On Friday the 15th, I had settled in for some TV watching when I got a call from the Madison area code. It was Dr. Greenberg, the surgeon we met with for a second opinion. As part of that process, FHN had sent all my reports and pathology stuff (slides? specimens? bits and pieces?) up to UW for their review.
FHN had ruled that the biopsy of my right breast was non-cancerous. I understand the risks of that - what if they just "missed" the cancer cells? - and was fine with not worrying too much about that right now. I'm headed for chemo, anyway, and chances are that would wipe out any cancer cells that may have been hiding.
But the doctors at UW had a different opinion. They hadn't found cancer, but they had found cells that are typically a precursor to cancer. (I can't remember the exact term - all I remember is "hyperplasia." The "next step" in those cells development could be DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in situ.) Dr. Greenberg felt we should remove that spot, as well. We went over our schedules - me leaving for Florida and she will be out of the office for a few weeks starting the day I get back. I told her that we are really leaning toward moving "home base" of my care up there, and that I would get in touch with the oncologist I met. She assured me that getting rid of the spot on the right breast isn't a super-high priority, and that she can work with the oncologist to schedule a time for more surgery.
Again, I'm super-impressed that an actual doctor called me. (Yeah, I know; I'm easily impressed.) I just really like that, and I feel good about continuing my care up in Madison.
Later that day, I had to take our car in for an oil change (we drove to Panama City Beach). While I'm sitting there, my primary care doctor walks in! He knows me, and asks how I'm doing. He's a really nice guy; Drew actually roomed with his son (and still shares an apartment with him) in college. It was nice to see him, and reassuring that he knew who I am and what is happening.
No comments:
Post a Comment