43 and just diagnosed a few days ago

Options
Brandi999
Brandi999 Member Posts: 143
edited December 2014 in Just Diagnosed
43 and just diagnosed a few days ago
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Brandi999
    Brandi999 Member Posts: 143
    edited December 2014

    I'm so glad did search for a forum on this! I discovered a lump maybe 3 months ago ignored because I don't have cancer in my family so must be nothing. My spouse begged me to get it checked so I found a GP near me since I didn't have one, and she scheduled me for a mammogram and ultrasound. A few weeks later I got a biopsy that was like being harpooned. The next day my GP called and said I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. That's all I know. I had 2 people who didn't me say I should go to MD Anderson, which is a 3 hour drive but ranks 2nd best the country. I told my GP that's where I wanted go and she says my type of cancer is far too common to justify and refuses to give me a referral. One of the friends who told me I should go MDA was treated in Austin and said it was a nightmare and wishes she would have gone to MDA. Long story less long is I agreed to see a local oncologist and will still send my info to MDA for a 2nd opinion. I really have no idea what I'm doing. Should I do the node surgery local or wait and go to MDA? Should I fire my GP?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Olaf
    Olaf Member Posts: 159
    edited December 2014

    You do what you feel is best for you! I found going with your instincts is the right decision. I was diagnosed by one doctor and did not feel comfortable with her and sought a second opinion. I was glad I did!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Skoolgirljen
    Skoolgirljen Member Posts: 28
    edited December 2014

    Fyre, are you in the Austin area? I am in Austin and being treated locally. I have had a good experience with Texas Oncology North Austin. Everyone is different, so I wouldn't dismiss being treated locally. I am nearing the end of my treatment, so I may have some advice to give.

    I also had a good experience with my local surgeon :). Your GP sounds like an insensitive jerk. I would dump that guy for sure

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited December 2014

    hi, I agree with the other posters. For your doctor to be so dismissive initially is not a good sign. Absolutely go with your gut, your medical team is imperative to your recovery. It's not about him it's about you!


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2014

    Hi fyre999, welcome to Breastcancer.org. You've come to the right place for great information and support!

    If you go for the second opinion, the article Getting a Second Opinion from our main site may help you understand what it typically involves, and how you can make sense of the results, etc.

    We hope it helps. Please let us know what you end up doing.

    The Mods


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited December 2014

    fyre - You are your own best advocate. Never forget this in this awful BC ride. You and only you live with the decisions you make about your care. You have time to choose a team you are comfortable with. I fired 2 of my doctors part way through treatment. Wish I would have fired them right from the start, as I had misgivings about them both right from the start. I am so happy with my medical team now. BC is stressful enough without having doctors that don't listen to you and your concerns. Good luck on choosing who and where are best for you!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited December 2014

    frye... The most dangerous docs IMO are those who don't know what yhey don't know. Your current doc may be right about your dx, but her dismissive attitude is a red flag to me. My bio page gives a perfect example of what can go wrong when docs make assumptions without complete information. A second opinion is never a bad thing, and you probably don't need a referral for it. You can always take information from a top facility back to local docs if that turns out to work best for you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Brandi999
    Brandi999 Member Posts: 143
    edited December 2014

    I had my first appointment with my oncologist today and she seems great so far. We also talked about MDA. MDA also called me earlier and they are pushing hard for me to get my paperwork in before my "window" closes. I was so stressed out getting it all, especially with the stupid holidays. Argh! I'm glad I got a copy of all my paperwork from my GP because she had in there that I'm a half a pack a day smoker! Oh no I'm not lady! Anyway, my Oncologist took a ton of time with me, explaining everything and wrote down stuff the whole time she was talking. She answered pretty much every question in the recommended list without me even asking. We talked about certain types of treatment offered in Austin vs. MDA and I found out I'm HER2-neg which makes treatment less complicated.The surgeon she wants me to check out is a woman that used to work for MDA. My cancerous area is around 4 cm. They are supposed to call me tomorrow morning to schedule the MRI, genetic testing and schedule the receptor node thing. I'm really freaked out about driving far and then having a major surgery and having to drive 3.5 hours back. I'm also freaked about being 3.5 hours away and having an emergency or a complication. After talking to her i sort of agree with some of the stuff my GP was saying but she can still suck my dirty toe! BTW, it was my GP that said I should get more opinions. She just didn't want me to go to MDA and I've been set on that. I feel better about going local though after addressing specific concerns with the oncologist. We'll see how it goes. Right now I'm thinking I'll stick with what I have until it doesn't feel right and then I'll do soemthing else if poosible. I will update more when I get more info.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Annie88
    Annie88 Member Posts: 196
    edited December 2014

    Frye,

    I am first off sorry about the frustration you have resulting from your GP. Does your insurance allow you to choose your own Dr? When I was diagnosed in Oct. 2014, I was 43 as well, my search for a Dr began.The first place I looked was MDA, as their reputation surpasses all others. My husband has been a patient there and we cannot say enough! I live in Southern Texas, so it is a 6 hour drive to get to Houston. My husband's family lives in Houston, so I knew that I would go to there. My mother-law's best friend is an oncologist at Methodist, but trained at MDA. I had surgery by one of the most reputable BS, that my oncologist referred me to. I honestly think that it has been the best experience it could be considering. Having confidence in your Drs is something huge, no matter who you pick or where they practice. Shame on your GP for not helpingmake things easier for you, as our journey is difficult enough as it is. We need as much support during these periods of treatments. I am now 2 weeks post op and things are looking up. I hope things get better with your Dr selections.


    Hugs-

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Brandi999
    Brandi999 Member Posts: 143
    edited December 2014

    Thanks Annie. I'm just going to avoid dealing with her. She's a family doctor so I don't see why I'll need to deal with her very much. The oncologist she referred me to seems to be very good and she's close to where I live so I'll stick with her as long as things keep going well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Izzyfran
    Izzyfran Member Posts: 78
    edited December 2014

    Frye,

    I am glad that your oncologist seems to be understanding. Who knew choosing doctors could be a challenge. When I was first diagnosed, I struggled with determining where to get treatment and with whom. I told my surgeon I was planning to get a 2nd opinion. He even offered to send referral and recommended Sloan Kettering. In the end, I stayed near my family and with my original doctors which I am very glad I did. I'm glad I didn't have to deal with the travel and traffic during treatment, one less stress.

    There are many facilities well known and rated the best, but you have to go where it works and is best for you and your family. We can only offer our opinion, but you have the final say. Once you make your decision, don't second guess it. I wish you well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories