outside the VA - where do I go from here?

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The1percen
The1percen Member Posts: 135
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi everyone,
OK.. yesterday late I found I will now have access to the "civilian" resources. Having been VA "only" for the last 10 years I have NO idea where to go. Has anyone heard of the Regional Cancer Centers? How closely are the surgical and radiological "branches" associated? I thought about going to my wife's surgeon (the she was going to for her Gallbladder) I know he does breast surgery, but I don't know about his radiological side?
ANY suggestions would be greatly appreciated... THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!
Mike
«1

Comments

  • tommaseena
    tommaseena Member Posts: 1,769
    Options
    Outside VA
    Mike,
    Your wife's surgeon does breast surgery as well--get a consult with him or he could give recommendations. Usually the surgeon will refer you to see a medical oncologist and/or a radiation oncologist after the pathology reports are back. Some surgeons have you see the specialists before for options depending on what the results MIGHT be.

    I don't know anything about Regional Cancer Centers unless they are a center which has a whole team there. If it is one of those places then it would not hurt to see the whole multi-disciplinary team.

    Good luck with your mammogram on Friday.

    Best wishes,
    Margo
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    Options
    Hi Mike.......
    My breast surgeon referred me to an oncologist to handle my chemo and also to a radiation oncologist. I trusted her completely, so I also trusted the people that she sent me to for the rest of my treatment.

    Hopefully, your surgeon can set you up with someone to take care of chemo & rads, if you should need them.

    CR
  • Jadie
    Jadie Member Posts: 723
    Options
    Hi Mike
    You will probably have to start with your PC. (family doctor) He will either send you for a mamogram or refer you to a surgeon. Ask for a breast specialist. These are the steps I had to follow for insurance.

    What happened to VA if I may ask?

    Jadie<3
  • tgf
    tgf Member Posts: 950 Member
    Options
    Jadie said:

    Hi Mike
    You will probably have to start with your PC. (family doctor) He will either send you for a mamogram or refer you to a surgeon. Ask for a breast specialist. These are the steps I had to follow for insurance.

    What happened to VA if I may ask?

    Jadie<3</p>

    I agree with Jadie
    Hi Mike ...

    I agree with Jadie that perhaps you should have a diagnosis before you start focusing on treatments (surgeons).

    You seem to have diagnosed yourself and that is not a good idea. Doctors are a LOT more knowledgeable. You may have symptoms of "something" ... but it will take a doctor to determine what that is. Your symptoms could be many things ... and may NOT be cancer ... so you really should see a doctor and let him/her make the diagnosis and help determine the treatment.
  • bfbear
    bfbear Member Posts: 380
    Options
    Jadie said:

    Hi Mike
    You will probably have to start with your PC. (family doctor) He will either send you for a mamogram or refer you to a surgeon. Ask for a breast specialist. These are the steps I had to follow for insurance.

    What happened to VA if I may ask?

    Jadie<3</p>

    Start at the beginning
    Mike....

    So far you have not been diagnosed, and yet you are jumping to surgery and follow-up treatment.

    You need to start at the beginning...all this other stuff is a waste of time and brain energy.

    1. Go to your family doctor (as Jadie said).

    2. He/she will either: a) send you for a mammogram,
    or b) send you to someone who knows more about male breast issues;

    3. When you get the results of the mammogram, the radiologist will decide where to go from there, i.e. a)is it something suspicious that needs to be biopsied, or b) is it something benign that you are needlessly worrying about?

    4. If the radiologist decides it's suspicious, then he/she will get you to the ultrasound tech, and then they will decide whether or not to biopsy what's there.

    5. THEN, if the biopsy comes back as carcinoma, you go talk to a surgeon.

    Right now, and for the past several weeks, you're just worrying about possibilities.
    Stop worrying and start acting on the things you need to do to follow through with this.

    It's time to sh*t or get off the pot, as some would say...

