UPDATE: "Insist on biopsy?"

Marnold49
Marnold49 Member Posts: 11
in Breast Cancer #1

 

Hi ladies! After much contemplation and discussions with my husband, I decided to call my doctor back and ask him to send my chart to another local (West Lafayette, IN) doctor for a second opinion. He apparently reviewed my chart again before sending and decided to call me back (Monday 6/11/13) and ask me if I would be ok with him referring me to the IU Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis, immediately. He apologized for his hastness in his conclusion that further care was not needed and after further review, he feels like I should be seen by experts in the field instead of another local doctor. Of course, I was relieved to know that it was being taken seriously, but also terrified that he wanted me to see an oncologist and breast surgeon "immediately". I thought, "ok, they'll probably try to squeeze me in around thmiddle of July." Nope! I got a call today (Tue 6/12) telling me they received the mammogram and ultrasound results aaha want me to come to the IU Simon Cancer Care Center on Thursday (6/14). 

While part of me is relieved to know that this is being taken seriously, the other part of me is terrified because now it feels "real". i know you ladies/gents can't tell me exactly what will take place in Thursday, but I'm hoping you can give me a little bit of insight as to what to expect, what will they be doing, and what questions I need to prepare so I can get the most out of this appointment. what do I need to make sure I ask?

Thanks in advance!

«1

Comments

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #2
    Getting your breast biopsy

    I am SO glad that your doctor has come to his senses and has referred you to an appropriate doctor for further diagnostics. Just because he is referring you to a cancer center does not necessarily mean that he thinks you have cancer. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

    Here is a list of questions that might be useful for you if facing a breast biopsy:

    • What type of biopsy do you recommend? Why?
    • How does the size of my breast affect the procedure?
    • Where will you do the biopsy?
    • What exactly will you do?
    • How long will it take?
    • Will I be awake or asleep during the biopsy?
    • Can I drive home afterward, or will I need someone to drive me?
    • If the abnormal area cannot be felt, how will you find it?
    • If you are using a wire to help find the abnormal area, will you check its placement by ultrasound or with a mammogram?
    • Can you draw pictures showing me the size of the cut and the size of the tissue you will remove?
    • Will there be a hole there? Will it show afterward?
    • Will my breast have a different shape or look different afterward?
    • Will you put a clip or marker in my breast?
    • Where will the scar be? What will it look like? Will there even BE a scar?
    • Will there be bruising or changes in color of the skin?
    • Will I be sore? If so, how long will it last?
    • When can I take off the bandage?
    • When can I take a shower?
    • Will there be stitches? Will they dissolve or do I need to come back to the office and have them removed?
    • When can I go back to work? Will I be tired?
    • Will my activities be limited? Can I lift things? Care for my children?
    • How soon will I know the biopsy results?
    • Should I call you or will you call me with the results? Should I make a follow-up appt.?
    • Will you or someone else explain the biopsy results to me?
  • Marnold49
    Marnold49 Member Posts: 11
    #3
    Jessiesmom1-
    I am in awe!

    Jessiesmom1-

    I am in awe! That is the most helpful list of questions I have ever found/gotten! I had a few of those written down, but you have made me feel like I can have *some* control again! Such a gift! I can't thank you enough! I know I can't change whatever it is that's going on physically, but you have given my confidence back to me! Now, i'm actually looking forward to Thursday and getting all of those questions answered. Before your reply, I was terrified that everything would go right over my head. Knowledge truly is POWER! Thanks a million times over!!!

  • coco2008
    coco2008 Member Posts: 418
    #4
    Marnold49 said:

    Jessiesmom1-
    I am in awe!

    Jessiesmom1-

    I am in awe! That is the most helpful list of questions I have ever found/gotten! I had a few of those written down, but you have made me feel like I can have *some* control again! Such a gift! I can't thank you enough! I know I can't change whatever it is that's going on physically, but you have given my confidence back to me! Now, i'm actually looking forward to Thursday and getting all of those questions answered. Before your reply, I was terrified that everything would go right over my head. Knowledge truly is POWER! Thanks a million times over!!!

    My prayers are with you.  Try

    My prayers are with you.  Try to be at peace.

    Sandy

  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #5
    Marnold49 said:

    Jessiesmom1-
    I am in awe!

    Jessiesmom1-

    I am in awe! That is the most helpful list of questions I have ever found/gotten! I had a few of those written down, but you have made me feel like I can have *some* control again! Such a gift! I can't thank you enough! I know I can't change whatever it is that's going on physically, but you have given my confidence back to me! Now, i'm actually looking forward to Thursday and getting all of those questions answered. Before your reply, I was terrified that everything would go right over my head. Knowledge truly is POWER! Thanks a million times over!!!

    It's good to know that you

    It's good to know that you are being taken seriously now and that you will get the care and attention that you need.

    Good luck!

    Sue :)

  • cinnamonsmile
    cinnamonsmile Member Posts: 1,187 Member
    #6
    Marnold49:
    You can find the

    Marnold49:

    You can find the list of question from Jessie's mom and much more information here on cancer.org, The American Cancer Society webpage:   

    http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003176-pdf.pdf

    Please remember to only read for knowledge, facts and basic information. I know if I can't read some information without getting myself worked up, I back off. If you read the sections Women Facing a Breast Biopsy (which I think they should change to PEOPLE because men get breast cancer,too) you should be ok.

