Kicking butt and taking names!!

[CAMary]

OK-

I'm glad MC gave me a warm-up for being my own advocate - I'm going to need it for this cancer crap!

It is now *ONE WEEK* after my post-op visit and still no final pathology report! My surgeon's office has called (equally frustrated!) and told me that there is still some disagreement about atypia vs. cancer (my hunch is a little of both) - but this is ridiculous!

The good thing is the SF Bay Area is on the cutting edge of breast cancer research (unfortunately we are a "hot spot" with higher than average diagnosis rates). I was told a world-renowned pathologist who specializes in the type of cancer I was intially diagnosed with will give an independent second opinion. I checked him out a bit more, and he is highly published, and highly regarded by Dr. Susan Love (who wrote the "bible" for breast cancer, and is considered the best in the field...)

So I faxed over release forms and some basic history to his office and they will proceed from here. The pathology buffoons @ my local hospital can take a hike as far as I'm concerned!

I also went to my first support group meeting last night. I met an amazing and inspiring group of women - and they weren't all much older either (some were - it was a mix - but I was definitely the "baby"). It meets at our church, but is open to anyone - I found a flyer in the library...They made me feel so much better about everything!

First oncology consult set for April 9 - gee, hope I have pathology by then!!!

Boy, and I used to be a meek, people-pleaser - funny how illness changes us!!

Mary

[Mars]

That's great Mary! It sounds like you're taking control and doing everything you can for YOU!

Support groups are the best in my opinion!

Keep up the chin and keep us informed!

Love,
Mars

[MaggieRedwings]

You go girl. You have to take charge of your health because it seems that only the person with the condition can do the best good for themselves. Support group sounds like the best thing at this point and am so glad you found a good one.

Love, Maggie

[hazel]

Sounds like you are making some good contacts. The group will give you a wealth of information and support. The good news is the improvements in diagnosis and treatment, the bad news is that there are so many cases to work on. The most important thing is that you have the positive and pro-active spirit that you have.

[starfire]

I'm proud of you Mary. Good Luck with everything and I'm so glad you are doing what you feel needs to be done.

Love, Shirley

[piemom]

Oh, Mary, I'm sorry that you have had such difficulty with the doctors...reminds me of when I found out that the GI only did 1 biopsy to test for celiac, then on top of that they gave me someone else's path report. What a waste of time that office was!

The good news is that you realize that we all have to be our own advocates and you are taking charge of your own health care and your own needs. I'm so happy for you that you have a good pathologist to hopefully read the results properly.

The support group sounds wonderful. I highly recommend them to anyone and everyone--there is such comfort in knowing that there are other people who are going through what you are. To be able to share stories and experiences and doctor's names, etc. is invaluable. You will probably be friends with these people for life.

Keep up the good work and the positive attitude!! You go, girl!!

Wendy

[annie oakley]

I am so very proud of you for taking charge of your life this way. Sometimes I think thats the only way it gets done right. Gi Girl! Love Oma

[barbaranoela]

Go Mary GOOOOOOOOOOOO----

Yup---U have to be in charge of U---and your body and all that stuff

Boy U even got me riled up!!!!! Doesnt this crap really piss ya of!!!

Listen Mary---U R always a people pleaser but when it comes to your health and then delays upon delays---U betcha U spew!!!!!

Always thinking of U Mary---

Luve--
Barbara