    Practically speaking,
    Debi
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
    Options
    I'd go to the Reginal Cancer
    I'd go to the Regioal Cancer Center Mike. They will assemble a whole team just for your care and treatment, from diagnosis, to surgery, to chemo, to radiation, and anything else that pops up. My Breast cancer center has been the best!
    Let us know what you find out my man!
    Dee
  • tommaseena
    tommaseena Member Posts: 1,769
    Options
    bfbear said:

    Start at the beginning
    Mike....

    So far you have not been diagnosed, and yet you are jumping to surgery and follow-up treatment.

    You need to start at the beginning...all this other stuff is a waste of time and brain energy.

    1. Go to your family doctor (as Jadie said).

    2. He/she will either: a) send you for a mammogram,
    or b) send you to someone who knows more about male breast issues;

    3. When you get the results of the mammogram, the radiologist will decide where to go from there, i.e. a)is it something suspicious that needs to be biopsied, or b) is it something benign that you are needlessly worrying about?

    4. If the radiologist decides it's suspicious, then he/she will get you to the ultrasound tech, and then they will decide whether or not to biopsy what's there.

    5. THEN, if the biopsy comes back as carcinoma, you go talk to a surgeon.

    Right now, and for the past several weeks, you're just worrying about possibilities.
    Stop worrying and start acting on the things you need to do to follow through with this.

    It's time to sh*t or get off the pot, as some would say...

    Practically speaking,
    Debi

    appointments
    Mike,
    Stated in a past thread that his mammogram is scheudled dfor 6/26 and meeting with a surgeon on 6/30. This was set up by the VA hospital.

    I think Mike was just asking if he should go to one of those centers when he gets the insurance coverage or whether he should go see his wife's surgeon.

    I think Mike has done everything he could do with the resources given to him at the time with getting care through the VA and what and where the VA fees out the services.

    Margo
  • bfbear
    bfbear Member Posts: 380
    Options

    appointments
    Mike,
    Stated in a past thread that his mammogram is scheudled dfor 6/26 and meeting with a surgeon on 6/30. This was set up by the VA hospital.

    I think Mike was just asking if he should go to one of those centers when he gets the insurance coverage or whether he should go see his wife's surgeon.

    I think Mike has done everything he could do with the resources given to him at the time with getting care through the VA and what and where the VA fees out the services.

    Margo

    I am not trying to be mean...
    I'm just wondering if any women on this board, or even Bill, had to wait 16 days to get a first mammogram on highly suspicious lumps?

    Also, I looked back at your posts from earlier, Mike, and you mentioned awhile back that at your Relay you had met some other male vets who were bc survivors...surely, since they have been through the VA system already, they might have some ideas, right?

    If it were me, Mike, that's where I'd start looking for more specific support. These guys live in your area, are vets, and are bc survivors. You can probably find out more from them than from anybody here, simply because they have been through the system and have come out the other side.

    We all know this is a great place for support and love, and it is given freely by all. We have all been through, or are in the middle of, bc experiences. But one thing we all do for each other, as well, is give frank advice (remember the woman with the daughter who was bleeding from her nipples?). And there have been other people here who were either procrastinating or wondering what to do with a close friend or relative. We have all been very blunt and straightforward when it has been necessary.

    I believe, Mike, that you should use ALL of your support options. This discussion group is one; the ACS resource centers are another HUGE place to go for information (cancer.org); and your new-found vet friends would seem to be THE most supportive group of all.

    All I'm saying is, use what you've got at hand.

    And, again, wait for the mammogram, then the diagnosis, then the ultrasound, etc., etc. This whole journey is about one step at a time. Hang in there, and don't jump ahead of yourself.

    Debi
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    Options
    bfbear said:

    I am not trying to be mean...
    I'm just wondering if any women on this board, or even Bill, had to wait 16 days to get a first mammogram on highly suspicious lumps?

    Also, I looked back at your posts from earlier, Mike, and you mentioned awhile back that at your Relay you had met some other male vets who were bc survivors...surely, since they have been through the VA system already, they might have some ideas, right?

    If it were me, Mike, that's where I'd start looking for more specific support. These guys live in your area, are vets, and are bc survivors. You can probably find out more from them than from anybody here, simply because they have been through the system and have come out the other side.

