Biopsy results today...

Logang,

Sorry to hear you have to join us. Sounds like they are being very thorough and are trying to make sure they know what is going on. Hugs!

Sorry of your need to be here, but hope you can find out answers quickly on the additional spots and get a full plan in place. Let us know how you're doing.

randi, I would suggest maybe taking a trusted friend or relative with you to your appt. if you can. It is kind of over-whelming. Seems like you are being very pro-active so far. Best wishes!:)

((((Hugs))))) to you Randi. I am new at this too. I was just diagnosed December 2015. Just sending prayers and positive thoughts.

Randi, when the nurse told you "right now", I think she meant that it is based on what information they currently have. So, when you do have surgery, it will be staged and that's what they will base your treatment plan on. You are one step ahead of where I was when DX'd. My BS told me I was early stage 1 and "could be cured"...she never bothered to tell me that my DX could change when I had SX. Lucky, for me, it didn't. The grade was changed from 3 to 2, but that may just be a different pathologists' opinion. Good luck with tomorrows' appts.

Randi, As far as chemo, I had an onco test done; ended up in the intermediate gray area. I was offered further testing (mammaprint), but did not want to wait any longer for results to come in. My MO told me it was up to me, but after thinking about it, decided to chance the chemo. My thought was that if if did recur, I knew that I had done everything I could to prevent it. Bottom line... I was afraid I would have regrets, if that were to happen. I am otherwise in good health. Hard decisions for sure. Always consider a second opinion if you are unsure. Keep us posted!

I'm so upset tonight.

My "team" this morning was a joke. They were like bad actors in a High School play! They were trying to pretend this new program, just started at my hospital, is coordinated cancer care!

Except, when they decided I need an MRI they told me to make the appointment at the radiologist 30 miles from here. I said, "This is a hospital. Don't you have an MRI machine?"

The surgeon said, "We are so backed up...we can't do it here. You'll have to go back to the radiologist who did your biopsy two days ago, 30 miles from here. Here's the prescription. You set it up and we'll talk to you when you get the results."

I asked, "Can I have the Chest CT scan at the same time?" (because I am a degenerate smoker.)

She said, "I don't think they do that there."

I called "there" and they said, "Of course we do. Get the prescription and we'll schedule you as soon as possible, WHICH WILL BE NEXT WEDNESDAY."

Then, the surgeon at the fake Cancer Center, tells me, "Our CANCER CENTER doesn't like to operate on smokers. We'll do a lumpectomy but not a mastectomy unless you really really want one."

" Ummm, it's cancer?" I said. "My sister and mother both had it. My genetic tests show I'm at high risk. I'd like a mastectomy with reconstruction AND I'd love help so that I can quit smoking."

I swear, the surgeon said, "Here's a flyer.. There's a group that meets every other Thursday, but even if you quit you aren't going to be ready for mastectomy in time."

So I say, "When will I have surgery?"

The surgeon says "You have at least six weeks before we do anything. I want to oncotype you first."

My head was swimming and my blood was boiling. I asked her, "Well, can you draw blood today and send it to the geneticist today? Then we can get the thing out, do the pathology and by the time I'm ready for adjunct therapies we'll have the oncotype and we'll know if I need chemo."

She said, "No."

Okay, FIRST, since when is 6 weeks smoke free not enough smoke free time for surgery???

Secondly, and ladies pay attention if you smoke and need mastectomy, I suggested a hypobaric chamber for oxygen and proper healing if she was this concerned about smoking and she wrote it down as if she never heard oxygen therapy would improve healing.

I've had many surgeries with doctors who know how to treat those of us who smoke. It IS common, that SMOKERS end up as CANCER patients. DOH.

I know what I have is "entry level" cancer, but honestly I feel for women who don't understand the DX.

There are "Cancer Centers" that are so worried about complications that they avoid treating patients who are "high risk." Aren't we HIGH RISK enough when we are DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER?

Ugggghhh. Going to try to get to a real cancer center in time for a decent outcome.

SORRY for venting...but today was horrible.

I live in South Florida. The medical care here is horrid. I am looking into Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Moffit in Tampa (if anyone has ever been there, I'd love to hear about your experience) and Sloan Kettering in NY. I can't really afford to travel and stay in a hotel, but I WILL.

Does anyone LOVE THEIR cancer treatment center? If so, where are you and where did you go?

Thanks JUNIPER!! I feel a little better after the vent. Thanks again.

I live close to Houston and so I am very fortunate to be able to go to MD Anderson.
From day one, it has been fantastic! (Well, as fantastic as this crap can be.) My surgical oncologist was wonderful.....very professional, kind, compassionate, and took her time answering all my questions and addressing my concerns. My medical oncologist is a God send. Terrific bedside manner and at the top of his game. My radiation oncologist is another jem, I love her!
Every single staff member, from receptionist to nurse, have been incredible. The support and care that I have received has been top notch.
I love that all my doctors communicate with each other and they are all located at the same place. Makes things super easy.
I can absolutely see why MD Anderson has been one of the top cancer centers in the nation. I feel very confident with my care and have no regrets.

Since I live close by, travel is not a concern for me but I do know of several patients who have come to MD Anderson from other states. (You meet lots of people in the waiting rooms!) They explained to me that MD Anderson have people who can take care of all the travel needs.....lodging, food, etc.
To be honest, I don't really know anything about that since I've never had to use it, but it may be worth a phone call, if you're open to travel?
In case you're interested, the phone number to the main switchboard is: 713-792-2121
The phone number to patient travel services is: 713-745-2300

Hi Randi I am so sorry you are going thru this. I was diagnosed in May 2015. I have had 2 lumpectomies and 30 rads treatments as well as lymph nodes surgery. I went to Abramson cancer center in Philadelphia PA. The best possible care to have. They have programs for people who do not live in state. Maybe you can look into it. Also I have had relatives with cancer in university of Miami hospital and received great cancer care. Not sure if that is closer to you in Miami Florida. I was told to wait 6 months from my initial mammogram to see if my lump grew. I took matters in my own hands and went to Philadelphia. Please be your own advocate don't wait. Some doctors just don't really know how to deal with Breast Cancer. Sending positive energy your way