Breast surgeon...missed step?

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missarmy04
missarmy04 Member Posts: 28
edited September 2015 in Waiting for Test Results

I see a lot of you have appts or have seen a BS before getting a biopsy or even an ultrasound? Maybe it's different because I'm at an Army hospital, but I've have an u/s, diagnostic mammo, and am awaiting a biopsy (15th). There has been no mention of a breast surgeon yet. Although the radiologist did say they won't want to leave this in me even if it turns out to be benign. Is it a good sign that I haven't had to see a BS yet

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  • debiann
    debiann Member Posts: 1,200
    edited September 2015

    I did not see a breast surgeon till after my bc dx. I had my regular mammo and called a few days later and scheduled at the hospital's breast health center. There I had another mammo and ultrasound and scheduled for an ultrasound guided biopsy the next day. At the end of that procedure the radiologist said, "I just want to prepare you, this is cancer." It took a week to get the pathology report. The radiologist told me the report.confirmed cancer, but she didn't go over the report with me. I saw the BS a few days later and she explained it to me. 

    The waiting is the hardest part. Good luck to you.

  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited September 2015

    The radiologists at my breast center are interventional radiologists and do all the non-surgical biopsies & procedures. I didn't see a surgeon until I needed an excisional biopsy.


  • fidget
    fidget Member Posts: 135
    edited September 2015

    Hey there missarmy04. My husband is retired army (just retired last year) and depending on the size of the post you are at, that is standard procedure. Our last post had a large woman's clinic, so the radiologists took care of everything first before you are given a referral to a surgeon. We are living near a small Air Force base now, so I was referred out to the local hospital for my mammo and ultrasound. I then had to get a referral to see a surgeon in order to get a referral to get the biopsy that was done by the original radiologist. Yep, lots of red tape. So actually, things may move quicker for you in the long run. Again, depending on the post, I have found that my previous biopsies for other issues usually came back quicker than the 7 to 10 days. Keep an eye on your Tricare online. The blue button option will show all tests and/or procedures. I wish you the best and hope everything comes back benign.

  • Beatmon
    Beatmon Member Posts: 1,562
    edited September 2015


    I'm in the private sector, but had biopsy and diagnosis before referral to breast surgeon.

  • Skittlegirl
    Skittlegirl Member Posts: 428
    edited September 2015

    I had a mammogram and ultrasound (same appointment) then was scheduled for a biopsy and referred to the surgeon immediately after that mammogram/ultrasound appointment. Biopsy ended up being the next morning and the surgery consultation the following week.

  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited September 2015
    I'm another in the private sector who did not see a surgeon until after the biopsy and pathology report. It may be a regional approach or simply depend on your community and facilities.

    In my case the nurse navigator at the breast center made the appointment for the biopsy and provided referrals to a surgeon. I did not realize until later, although I should have, that since she was employed by the hospital her referrals were biased. It's something to keep in mind; get a second opinion from someone outside if you can.
  • missarmy04
    missarmy04 Member Posts: 28
    edited September 2015

    ironically, my dr called today to talk to me. He said he's is sending me to a general surgeon so we will all be on the same page for treatment after the biopsy results.

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