    We all know this is a great place for support and love, and it is given freely by all. We have all been through, or are in the middle of, bc experiences. But one thing we all do for each other, as well, is give frank advice (remember the woman with the daughter who was bleeding from her nipples?). And there have been other people here who were either procrastinating or wondering what to do with a close friend or relative. We have all been very blunt and straightforward when it has been necessary.

    I believe, Mike, that you should use ALL of your support options. This discussion group is one; the ACS resource centers are another HUGE place to go for information (cancer.org); and your new-found vet friends would seem to be THE most supportive group of all.

    All I'm saying is, use what you've got at hand.

    And, again, wait for the mammogram, then the diagnosis, then the ultrasound, etc., etc. This whole journey is about one step at a time. Hang in there, and don't jump ahead of yourself.

    Debi

    I have to agree totally with
    I have to agree totally with you Debi. WAIT until you get a diagnosis before you start playing it out on here and possibly scaring any new bc survivor as myself. And, I would think he would seek out male bc survivors, as you said, he met at the relay rather than here. And, I read some of his posts too, and, I don't care for the ones where he was going to kill himself and then kill his wife. I consider that abuse in the worse kind. Sorry for being blunt here, but, I think a lot feel the same way. And, what happened to your VA appointments????????
  • The1percen
    The1percen Member Posts: 135
    Options
    dyaneb123 said:

    I'd go to the Reginal Cancer
    I'd go to the Regioal Cancer Center Mike. They will assemble a whole team just for your care and treatment, from diagnosis, to surgery, to chemo, to radiation, and anything else that pops up. My Breast cancer center has been the best!
    Let us know what you find out my man!
    Dee

    UPDATE...
    Hi all,
    Thank you for your input!!! OK... everyone of you are partially right. YES, I have "diagnosed" myself and yes that is bad, as my suicide counselor reminded me over and over this morning (I have to admit... the VA has an awesome "crisis aversion program"... they call and check on you during times of crisis, and I am still under crisis management from my last hsopitalization) In my defensive if anybody knows MY body it's ME, correct??? Yes, there are other possibilities as to these symptoms and signs. I DO hold out hope that it isn't, but to me, though, all the evidence points to "worst case". I do keep in mind that everyone is helping me to stay positive about my situation... THANK YOU for that. I have also seen MANY posts that state: WE are our own best ADVOCATE, correct? I just want to try to provide for the best outcome no matter what it is. My situation changed yesterday, in that, now I have an option to make for a better outcome if it is. One of my worst senarios under the VA was that IF I needed Radiation and/or chemo, I would have to go to Pittsburgh. My Dad; as I have explained, was basically stranded/confined to Pitt 5 days a week for what originally was to be 6 weeks or 30 treatments. He didn't need chemo because it was caught IMMEDIATELY, because they were taking blood/labs every couple weeks for Coumeden (?) but they also tested every time for PSA. As soon as it jumped they got him into treatment. I did not want that situation because my wife won't drive in "traffic" like Pittsburgh or Cleveland. NOW... this morning I went and talked to the people at the "Regional Cancer Center" an ACS affiliate!!! They do all their "MAJOR STUFF" in Erie and she WILL drive to/in Erie. They told me that I can ask/tell the VA I want a referral to TRCC after I have the diagnosis and they will determine what line of treatment, which I would be in-line with all of you. Now, I may be wrong in getting ahead of myself BUT this removed some of my stress!!!! Now, I can be comfortable knowing that if, I won't have to worry about PITTSBURGH! Now, as for my problem with the VA... My Dad received awesome treatment (except for the 'stay') HOWEVER... they basically KILLED my uncle, with that second round of Radiation to the same area - Prostate! I also don't like how long it takes to get appts. I have also had conflicting diagnosis on several occassions (between Erie and Pitt) I am so glad I have ALL of YOU "in my corner" I have received SO MUCH great information, that going into this, I have an idea what to expect, what questions to ask, and how things should be handled. I also have a problem with the VA acting like I AM STLL active duty military in that they TELL YOU what they are going to do... they don't include you in any decisions. Except in the mental health area. SO, SORRY for such a long post (of course you should be used to that from me 'he-he') I am a LOT calmer today, thanks to YOU ALL and my "counselor" for that!!!
    Sincerely,
    Mike
    aka MUD
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    Options