    I am glad they are looking further into what is going on. I currently have a health condition that I needs further investigation  but my family doctor is holding off. I guess I will trust her. We have been together for over 15 years.

    I wish you the best and hope your results are benign. Be prepared for the anxiety that usually comes with waiting for test results.

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #7
    good to hear he took you

    good to hear he took you serious...good they are taking you right away> I'll check back for update...

    Are you booking the PINK Bus?


    Denise

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #8
    disneyfan2008 said:

    good to hear he took you

    good to hear he took you serious...good they are taking you right away> I'll check back for update...

    Are you booking the PINK Bus?


    Denise

    The PINK Bus

    Denise, what an excellent thought. We should indeed gas up the pink bus for her. Will you be driving this time? I volunteer to bring something made with Ghirardelli Chocolate as I live near San Francisco.

    Please join  us and support our new friend.

    IRENE

  • Marnold49
    Marnold49 Member Posts: 11
    #9
    disneyfan2008 said:

    good to hear he took you

    good to hear he took you serious...good they are taking you right away> I'll check back for update...

    Are you booking the PINK Bus?


    Denise

    Pink Bus?

    Forgive my ignorance, as I am new to all of this. What is the Pink Bus? Lol

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #10
    Our Pink Bus

    I think you will get the answer to your question about the fabulous pink bus on the thread entitled OK for those of us that are new here What is the Pink Bus.

    Enjoy. See you there.

    IRENE

  • coco2008
    coco2008 Member Posts: 418
    #11
    jessiesmom1 said:

    Our Pink Bus

    I think you will get the answer to your question about the fabulous pink bus on the thread entitled OK for those of us that are new here What is the Pink Bus.

    Enjoy. See you there.

    IRENE

    I will be on the bus with

    I will be on the bus with you, and I will bring iced mocha coffee.

  • Marnold49
    Marnold49 Member Posts: 11
    #12
    You are amazing!

    So, I just read about the pink bus and it's an emotional game changer! I caught myself smiling ...smiling! You guys know just what everyone needs, right when they need it! What an amazing group! Thank you for welcoming me

  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    #13
    Marnold49 said:

    You are amazing!

    So, I just read about the pink bus and it's an emotional game changer! I caught myself smiling ...smiling! You guys know just what everyone needs, right when they need it! What an amazing group! Thank you for welcoming me

    We'll try to behave ourselves

    and not embarass you.  You can pretend you don't know us if anyone complains about the bus and noise  in the parking lot.  Or - you can tell them to shut up and do a good job because we're out there!

    Seriously, I am glad you're going tomorrow so you'll have a better idea of what's going on - and I hope everything turns out ok.  Sometimes we do need to go with our gut feelings and make sure we're being taken seriously.   I'm so sorry you had to stir the pot with your primary care physicin, but I'm also glad you did.  Please let us know how it goes.

    Suzanne

  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #14
    coco2008 said:

    I will be on the bus with

    I will be on the bus with you, and I will bring iced mocha coffee.

    I'll be on the pink bus too!

    I'll be on the pink bus too!

  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    #15
    Marnold49 said:

    You are amazing!

    So, I just read about the pink bus and it's an emotional game changer! I caught myself smiling ...smiling! You guys know just what everyone needs, right when they need it! What an amazing group! Thank you for welcoming me

    I am coming too for you!

    I am coming too for you!

  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #16
    Kristin N said:

    I am coming too for you!

    I am coming too for you!

    Hoping everything went well

    Hoping everything went well for you and will be watching for an update.

    Jan

  • Lynne P
    Lynne P Member Posts: 165
    #17
    survivorbc09 said:

    Hoping everything went well

    Hoping everything went well for you and will be watching for an update.

    Jan

    I am wishing you good luck!

    I am wishing you good luck!

  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    #18
    Lynne P said:

    I am wishing you good luck!

    I am wishing you good luck!

    Behave ourselves Suzanne? 

    Behave ourselves Suzanne?  Ok, if you say so.  And no, I am not crossing my fingers behind my back. 

    Well, maybe...  lol

  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #19
    Kristin N said:

    Behave ourselves Suzanne? 

    Behave ourselves Suzanne?  Ok, if you say so.  And no, I am not crossing my fingers behind my back. 

    Well, maybe...  lol

    LOL Kristin!

    LOL Kristin!  Some of us try really hard, but, we do have some bad influences. 

  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #20
    survivorbc09 said:

    LOL Kristin!

    LOL Kristin!  Some of us try really hard, but, we do have some bad influences. 

    I hope your appointment went

    I hope your appointment went well and that you will post an update for all of us.

    Hugs, Diane

  • June Bugs
    June Bugs Member Posts: 167
    #21
    disneyfan2008 said:

    good to hear he took you

    good to hear he took you serious...good they are taking you right away> I'll check back for update...

    Are you booking the PINK Bus?


    Denise

    Wishing you good luck too!

    Wishing you good luck too!

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