I Am Linda

History - Part 3

For the next two weeks I tried to put this whole ordeal out of my mind and for the most part, I was successful.  Occasionally a thought would drift to the surface of my mind but since it did no good to speculate, I managed to toss them aside well - if I do say so myself.

On 4/24 my partner, Jerry, and I met with Dr. Edwards.  Besides being heralded as a competent surgeon this guy had one of the best bedside manners I have ever seen.  After reviewing a copy of the radiologist report and a physical exam - along with his soapbox speech about breast self exams (message received) - he helped me understand the process. 

I would need to go ot the breast center for additional right breast mammograms along with another ultrasound.  He also informed me that just behind the area in question was a large cyst that we could aspirate in his office right then and there or we could wait for the biopsy and then if surgery was warranted, remove it then. 

Believe it or not, I couldn't even make that decision.  The look of concern over what was unfolding must have been apparent because he took control and said, " let's take care of the cyst right now and then that part will be behind us."  OK.  OK.  Ok.  Whatever.  I had turned from a competent, intelligent decision maker in charge of my life to someone who couldn't even process the information and options that were coming at her.  I do remember asking him how he would know where to insert the needle  -- and I think he said he could feel the cyst clearly.  Whatever.

Jerry held my hand (as I crushed his fingers) while Dr. Edwards inserted the needle and quickly aspirated the cyst.  It was brief, but painful...and little did I know would be nothing compared to what I was about to go through.  Edwards was great - he looked me straight in the eye while touching my shoulder asking, "Are you OK? Are you OK?"  He's either very good at brown-nosing his patients :-), or in addition to being seeminly incredibly competent, he's a nice guy, too. 

When Jerry and I left we both felt good about him and the staff we had just met, including Jason his CNA who had me scheduled for an appointment with the breast center two days later.  "Wow, " I thought.  "This is quick.  I wonder what this means?"

History - Part 2

OK - before things start to gallop away, I have to get caught up with my thoughts. 

I awoke on April 5th somewhat confused and fearful.  I had asked Dr. Walker if he could do the biopsy but since the facility was not equipped to for this I felt a little lost.  Where do I go?  What do I do?  The good news is that Dr. Myer's office called to help me think through the process. 

I was given two options.  The first was to go to Baptist Medical Center's breast center where undoubtedly there would be another round of films and ultrasounds before the biopsy was performed.  In essence, a second opinion.  The other option was to contact a surgeon and start there.  I was confused about the difference in approach and the implications with my insurance, so I made a call to the insurance company.

Empathetic but not offering much advice, I was told that no second opinion was required. "Do what  feels most comfortable for you".  I appreciate the sentiment, but nothing felt comfortable. I had just been told there is a 'concern'.  This is not comforting.  This was my first real decision point and I felt paralyzed.  Resisting the urge to do nothing I quickly decided to choose door number two - start with a surgeon who, I hoped, would guide me through the process.  Frankly, I needed someone to take care of me and I hoped that the surgeon would fill this role for a while.

My next step was to call a friend.  My friend Jeannine.

Jeannine's family has been in town forever and her sister is a bit obsessive (so says Jeannine) about checking out doctors before 'employing' them.  I knew that if she had a recommendation the research would have already been done.  Dr. Jefferson Edwards was recommended and I called his office on 4/6. 

I was informed that he was out of town and could not see me for two weeks. Since he came so highly recommended I chose to wait - a decision I will never regret.  My appointment was set for 4/24.