    UPDATE...
    Hi all,
    Thank you for your input!!! OK... everyone of you are partially right. YES, I have "diagnosed" myself and yes that is bad, as my suicide counselor reminded me over and over this morning (I have to admit... the VA has an awesome "crisis aversion program"... they call and check on you during times of crisis, and I am still under crisis management from my last hsopitalization) In my defensive if anybody knows MY body it's ME, correct??? Yes, there are other possibilities as to these symptoms and signs. I DO hold out hope that it isn't, but to me, though, all the evidence points to "worst case". I do keep in mind that everyone is helping me to stay positive about my situation... THANK YOU for that. I have also seen MANY posts that state: WE are our own best ADVOCATE, correct? I just want to try to provide for the best outcome no matter what it is. My situation changed yesterday, in that, now I have an option to make for a better outcome if it is. One of my worst senarios under the VA was that IF I needed Radiation and/or chemo, I would have to go to Pittsburgh. My Dad; as I have explained, was basically stranded/confined to Pitt 5 days a week for what originally was to be 6 weeks or 30 treatments. He didn't need chemo because it was caught IMMEDIATELY, because they were taking blood/labs every couple weeks for Coumeden (?) but they also tested every time for PSA. As soon as it jumped they got him into treatment. I did not want that situation because my wife won't drive in "traffic" like Pittsburgh or Cleveland. NOW... this morning I went and talked to the people at the "Regional Cancer Center" an ACS affiliate!!! They do all their "MAJOR STUFF" in Erie and she WILL drive to/in Erie. They told me that I can ask/tell the VA I want a referral to TRCC after I have the diagnosis and they will determine what line of treatment, which I would be in-line with all of you. Now, I may be wrong in getting ahead of myself BUT this removed some of my stress!!!! Now, I can be comfortable knowing that if, I won't have to worry about PITTSBURGH! Now, as for my problem with the VA... My Dad received awesome treatment (except for the 'stay') HOWEVER... they basically KILLED my uncle, with that second round of Radiation to the same area - Prostate! I also don't like how long it takes to get appts. I have also had conflicting diagnosis on several occassions (between Erie and Pitt) I am so glad I have ALL of YOU "in my corner" I have received SO MUCH great information, that going into this, I have an idea what to expect, what questions to ask, and how things should be handled. I also have a problem with the VA acting like I AM STLL active duty military in that they TELL YOU what they are going to do... they don't include you in any decisions. Except in the mental health area. SO, SORRY for such a long post (of course you should be used to that from me 'he-he') I am a LOT calmer today, thanks to YOU ALL and my "counselor" for that!!!
    Sincerely,
    Mike
    aka MUD

    .

    .
  • The1percen
    The1percen Member Posts: 135
    Options

    I have to agree totally with
    I have to agree totally with you Debi. WAIT until you get a diagnosis before you start playing it out on here and possibly scaring any new bc survivor as myself. And, I would think he would seek out male bc survivors, as you said, he met at the relay rather than here. And, I read some of his posts too, and, I don't care for the ones where he was going to kill himself and then kill his wife. I consider that abuse in the worse kind. Sorry for being blunt here, but, I think a lot feel the same way. And, what happened to your VA appointments????????

