I'm another one that needs to vent

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sparky51
sparky51 Member Posts: 37
I'm really at a loss as to what to do/think....I found out in February that there were sclerotic legions on my 4th and 5th ribs. This is the same lump that I mentioned in my other thread. Apparently they showed up in Decembers CT scan but I wasn't told about them till I went to the ER in February. I've been told by my oncologist for the last 3 months that he wants to do a biopsy on them. When I last saw the thoracic surgeon she didn't mention them (I had had both a CT scan and a bone scan)and since then my oncologist has been trying to get a hold of her but she doesn't respond. Considering I've had cancer twice in less than 3 years one would think that they'd move a little faster....because of this thoracic surgeon I didn't get a cancer diagnosis for 3 months because they didn't get the a mammogram booked till July/09 and I had last seen her @ the end of April/09 (she figured what she saw on the CT scan was silicone so didn't push for an earlier mammogram....
Today I saw my oncologist and he noticed it had gotten bigger but again said he wants to do a biopsy....I'm in pain all the time because my family dr doesn't want me to take more than 2 percocets a day....I feel like no one is listening to me.....and are just giving me the brush off.

I'm so tired of all this.....and feel like giving up......
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Comments

  • sweetvickid
    sweetvickid Member Posts: 459 Member
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    change Dr.
    Fire the surgeon. Don't understand why the oncologist has not set up the biopsy. Tell the primary Dr. that the percoet is not working and prescribe something different and don't take no for an answer.
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
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    change Dr.
    Fire the surgeon. Don't understand why the oncologist has not set up the biopsy. Tell the primary Dr. that the percoet is not working and prescribe something different and don't take no for an answer.

    I agree with Vicki
    This is reprehensible! I can't imagine my doctors being so unresponsive to my concerns!
    I'd look for a new Doctor.
  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
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    Don't give up. I agree,
    fire the surgeon, she is working for you! I would also question the onco as to why he is waiting so long for that surgeon to respond. There are so many really good cancer surgeons out there that can do a biopsy.

    It is your life and the bottom line is you have the final say (providing of course that your insurance company agrees)! I have learned how to be proactive as no one cares about my health as much as I do. When they go home at night they leave us all behind, where as I am in this body for the duration, and I have the greater vested interest!!

    ~Carol
  • laughs_a_lot
    laughs_a_lot Member Posts: 1,368 Member
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    Thoracic Surgeon
    There is probably a reason that the thoracic surgeon is not answering the call. He probably smells the grounds for a lawsuit if you wanted to make a stink about it. Is your oncologist advocating strong enough for you is another question. He is advocating somewhat but perhaps he should have thrown a s/it fit about not getting a call back rather than worry about proffessional courtesy. That is one you will have to sort out for yourself. Meanwhile I agree that you should see what else can be done for the pain. BTW giving up is not an option!!!!!! You are far too valuable for that.
  • Lynn Smith
    Lynn Smith Member Posts: 1,264 Member
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    change Dr.
    Fire the surgeon. Don't understand why the oncologist has not set up the biopsy. Tell the primary Dr. that the percoet is not working and prescribe something different and don't take no for an answer.

    Same thing with me
    First and foremost find other doctors.We are our own advocates.It happened to me and I about lost it after months of tests.Senseless the way patients are being treated(or should I say not treated) now.

    I got FED up and went on my way a few times.You should too.

    I've been going through tests for 3 months now.Last year(FEB 2010) I had a CT scan.It was a bowel problem.I go to my gastro doc.He tells me I have a bowel problem BUT failed to say I had kidney stones and a cyst.A few months go by.Then July 2010 a trace of blood in my urine.My family doc found it but didnt say anythinbg till my Oct appt.Then she said another urinalysis needs to be done.She does it and still a trace of blood in urine.Told me to see a urologist. See him. A trace of blood but now I have a infection.I felt a bit more comfortable. Take that med(antibiotic) go back and trace of blood but NO infection.He decided to get my CT scan taken the year before and check me for bladder cancer too.As i was having the cystocopy done I asked him about the CT scan.You have kidney stones.WHAT I had no idea and a year later???? My bladder was fine but he wanted to do another CT scan.NOT ME I don't want anymore radiation than need.I have bc. He said yes because you have a cyst.EXCUSE me you didn't tell me that.He said yes it is in the report(CT SCAN). I was ticked again.Why didn't he say you have kidney stones and a cyst.AND tell me how many stones too.

