New to board, newly diagnosed, annoyed at my GP already

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CatsRus
CatsRus Member Posts: 310
edited March 2015 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Thanks for having me here... A bit overwhelmed at the mo. Biopsy done on March 3, GP called on Friday (6th) to tell me DCIS.... Non invasive, she said. Other than benign, best diagnosis possible, she said. It through me for a loop, but okay, I thought, I can handle this. Got a copy of the report today on my way to appointment with surgeon.... Immediately even I could determine it was IDC! Through me for a bigger loop as I waited to see the surgeon. She was great and talked me down. I got in for surgery on the 12th and I have chosen to have a mastectomy rather than suggested lumpectomy. Thanks for a place to vent. I wish I could sleep...Sigh....

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2015

    So sorry your GP made such an error! It's a reminder that doctors are human and make mistakes. I always asked for my pathology reports so that I could do my own research. This has helped me several times when even my oncologist (who I really like) has forgotten specifics about my tumor! They see hundreds of patients so you know it probably happens more than you think.

    Anyway...sorry you are here and on this crazy train. I hope your treatment plan goes smoothly and you can put it all behind you soon. :) I'm 4 years out and doing great.

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  • CatsRus
    CatsRus Member Posts: 310
    edited March 2015

    Thanks. Trying to tell myself she saved me a weekend of total panic but it doesn't instill confidence and I don't have a lot of history with my GP. The last line of the report said 'with some ductal carcinoma in situ' so it appears she just read that! It's a roller coaster for sure. I finally got up courage to tell my daughters noninvasive, now today I had to break the news it wasn't. Things moving very quickly, fine with me, and I will be glad when surgery done and I can get the results and knowwhat happens next. Lymph nodes look in good shape on US so hopeful but after one knock back already, I'm trying to be prepared for worst.

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  • gypsyjo
    gypsyjo Member Posts: 304
    edited March 2015

    The mixed diagnosis does cause some confusion. I know my physician told me and the lab report says at the top "invasive ductal carcinoma". My doctor wouldn't say anymore until after I had surgery and the full tumor was studied. As I worked my way through the report, it stated the core sample was 100% DCIS, but did clarify that it wouldn't be called that (only 3% are according to my reading) until the whole tumor was removed and reviewed so probably is a mixed IDC. My surgery is on 3/24 so won't know for about another 3 weeks what it really is. I had found someplace where it was stated what percentages were needed for each diagnosis. It isn't always simple to answer.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited March 2015

    Welcome to BCO, CatsRus, and sorry you had to be here and you GPs poor communication skills. However, glad you found this fountain of knowledge and place to vent, without annoying your friends. Everyone here knows how difficult this period is - making Tx decisions, telling friends, organising time off, etc, and accept the need to vent.

    People sometimes have Lx for DCIS only to have full biopsy show IDC, so at least you know status and can plan accordingly. We're glad you got your Path report - lesson for others.

    Besides sharing your experiences and learning from other members here at the boards, you may also want to take a look at the Breast Cancer 101section from the main site, which is designed to help you sort through all of the information on our site to find what is more relevant to you right now.

    Also it relevant to read from our main site reliable information on IDC — Invasive Ductal Carcinoma where you'll learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, etc.

    We wish you the best for your treatment process.

    The Mods

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  • WinningSoFar
    WinningSoFar Member Posts: 951
    edited March 2015

    I try to put myself in your shoes, and wow, that wave of anger swept over me too. Maybe if you give it a week or two, you'll forgive her, but if not...don't assume you shouldn't change doctors. Having absolute confidence in your doctor can have healing effects and having doubt may lead you to ignore her medical advice. ..

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  • Rseman
    Rseman Member Posts: 281
    edited March 2015

    Hello CatsRus, I completely understand what you are going through. I was told IDC with a recommendation of double mastectomy and I would be fine. Right before we set up the surgery date a PET and Bone Scan revealed I was already stage IV. I felt that they had made a dx and recommendation without having all the information they should have in front of them and that was irresponsible of them. This was all within a couple of weeks.

    However, it was the way they explained how it happened that instilled my confidence in them. I expressed my concerns and they gave me a logical and reasonable explanation for what had happened. Doctors are just humans too. If you think you want to stay with them but are concerned then maybe you should talk to them about it because having confidence and trust is so important during this time.

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  • CatsRus
    CatsRus Member Posts: 310
    edited March 2015

    Thanx all. I've calmed down quite a bit. Thank you for sharing your experiences, in a perfect world none of us should have to go through this but we all know this is far from a perfect world. I will speak to my GP about this but think I'll wait, I'm afraid she'll say I misunderstood - I didn't, I repeated everything she said back to her for confirmation I had it right - and I don't need to deal with that now. If she does do that, I will look for another doctor, if not, I'll see how my trust in her goes.

    I am genuinely feeling much better since joining this forum, reading and venting seems to have a great calming effect on me, thanks for making me feel welcome.


    Good luck to you all

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  • scvmom65
    scvmom65 Member Posts: 88
    edited March 2015

    Welcome and so sorry you have to deal with this! I got misdiagnosed twice before my dx. If it was caught earlier I could have had a lumpectomy instead of a masectomy. What I have learned through my journey is doctors PRACTICE medicine. I used to think of them as being all knowing but they are not unfortunately. Now I look at them as someone who I am employing for my health reasons and I have the free will to find the best one for my treatment. Just like if I hired a contractor to remodel my house, I would not take what the first person said as being right, I would get several opinions since I am the one living in the house. I hope your surgery goes well. Best of luck!!

    Anna

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