    SORRY for upsetting you...
    Point taken. Sorry for being so blunt myself. It may seen like abuse to you, however, you don't "know" me or my wife. I would never have done that, but when I start thinking like that I KNOW it is time to get HELP. This I know from previous history. I have had 'several' suicide attempts (one that was VERY CLOSE to success)and I have learned my "triggers"! I had been in constant contact with my "counselor" You also weren't there when she has very much like someone going through chemo. She was in and out of the hospital and NO DIAGNOSIS at that point for her. This went on for over TWO months. I am sorry, but I didn't see it, like you did (being very carefull here not to set off any flags) She was in a LOT of PAIN and couldn't keep ANYTHING down. Please forgive me for my WEAKNESS but in MY mind that would have been "helping" her. I wanted out and didn't want her to hurt either. The FINAL FACTOR in why I wouldn't ARE OUR DAUGHTERS!!! I will stop "VENTING" since it scares you. I AM SORRY I UPSET YOU
    Sincerely,
    Mike
  • taleena
    taleena Member Posts: 1,612 Member
    Options

    UPDATE...
    Hi all,
    Thank you for your input!!! OK... everyone of you are partially right. YES, I have "diagnosed" myself and yes that is bad, as my suicide counselor reminded me over and over this morning (I have to admit... the VA has an awesome "crisis aversion program"... they call and check on you during times of crisis, and I am still under crisis management from my last hsopitalization) In my defensive if anybody knows MY body it's ME, correct??? Yes, there are other possibilities as to these symptoms and signs. I DO hold out hope that it isn't, but to me, though, all the evidence points to "worst case". I do keep in mind that everyone is helping me to stay positive about my situation... THANK YOU for that. I have also seen MANY posts that state: WE are our own best ADVOCATE, correct? I just want to try to provide for the best outcome no matter what it is. My situation changed yesterday, in that, now I have an option to make for a better outcome if it is. One of my worst senarios under the VA was that IF I needed Radiation and/or chemo, I would have to go to Pittsburgh. My Dad; as I have explained, was basically stranded/confined to Pitt 5 days a week for what originally was to be 6 weeks or 30 treatments. He didn't need chemo because it was caught IMMEDIATELY, because they were taking blood/labs every couple weeks for Coumeden (?) but they also tested every time for PSA. As soon as it jumped they got him into treatment. I did not want that situation because my wife won't drive in "traffic" like Pittsburgh or Cleveland. NOW... this morning I went and talked to the people at the "Regional Cancer Center" an ACS affiliate!!! They do all their "MAJOR STUFF" in Erie and she WILL drive to/in Erie. They told me that I can ask/tell the VA I want a referral to TRCC after I have the diagnosis and they will determine what line of treatment, which I would be in-line with all of you. Now, I may be wrong in getting ahead of myself BUT this removed some of my stress!!!! Now, I can be comfortable knowing that if, I won't have to worry about PITTSBURGH! Now, as for my problem with the VA... My Dad received awesome treatment (except for the 'stay') HOWEVER... they basically KILLED my uncle, with that second round of Radiation to the same area - Prostate! I also don't like how long it takes to get appts. I have also had conflicting diagnosis on several occassions (between Erie and Pitt) I am so glad I have ALL of YOU "in my corner" I have received SO MUCH great information, that going into this, I have an idea what to expect, what questions to ask, and how things should be handled. I also have a problem with the VA acting like I AM STLL active duty military in that they TELL YOU what they are going to do... they don't include you in any decisions. Except in the mental health area. SO, SORRY for such a long post (of course you should be used to that from me 'he-he') I am a LOT calmer today, thanks to YOU ALL and my "counselor" for that!!!
    Sincerely,
    Mike
    aka MUD

    Mike, wasn't your mamo
    Mike, wasn't your mamo coming up this week with the VA...has that been postponed?? Rescheduled??? Are you still going to go to get that out of the way. Personally I would get that out of the way and then take the results and go outside the system... at least there would be an answer to one question..

    Good luck

    ~T
  • taleena
    taleena Member Posts: 1,612 Member
    Options
    bfbear said:

    I am not trying to be mean...
    I'm just wondering if any women on this board, or even Bill, had to wait 16 days to get a first mammogram on highly suspicious lumps?

    Also, I looked back at your posts from earlier, Mike, and you mentioned awhile back that at your Relay you had met some other male vets who were bc survivors...surely, since they have been through the VA system already, they might have some ideas, right?