    Needless to say I got rid of the gastro way back at the beginning of 2010 but not because he didn't tell me about my stones.It was time to go.Had him many years but he was getting more and more belligent and not caring.I had no idea when I saw him it was the thing to do..Then I got rid of my new urologist with the CT scan and not telling me about a cyst and how many stones.His reply you have stones. Not how many stones or mentioning the cyst.I was beyond ticked by then.

    Then I get my 2nd urologist.A KUB was ordered.Still radiation but eventually I broke down because it is minimal.Then he looks up my CT scan that was taken over a year ago.He said I had 8 stones.Now how easy was that.All the other 2 doctors needed to say and maybe I wouldn't need all the test and hassle and firing. He toldme about the cyst but not to worry about that.

    Just 3 weeks ago all this ended but started in Oct.

    What trauma you are going through.Unreal. Get rid of those doctors that are letting things go by.It is your life and IMO they aren't caring.Doctors don't ignore things.Funny just the last 2 years I've realized this happens after many years of medical problems.AND you see it too.No reason at all but neglect.Maybe they have to many other things that seem to be more important than their patients.Things are happening like this more than we know.

    Find some good caring doctors and I wish you the best of care in the future.Get things going.

    Lynn Smith
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
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    you go girl..vent away
    so sorry....to hear all the things going on with you...
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
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    dyaneb123 said:

    I agree with Vicki
    This is reprehensible! I can't imagine my doctors being so unresponsive to my concerns!
    I'd look for a new Doctor.

    First let me say how sorry I
    First let me say how sorry I am. And then, I would suggest a new doctor, a 2nd opinion, at the least.


    Praying for you,

    Sue :)
  • Lynn Smith
    Lynn Smith Member Posts: 1,264 Member
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    you go girl..vent away
    so sorry....to hear all the things going on with you...

    This still shocks me
    Like someone said Don't give up. We are all hoping you get things on the right track soon.Time to start fighting with them. You know the sad part about this is we've both been done wrong(many others too).With cancer dx we are told over and over that stress can be BAD for us.Then the doctors who are treating us for cancer and other conditions are causing us the stress. I'm not taking things off doctors or anyone else anymore. I am going to do things the way I want to do them. I was very very worried after all that time.A year and I would have even if it was a couple weeks. Time means everything to us who are fighting this disease or any other disease.

    This has upset me knowing what I went through too and now hearing your problems .I have a hard time understanding how these things happen.

    You are in my thoughts.Will be thinking about you.If you do change doctors get in ASAP.I was fortunate and did.Helped not waiting weeks and only a few days.


    Lynn Smith
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
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    I agree, it's time to change
    I agree, it's time to change docs, at least the surgeon. And you should be asking the PCP for different/more/combination pain meds. Pick a simple task, like getting the mail, and describe to your PCP what that feels like to you. Then ask what he would prescribe for himself if he were in that much pain.

    If you want to continue with the Onc, ask what he can do to speed up the biopsy. Does it have to be a thoracic surgeon? Could a good general surgeon do the biopsy?

    Know that we are listening to you, and we are not going to give you the brush off. I'm sending you the strength and energy to take the next step.

    Hugs,

    Linda
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
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    I agree, it's time to change
    I agree, it's time to change docs, at least the surgeon. And you should be asking the PCP for different/more/combination pain meds. Pick a simple task, like getting the mail, and describe to your PCP what that feels like to you. Then ask what he would prescribe for himself if he were in that much pain.

    If you want to continue with the Onc, ask what he can do to speed up the biopsy. Does it have to be a thoracic surgeon? Could a good general surgeon do the biopsy?

    Know that we are listening to you, and we are not going to give you the brush off. I'm sending you the strength and energy to take the next step.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    I'm all for getting a 2nd opinion.
    Girl, if something doesn't sit well with you, or you're not getting what you need, find someone else. That's your right!

