Photo: One never knows what to expect.....Ron And I drove to San Francisco for the next meeting with the 2nd breast surgeon. This doc was referred to me by my gynaecologist. I dressed up for Halloween as a special treat for the
medical community, not too way out - just interesting ;) (You might even get to see me, soon!)
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Hospital and doctor offices, etc. are very, well you know, have a certain clinical "Je ne sais quoi". I feel that spreading love and whimsy where there can be so much suffering can help lighten people's spirits.
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This doc had a very different treatment plan from the 1st doc. He would remove a small area of tissue with 1mm margins around the tiny metal marker. This marker was placed in my breast when they did the biopsy, positioned in the area where the tissue was removed. There was no lump or solid mass to begin with, so after the biopsy when all the microcalcifications were removed, they needed a visible marker to relocate the area.
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The doctor didn't recommend radiation or hormone therapy, as he felt the area was very small and at an early stage. If the pathology report later found that the margins were not "clean" (i.e. that there are still deviant cells present), then the doc would have to re-excise the area again.
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The doc quoted an earlier study of women with DCIS who had only an excision of the area and no further treatment. While there was some recurrence (less than 10% for low grade 30%-40% for high grade) they were able to effectively treat the recurrence.
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I decided to get a 3rd opinion. To have two breast surgeons differ so enormously in their treatment plans is unsettling. Who's right?! (I hope the second one :) I have an appointment Thursday with a female surgeon who comes highly recommended. Maybe this needs a women to sort this out ;)
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Until the next time....