    If it were me, Mike, that's where I'd start looking for more specific support. These guys live in your area, are vets, and are bc survivors. You can probably find out more from them than from anybody here, simply because they have been through the system and have come out the other side.

    We all know this is a great place for support and love, and it is given freely by all. We have all been through, or are in the middle of, bc experiences. But one thing we all do for each other, as well, is give frank advice (remember the woman with the daughter who was bleeding from her nipples?). And there have been other people here who were either procrastinating or wondering what to do with a close friend or relative. We have all been very blunt and straightforward when it has been necessary.

    I believe, Mike, that you should use ALL of your support options. This discussion group is one; the ACS resource centers are another HUGE place to go for information (cancer.org); and your new-found vet friends would seem to be THE most supportive group of all.

    All I'm saying is, use what you've got at hand.

    And, again, wait for the mammogram, then the diagnosis, then the ultrasound, etc., etc. This whole journey is about one step at a time. Hang in there, and don't jump ahead of yourself.

    Debi

    Debi... just an fyi... the
    Debi... just an fyi... the blunt straight forward is appreciated... I know that is what I hope to get... with filtered fun along the way..

    Hugs to you..

    ~T
  • tjhay
    tjhay Member Posts: 655
    Options

    UPDATE...
    Hi all,
    Thank you for your input!!! OK... everyone of you are partially right. YES, I have "diagnosed" myself and yes that is bad, as my suicide counselor reminded me over and over this morning (I have to admit... the VA has an awesome "crisis aversion program"... they call and check on you during times of crisis, and I am still under crisis management from my last hsopitalization) In my defensive if anybody knows MY body it's ME, correct??? Yes, there are other possibilities as to these symptoms and signs. I DO hold out hope that it isn't, but to me, though, all the evidence points to "worst case". I do keep in mind that everyone is helping me to stay positive about my situation... THANK YOU for that. I have also seen MANY posts that state: WE are our own best ADVOCATE, correct? I just want to try to provide for the best outcome no matter what it is. My situation changed yesterday, in that, now I have an option to make for a better outcome if it is. One of my worst senarios under the VA was that IF I needed Radiation and/or chemo, I would have to go to Pittsburgh. My Dad; as I have explained, was basically stranded/confined to Pitt 5 days a week for what originally was to be 6 weeks or 30 treatments. He didn't need chemo because it was caught IMMEDIATELY, because they were taking blood/labs every couple weeks for Coumeden (?) but they also tested every time for PSA. As soon as it jumped they got him into treatment. I did not want that situation because my wife won't drive in "traffic" like Pittsburgh or Cleveland. NOW... this morning I went and talked to the people at the "Regional Cancer Center" an ACS affiliate!!! They do all their "MAJOR STUFF" in Erie and she WILL drive to/in Erie. They told me that I can ask/tell the VA I want a referral to TRCC after I have the diagnosis and they will determine what line of treatment, which I would be in-line with all of you. Now, I may be wrong in getting ahead of myself BUT this removed some of my stress!!!! Now, I can be comfortable knowing that if, I won't have to worry about PITTSBURGH! Now, as for my problem with the VA... My Dad received awesome treatment (except for the 'stay') HOWEVER... they basically KILLED my uncle, with that second round of Radiation to the same area - Prostate! I also don't like how long it takes to get appts. I have also had conflicting diagnosis on several occassions (between Erie and Pitt) I am so glad I have ALL of YOU "in my corner" I have received SO MUCH great information, that going into this, I have an idea what to expect, what questions to ask, and how things should be handled. I also have a problem with the VA acting like I AM STLL active duty military in that they TELL YOU what they are going to do... they don't include you in any decisions. Except in the mental health area. SO, SORRY for such a long post (of course you should be used to that from me 'he-he') I am a LOT calmer today, thanks to YOU ALL and my "counselor" for that!!!
    Sincerely,
    Mike
    aka MUD

    As a Vet
    Mike
    I am a Vet as I have stated before and have received excellent care. I am a little confused as why they are willing to out source you before you have even been diagnosed.
    Tjhay
  • Jadie
    Jadie Member Posts: 723
    Options
    bfbear said:

    I am not trying to be mean...
    I'm just wondering if any women on this board, or even Bill, had to wait 16 days to get a first mammogram on highly suspicious lumps?