    But, never give up. Time will pass and you'll get over this obstacle.

    Hugs and prayers,

    Sylvia
  • aysemari
    aysemari Member Posts: 1,596 Member
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    Sparky
    it sounds to me like you need more attentive doctors and if they don't
    give you the attention you need, then demand it and if that doesn't work
    then kiss them good bye.

    Please don't even think of giving up. That is not the real you talking. Being
    constantly ill and fatigued can play tricks on your mind. It is important that
    you don't turn your back on yourself. Instead of thinking of giving up think
    how can you pamper and make yourself feel better.

    My friend whom I visited after so many years and found out that due to
    his illness (his muscles are degenerating) said something to me and it
    always comes back when I am having a hard day. He said life is amazing
    but the trick is to not waste a day. So I try my best not to waste it and
    somehow put a smile on my face.

    Stay focused on your healing and stay strong.

    Sending you love,
    Ayse
  • aysemari
    aysemari Member Posts: 1,596 Member
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    Sparky
    it sounds to me like you need more attentive doctors and if they don't
    give you the attention you need, then demand it and if that doesn't work
    then kiss them good bye.

    Please don't even think of giving up. That is not the real you talking. Being
    constantly ill and fatigued can play tricks on your mind. It is important that
    you don't turn your back on yourself. Instead of thinking of giving up think
    how can you pamper and make yourself feel better.

    My friend whom I visited after so many years and found out that due to
    his illness (his muscles are degenerating) said something to me and it
    always comes back when I am having a hard day. He said life is amazing
    but the trick is to not waste a day. So I try my best not to waste it and
    somehow put a smile on my face.

    Stay focused on your healing and stay strong.

    Sending you love,
    Ayse
  • sal314
    sal314 Member Posts: 599 Member
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    Don't Give Up, FIRE Your Doctors
    It's time to hightail it out of there and seek out professional, highly regarded experts! No one should put up with that kind of incompetence!!

    I know it's not easy to be assertive if you're not wired that way, but this is your life you're talking about! Time to put on your big girl panties and kick their collective butts to the curb!!

    Whew...sorry. Got a little carried away. It just makes me so angry you and any others have to put up with such BS. Hope you seriously consider getting a new team of doctors.

    Blessings,
    Sally
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
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    sal314 said:

    Don't Give Up, FIRE Your Doctors
    It's time to hightail it out of there and seek out professional, highly regarded experts! No one should put up with that kind of incompetence!!

    I know it's not easy to be assertive if you're not wired that way, but this is your life you're talking about! Time to put on your big girl panties and kick their collective butts to the curb!!

    Whew...sorry. Got a little carried away. It just makes me so angry you and any others have to put up with such BS. Hope you seriously consider getting a new team of doctors.

    Blessings,
    Sally

    agree with all above. also
    agree with all above. also ask the primary care if he would like to be in that much pain! granted sometimes all pain cannot be relieved totally but you should be comfortable!
  • BioAdoptMom
    BioAdoptMom Member Posts: 358
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    How scary and frustrating
    How scary and frustrating this has to be for you! The physical part is bad enough, then to have doctors who don't listen and won't give what you need to deal with the pain? I agree that you need new doctors, and you need something different for the pain. (((GENTLE HUGS))) and prayers!

    Nancy
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
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    camul said:

    Don't give up. I agree,
    fire the surgeon, she is working for you! I would also question the onco as to why he is waiting so long for that surgeon to respond. There are so many really good cancer surgeons out there that can do a biopsy.

    It is your life and the bottom line is you have the final say (providing of course that your insurance company agrees)! I have learned how to be proactive as no one cares about my health as much as I do. When they go home at night they leave us all behind, where as I am in this body for the duration, and I have the greater vested interest!!

    ~Carol

    Never give up! Keep
    Never give up! Keep fighting! A 2nd opinion sounds like good advice.

    Hugs, Jan
  • sparky51
    sparky51 Member Posts: 37
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    How scary and frustrating
    How scary and frustrating this has to be for you! The physical part is bad enough, then to have doctors who don't listen and won't give what you need to deal with the pain? I agree that you need new doctors, and you need something different for the pain. (((GENTLE HUGS))) and prayers!

