WHY DO WE WAIT** ???

I had a mamogram just b4 my 43rd bday
was told it was a cyst and would probably get more. If I did to watch it and if it felt like it was growing to come back. so a year later, I had another lump. Other breast but it felt like the first one. I didnt think much about it. That was Sept. 2001. In Jan I went to primary doc for bron hitis and asked him to feel the lump, it hadnt gotten bigger, but it didnt go away like the first on. He looked at it, felt it and left the rrom. Came back within 5min and said I had an appt at 9a the ne t am. said he didnt like the way it felt. He said it was not a good lump. So at 11a next morn I had the mamo and US. called in the rad Dr from the U. He said 99.9% sure it was cancer, you need to find a surgeon!
I waited 4 months bcuz I was told to. How was I to know the difference.
So Glo, that is my reason.... did that time make a difference? I will never know.

Usually put of going to a Dr BUT didn't

I usually put of going to a Dr for everything to try to take 'care' of  'whatever myself.   (Fortunately, I very been 'rediculouslyt healthy all my life.) When I found the enlarged node under arm, I called my PA the next morning for an appt.  I did wait a week to see her as she was on vacation and I didn't want to see anyone else.  Saw her at 11 that morning and she had me in for a new mammo (last one had been less than 2 mths before and was the same as had been for years) at 1 that afternoon.  Had the mammo and was told an US was needed immediately.  Radiologist came in an said need biopsies now.  I left the Clinic about 3 that afternoon and the Dr called me at 8 the next morning with the path report - IBC.  From then the next 17 before starting neoadjuvant A/C, there were many appts, tests/scans, port implant, etc.  That was 5+ yrs ago and as far as I know today am still NED (no reason to think otherwise either). 

Winyan - The Power Within

Susan

button2 said:

I think I waited because I

I think I waited because I believed the hype that you have to have risk factors (family history, smoking, no children/breastfeeding etc) in order to get BC. I'm so positive minded, I always think "No, it just couldn't be..." My surgeon says 75% of patients have no risk factors. Wish I knew then what I know now!

I think I waited because I

live in Florida.  Florida does not require  employers provide employees with Insurance. Hence no insurance.  I couldn't find anywhere where I can see a doctor without insurance.  SUSAN KOMEN... no good, I really don't know what they do there but they never, not once helped me in any way shape or form.  I was unemployed at that time so I had a mamogram which I paid cash, very expensive,  2 days later, the results.  That set me back, emotionally, lots.  I couldn't function.  Luckily, my 3 wonderful, sent from heaven daughters were able to do everything.  I was in a trance and they thought I wouldn't come out of it.  MAJOR DEPRESSION!!! They sent me to the surgeon and then Onco....  While I was doing that, my daughters were looking for help... MORE WAIT... I found the lump in August and October 25th had a bilateral mastectomy (finally found a grant from the American Cancer Society which paid Osceola Regional... That was awesome).  Then more wait to see oncologist.  Waited 3 more months until I received best news ever.  I was approved for SSA and medicaid which paid for everything.  Later I found out I am fully vested in my Pension.  I could have started getting paid pension around 10 years ago.  All in all, waited a long time.. About 6 months went by from when my saint of a dog , American bulldog monster, was the reason I found the lump (he was my lifesaver, bless him) until I started chemo.  I believe that the average person waits because a, denial and b, terror.

GlowMore said:

My Sister In Law

Back in the 80s my sister in law waited because of money...no insurance and she was in her early 50s....it is so incredibly sad to think she died because of money........just heart breaking in this country that can happen....when we send millions of dollars all over the world to help others....we should be helping our own citizens.   She not only waited...she did not tell anyone either .. until it was too late.   I waited because I did not want to believe it could be true....not me...how could that be?  Talk about Denial.   Now I feel gratitude for each and every day.........

 

 

Glow

I'm so sorry about your sister in law. This should not be happening in one of the world's richest countries. Just like to mention that I live in Europe and have complete medical coverage. My Herceptin cost over 2,000 euros for each infusion (every 20 days). This was covered by my government 100%. There is no way I could have paid this in a country with a minimum wage of 680 euros a month. I had to pay part of the surgery/radiation fees, but I can even go back for reconstruction on the state if I choose to. It breaks my heart to hear of my fellow Americans being denied medical treatment. I feel gratitude every day too and thank you for posting this story.....