    Also, I looked back at your posts from earlier, Mike, and you mentioned awhile back that at your Relay you had met some other male vets who were bc survivors...surely, since they have been through the VA system already, they might have some ideas, right?

    If it were me, Mike, that's where I'd start looking for more specific support. These guys live in your area, are vets, and are bc survivors. You can probably find out more from them than from anybody here, simply because they have been through the system and have come out the other side.

    We all know this is a great place for support and love, and it is given freely by all. We have all been through, or are in the middle of, bc experiences. But one thing we all do for each other, as well, is give frank advice (remember the woman with the daughter who was bleeding from her nipples?). And there have been other people here who were either procrastinating or wondering what to do with a close friend or relative. We have all been very blunt and straightforward when it has been necessary.

    I believe, Mike, that you should use ALL of your support options. This discussion group is one; the ACS resource centers are another HUGE place to go for information (cancer.org); and your new-found vet friends would seem to be THE most supportive group of all.

    All I'm saying is, use what you've got at hand.

    And, again, wait for the mammogram, then the diagnosis, then the ultrasound, etc., etc. This whole journey is about one step at a time. Hang in there, and don't jump ahead of yourself.

    Debi

    Hi Debi
    Do you know what happened with the girl who was bleeding from the nipples? I couldn't find anything in the threads.

    Jadie<3
  • The1percen
    The1percen Member Posts: 135
    Options
    taleena said:

    Mike, wasn't your mamo
    Mike, wasn't your mamo coming up this week with the VA...has that been postponed?? Rescheduled??? Are you still going to go to get that out of the way. Personally I would get that out of the way and then take the results and go outside the system... at least there would be an answer to one question..

    Good luck

    ~T

    the countdown is ON...
    Hi, no it wasn't postponed, I had just "forgot" to mention it. I guess I was feeling for myself.... Tomorrow morning is that "dreaded" Mammogram (or so I am told by some women - LOL) Fortunately I have a busy weekend planned. Tuesday seems like it is so far away right now. But only 3 days and some hours till I find out - YEA or NAY (hmmm... maybe that doesn't come out quite right in THIS situation HUH???) I will be on tomorrow after the test to tell you all how it hurt - LOL
    Thank and Take Care
    Mike
  • The1percen
    The1percen Member Posts: 135
    Options
    tjhay said:

    As a Vet
    Mike
    I am a Vet as I have stated before and have received excellent care. I am a little confused as why they are willing to out source you before you have even been diagnosed.
    Tjhay

    TJ...
    I know it is weird that they would source a test, especially when I would think an Ultra-sound would be effient since the lumps can be felt. That's for the mammogram. Trying not sound negative. If the test comes back positive, the sugeon will do something, although I would think they would do a lumpectomy just to get them out. If I am diagnosed, I have the choice of where to get my treatments, because we qualitied for the medical card. That is a huge PLUS for me. It isn't that that VA wouldn't give me great care, I have almost always had great care, and of course no system is perfect but in my situation it would be much better to only have to go to Erie which is about 45 min. vs 2½ hours to Pitt. That's all I want to say about that... OK? Thank you for your support, I sure appreciate it.
    Take Care, Semper Fi,
    Mike
  • bfbear
    bfbear Member Posts: 380
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    taleena said:

    Debi... just an fyi... the
    Debi... just an fyi... the blunt straight forward is appreciated... I know that is what I hope to get... with filtered fun along the way..

    Hugs to you..

    ~T

    Thanks, T
    I appreciate your appreciation!

    Luv ya,
    D
  • bfbear
    bfbear Member Posts: 380
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    Jadie said:

    Hi Debi
    Do you know what happened with the girl who was bleeding from the nipples? I couldn't find anything in the threads.

    Jadie<3</p>

    No...
    No..I don't think the Mom ever came back on here. :-(
    Debi