to do.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited March 2014

    I have LCIS and have refused the drugs. The doctors have suggested them, but it is your choice and completely optional. They have not given me a hard time about it. More women than not choose not to take them. I'm just relying on more frequent checks.

    The best things you can do are maintain a healthy weight (no magic diet-whatever works for you), exercise & not overdo alcohol.

    Get your biopsy to make sure there is nothing else lurking in there. If it is okay, the vast majority of women with LCIS do not go on to  develop cancer, but you should also get a personal risk assessment from either your doctor or a genetics counselor before you make any decisions.

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  • Kayla23
    Kayla23 Member Posts: 54
    edited March 2014

    Momine and Melissa,

    Thank you very much for your replies.  This surgeon that I saw has a wonderful reputation and is supposed to be one of the best.  When I met with him, he didn't seem too worried - that whatever I might have inside might breast would be at the very most stage 1.  I am not sure if I need to get a second opinion on what he proposes to do.  I guess what scares me is that with this second biopsy that I need to be sedated, so it feels like this is a major to-do.  

    I am starting to think that genetics counselor might be helpful. Are those doctors as well?

    I am right now at a "good" weight (could lose 5-10 lbs though) but out of shape - my biggest challenge is getting exercise in my routine. Also coping with stress is hard.  Need to figure that out too :) 

    Thank you both again for your responses - I am scared but trying to be empowered with information :) 

    -Kayla

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited March 2014

    yes, geneticists are doctors. I loved mine & she is a smart little cookie.

    Anesthesia is much different than it used to be. I thought my excisional biopsy was much easier than the core one.

    Remember, while there are lots of admirable things about nutrition & complimentary or alternative therapies that there are still plenty of skinny, marathon running, vegetarian, alternative women here who still got breast cancer.

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  • Kayla23
    Kayla23 Member Posts: 54
    edited March 2014

    Thanks Melissa, I am glad to hear that your excisional biopsy went well;  my core biopsy procedure went REALLY well, so I'm hoping anything more involved will go equally well (or even better). 

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited March 2014

    Kayla, of course you are scared. You would be a very strange bird if you weren't. It is scary, but take deep breaths and one step at a time. 

    Sedation is good ;), don't be scared. I have terrible needle phobia (you can imagine what a great cancer patient I am, ahem), so I made my doc give me a surgical biopsy under full anesthesia rather than have a needle biopsy. But, ok, I am a little crazy that way ;) 

    It sounds like the surgeon you found is thorough and careful. That is a good thing. Let us know how it goes.

    Geneticists are very cool and can be helpful with accessing risk.

    Don't worry about your weight right now, and Melissa is right about our marathon-running sisters, but try to take a walk every day. Even if it is just 20 minutes. It is good for you and will help with the stress.

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  • Kayla23
    Kayla23 Member Posts: 54
    edited March 2014

    Thank you for your reply, Momine.  It is so against my nature to truly take care of myself (ie. relaxing), and you are definitely right about taking walks. I. MUST. DO. IT :)

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited March 2014

    Kayla, I think that is a problem for many of us - taking care of ourselves. I made it a priority once I got my diagnosis, and it helped me a lot. So, be good to yourself. 

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  • Kayla23
    Kayla23 Member Posts: 54
    edited March 2014

    So I am not sure if I need to start a new thread or not, but I am starting to get a little scared of this upcoming surgical biopsy.  From the fear of pain, fear of finding out the results, to the thought they are taking a piece of my body out is a little unsettling.  I've been putting this upcoming reality on the shelf of my mind, and now it's REALLY going to happen!  Trying to breathe and take one moment at a time!!

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