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Dr. Walt…
Perhaps you'd care to give us some direction here…the lady is very significant to me. Here's a précis of her medical history…and the problem we're looking at.
Past Medical Highlights
Shortly prior to xx/yy2002, Gyn Doctor diagnosed Pt. as having a lump in left breast at the 8-9 o'clock position, and ordered a mammogram.
Pt. had the mammogram, which was negative, and an ultra-sound examination that was also negative.
Pt. then had a surgical consult with a surgeon who stated that although he was not convinced pt. had a "problem" with the lump in her breast, noting that the "lobular" nature of breast tissue more than likely accounted for the lump, he agreed to surgically explore and remove the lump of tissue in question. "Let's find out…"
Pt. underwent surgery @ XXX Hospital on XX/YY/2002.
Prior to the surgery, I repeat…pt. had a mammogram that was negative and an ultra-sound examination that was also negative, both imaging tests ordered as a consequence of a lump discovered in pt's. left breast by lady Gyn Doc.
The pathology report after surgery revealed "normal breast tissue," no malignancy.
Recent Medical History
On February xx 2004 same Gyn Dr. diagnosed a "new nodule, left breast, @ 8-9 o'clock, ½ cm, soft, movable, tender."
Gyn Dr. then ordered a new mammogram, "ASAP."
On March xx, 2004 pt. had a mammogram, the results of which were "negative." This mammogram was further examined by the new Image Checker System, second-look technology recently installed that confirmed a negative report.
Also on March xx, (same day) pt. was further examined by ultra-sound technology, and a thorough examination of the area of the left breast under suspicion revealed nothing on the sonogram, which was confirmed by an attending physician who reviewed the sonogram.
Gyn Dr's. office has scheduled pt. for a surgical consult with same surgeon for this coming Zzday, March xth at 4:00 PM.
Dr. Walt…given the imaging data, again negative, would a conservative policy of watch and wait be considered irresponsible? Is there a confluence of medical error here? Surgeon NOT convinced of a problem fails to aggressively explore the suspected operative site? Gyn Doc now over-reacting to scar tissue…malpractice concerns about failing to note "new lump."? Lobular tissue "regrowth" in the same location? Possible neoplasm this time?
Pt. is very close friend. Don't want to see her surgically explored, but also don't want to take a chance although she has no family history of CA.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Bob M.
In Reply to: Negative mammogram, but more surgery? posted by Bob M. [1697.203] on March 04, 2004 at 09:45:22:
Hi Bob,
I'm not a doctor and have no experience with anything like this, but if it were me, I would run to another doctor for a second opinion and never go back. Preferably in another town/city using a different x-ray facility. At the very least, she should see another surgeon in a different practice and not agree to any more exploration unless there is a clear reason. Sounds like a scalpel-happy surgeon and an overly aggressive doctor--maybe the surgeon and doctor are in cahoots?
We know a woman who had a mastectomy (breast removal) and she did NOT have breast cancer. Unthinkable.
Wishing you both the best,
Nutmeg
In Reply to: Re: Negative mammogram, but more surgery? posted by Nutmeg [86.58] on March 04, 2004 at 10:19:27:
Agree with nutmeg-
2nd opinion would be helpful to avoid "unnecessary" surgery.
In Reply to: Re: Negative mammogram, but more surgery? posted by Nutmeg [86.58] on March 04, 2004 at 10:19:27:
Cynthia...
Thank you. You have articulated my thoughts precisely.
I was concerned first time around...a lump in a lady's breast demands attention. I am concerned again, but I think I'll urge a change of venue.
Bob M.
In Reply to: Re: Negative mammogram, but more surgery? posted by Nutmeg [86.58] on March 04, 2004 at 10:19:27:
Nutmeg...
I answered your post to Cynthia...I guess it's obvious that I'm disturbed by what's going on with my lady friend.
I am in agreement with your statements...and I will pass them on unabridged to my friend.
People become rather attached to their physicians...and my friend is comfortable with her lady GYN Doctor. At this point, however, I think she must seriously consider making a change, and having light from a different source shown on her situation.
Thanks, Nutmeg...
Bob M.
In Reply to: Negative mammogram, but more surgery? posted by Bob M. [1697.203] on March 04, 2004 at 09:45:22:
Hi, Bob.
In my opinion your friend needs a much better doc! Also, in my opinion, this doc must have a yacht and at least a summer home that needs a payment :o).
Why not have your lady friend at least peruse the fibrocystic disease of the breast (archives) and see what happens to her "lumps" in a few months?
She is in the bind of the "To a hammer, everything looks like a nail." system.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Negative mammogram, but more surgery? (Archive in fibrocystic.) posted by Walt Stoll [9.8] on March 05, 2004 at 06:48:01:
Dr Walt...
Thanks. You've put us on a track that had not even been hinted at in over a year of wistful wondering.
We'll scan the archives carefully and see if we can locate some non-Rx Lugol's. I think she'll be receptive to alternative medicine...we got some menopausal problems under control with black cohosh, and now diet and exercise has reduced a pretty high lipid profile into something considerably more acceptable.
Thanks again...
Bob M.
In Reply to: Re: Negative mammogram, but more surgery? (Archive in fibrocystic.) posted by Bob M. [1697.203] on March 05, 2004 at 10:24:54:
Thanks, Bob.
I think you will find that the first biopsy showed fibrocystic disease and she was either not told OR it slipped right by her. Just another reason for everyone having copies of ALL their medical records at home.
Walt
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