    Nancy

    What bugs me the most of
    What bugs me the most of this situation is that the dr said that the radiologist had never mentioned anything about the lesions. I read the preliminary report and not only did it mention the lesions but that they had spread all in under a 2 month period. I told the dr that the report did mention it and that was how I found out.....I even asked him what sclerotic lesions were (I had already read lots of articles about it) and he didn't have an answer for me. Everything I've read about these lesions points at metastatic breast cancer. A lot of the articles I read described this lump to a tee.....

    I'm physically/mentally/emotionally exhausted.....I'm not sure how much more I can deal with....my family, friends and employers are really worried about me because I am starting to fall apart....I'm afraid that by the time this does get checked out it'll be to late...
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
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    sparky51 said:

    What bugs me the most of
    What bugs me the most of this situation is that the dr said that the radiologist had never mentioned anything about the lesions. I read the preliminary report and not only did it mention the lesions but that they had spread all in under a 2 month period. I told the dr that the report did mention it and that was how I found out.....I even asked him what sclerotic lesions were (I had already read lots of articles about it) and he didn't have an answer for me. Everything I've read about these lesions points at metastatic breast cancer. A lot of the articles I read described this lump to a tee.....

    I'm physically/mentally/emotionally exhausted.....I'm not sure how much more I can deal with....my family, friends and employers are really worried about me because I am starting to fall apart....I'm afraid that by the time this does get checked out it'll be to late...

    I am really sorry, please ask family member to advocate for you
    Please stand up for your self or ask family member to advocate for you. You need to make a power of attorney letter and they will be able to discuss and make your doctors accountable for delays. Some employers have case management options through insurance, I never used, i think it is worth to try.
  • csr771
    csr771 Member Posts: 117
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    sparky51 said:

    What bugs me the most of
    What bugs me the most of this situation is that the dr said that the radiologist had never mentioned anything about the lesions. I read the preliminary report and not only did it mention the lesions but that they had spread all in under a 2 month period. I told the dr that the report did mention it and that was how I found out.....I even asked him what sclerotic lesions were (I had already read lots of articles about it) and he didn't have an answer for me. Everything I've read about these lesions points at metastatic breast cancer. A lot of the articles I read described this lump to a tee.....

    I'm physically/mentally/emotionally exhausted.....I'm not sure how much more I can deal with....my family, friends and employers are really worried about me because I am starting to fall apart....I'm afraid that by the time this does get checked out it'll be to late...

    IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU!
    Sparky, it's all about you! I agree with the posters that say "GET NEW DOCTORS." It is easy to get burned out. It is physically/mentally/emototionally stressful to have health issues. One of the things I prayed for as I started this journey was competent and caring health professionals from the surgeons to nursing assistants. As patients, we are dependent on medical people. We have to trust that they are knowledgeable and will do what is in the best interest of the patient. This doesn't always happen. We have to fight for ourselves and if we are too weak to do it, then someone has to do it for us. Don't give up---get busy finding yourself competent healthcare professionals. To me, neither doctor is proactive and you are the one that is suffering.
  • Lighthouse_7
    Lighthouse_7 Member Posts: 1,566 Member
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    csr771 said:

    IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU!
    Sparky, it's all about you! I agree with the posters that say "GET NEW DOCTORS." It is easy to get burned out. It is physically/mentally/emototionally stressful to have health issues. One of the things I prayed for as I started this journey was competent and caring health professionals from the surgeons to nursing assistants. As patients, we are dependent on medical people. We have to trust that they are knowledgeable and will do what is in the best interest of the patient. This doesn't always happen. We have to fight for ourselves and if we are too weak to do it, then someone has to do it for us. Don't give up---get busy finding yourself competent healthcare professionals. To me, neither doctor is proactive and you are the one that is suffering.

    Sparky,
    I'm so sorry that

    Sparky,
    I'm so sorry that you're going through this. I agree with everyone that a new doctor seems to be the best choice.
    God Bless,
    Hugs,
    Wanda