Doctor Cancelled Surgery

nancykuz · May 2008

nancykuz · May 2008

I was scheduled to have a PBM and BSO on 5/15/08. I am BRCA2 positive. On 5/6/08, the breast surgeon cancelled the surgery. When I had my consultation with him on 4/3/08 we discussed the fact that I am on Coumadin for a PFO. He explained to me how he would manage my anti-coagulation and proceeded to schedule the surgery along with a plastic surgeon and gynecological oncologist who all knew of my coumadin and why I was taking it. When I spoke to him on 5/6/08 (I called to find out when I should stop taking my coumadin) he said that I should have my PFO fixed prior to the scheduled surgery. This will delay my surgery for at least 8 months. He said that if I wanted to have my surgery now I could find another surgeon. I am devastated and don't know what to do. I had all of my preop tests which were normal, bought all of the supplies that the plastic surgeon asked me to have and bought a reclining chair, also per the plastic surgeon's suggestion. I have been anticipating this surgery for the past two months. I was getting prepared at home, at work and most importantly, emotionally. I have been distraught since the procedures were cancelled earlier this week. I cannot function without xanax and feel sad and angry without it. I hope no one else ever has to experience what I have just experienced.

AnnNYC · May 2008

Nancy, that's terrible. I too would be distraught at the change in plans, and furious that it took your breast surgeon more than a month to change his mind about the PFO.

Another poster here has a recently diagnosed patent foramen ovale, being discussed on this thread:

http://community.breastcancer.org/topic/62/conversation/705116?page=1#comment_920065

Do you have a cardiologist who put you on the coumadin in the first place? Maybe a cardiologist should be in the mix to advise the surgeons about whether it is okay to proceed with PBM before PFO repair? (I don't know what a BSO is -- a reconstructive procedure?)

I am so sorry, and think it is terrible the disregard your surgeon has shown for your need to plan things.

Hugs,

Ann

HeatherBLocklear · May 2008

Nancy,

Simple solution: kill the surgeon. If you're in Texas, it's legal. Seriously, I don't have any solution or answer to add to what AnnNYC has said above (as usual, she is so sane, rational, and logical), but do want to express my indignation and anger over such cavalier treatment. So, yes, I'd consider killing the surgeon.

Hugs,

Annie

PS: Caveat: If anyone takes the above literally, his/her eyeballs will immediately fall out.

pip57 · May 2008

I was also taking blood thinners in the fall. My general surgeon had no problems booking me for a second mast knowing this. However, my gyn refused to do the hysterectomy. I had to argue my reasons and have my onc send him her recommendations before he would even consider it. After I was taken off the thinners he reluctantly agreed to the surgery and will put me on blood thinners an hour before and keep me on them for several weeks. When he asked me if I was willing to take the 2% risk of bleeding out, I said that those odds were a lot better than my staying cancer free without the surgery.

I know our situations are not the same, but I understand the frustration at his reluctance to do what you have been told is necessary for the best possible outcome. I think the docs are so afraid of a lawsuit if anything goes wrong and you need to reassure him that you are aware of the risks and want to go ahead.

Good Luck

Doctor Cancelled Surgery

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