Canadians in British Columbia
Comments
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oncologists don't do surgery. They manage and treat the cancer, ie chemo and/or radiation. Surgeons do the surgery.
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I see Dr. Davis too. As Wrenn mentioned, she is a surgical oncologist. I had a lumpectomy with her in September but did not get clear enough margins. I'm having it re-excised in December. In terms of her surgical skills (other than not taking enough out the first time because she was trying to preserve my breast), my scars are minimal and my breast looks exactly the same as it did before (I only had a 1cm tumour). I find her to be rather rushed when talking to her, but I think that she knows what she is doing and I trust her.I also really like her receptionist - she is very helpful and is lovely to talk to.
There are also medical oncologists (chemo & hormones) and radiation oncologists...it's been so confusing with all these terms! I found this link very useful in getting me up to speed with the lingo: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/PPI/InfoforNewPatients/YourCancerCareteam.htm
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Hi DiZoe,So, despite the fact that she didn't get clear enough margins, do you still like Dr. Davis and how she performed? It is getting quite confusing to say the least, saw Dr. Lewis, Dr. Davis, now trying to see Dr. Carol Dingee?! CRAZY!
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ab997, don't expect a perfect bedside manner from Dr. Dingee but she is an outstanding surgeon and I did my homework prior to my first surgery. She is totally dedicated to breast cancer surgery.
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ab977, I had Dr. Creedon, he is in North Van...I loved him. The funny part is I have had compliments on the scars ...at how good they are....minimal, and both my breast still look very similar . Sorry your sister has joined the group. I had a partial mastectomy (lumpectomy) . This site is great for help and advice.
I managed to get my sleeve , stronger pencillian , got cleared to fly and we are in Los Angeles.....so happy !
Hugs to all !
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ab997 - Note that we're having a get together on Nov 22 in Vancouver if your sister so desires to meet up with some of us to ask questions and whatnot. Read further back in the thread for details.
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Had my revision, fat grafting today.. Hope this one will work.. No lifting for two weeks, not even babies =(See you all on the 22
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good news Ossa and hope you are feeling OK. Looking forward to seeing how it looks on Saturday!
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ossa, hope your healing goes smooth for you, thinking of you ! See you on Saturday . Hugs
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AB997,
It is quite normal to not get clean margins which means they have to go in twice. With cancer, you can often not see where it ends until it is under a mircroscope. I myself had to go in 2x to get clean margins after a lumpectomy.
Lumpectomy is "always" done by a general surgeon, or a surgical oncologist.
When selecting a surgeon, remember, not a lot have the greatest bed side manner, what you need to focus on is that they are good at what they do. I know this is hard. I did not like my surgeons bedside manner either but she did a great job.
My friend told me when I was meeting surgeons,,,,think of the show "House"...he was a real jerk to everyone, but was absolutely brilliant. That is the guy you want. I then went ahead in peace.
Keep us posted.
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Ab007, I had Dr. Dingee, she has a not so good bedside manner but she is an amazing surgeon. I had a lumpectomy and a second lumpectomy with her due to margins and she managed to crack some humor when needed, provide comfort, and make me feel well taken care of. At the end of my treatment with her I managed to cut through her personality and get her to joke around a bit (this is what i need to get through it). She is a brilliant woman, knows her stuff, and is very well regarded in this business. I will always recommend her.
She was also very very thorough in going through my list (and it was a list) of questions...she took the list from me, read out each question and explained each answer.
I remember when my doctor told me who she is sending me too, she said to me..Leanna, I am sending you to one of the best of the best. She does not have a good bedside manner. Don't worry about that. My job is to be your friend. Her job is to be the great surgeon.
Kosh
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Saturday is coming up soon~~potluck at my place at noon so if anyone does not have all the info like address, ornament exchange, phone number etc. send me a PM otherwise I am looking forward to seeing everyone old and new. Not old of course like age but old friends!
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I'm looking forward to seeing everyone "old and new" tomorrow at Marian's!
Gardengirl66 - it sounds like we've had the same drs!
Are you going to Marian's? If so, we can chat further about our shared dr experiences.
I saw Dr Klimo (MO) initially - he was abrupt/odd humour/lack of communication but in the end I really liked him. I heard he was back from retirement and "consulting" on the North Shore (I think it's out of my GPs office now).
When Dr Klimo retired I was "transferred" to Dr Sasha (MO) - he is rushed/disinterested at times but has really warmed up to me now and I like him too. Sadly his oncology office is very busy and the receptions are not overly friendly and the wait can be horrible at times...
And Dr Creedon (GS) !!!! I can't say enough about him - I absolutely loved him and his bedside manner is awesome. Obviously my scar was not as nice as yours - he closed me up with STAPLES and DH called me zipper tit (lovingly of course) - but his follow up was amazing.
I had a false alarm - suspicious lump - on my non MAST breast and got in to see Dr Creedon right away. I have lumpy breast(s) and it was nothing (fibrous tissue?). He did my follow up for over 2 years. I saw him more than my GP and as much as my MO during that time. He arranged my PT (for cording post mast) and forced me to do my stretches in front of him every time I saw him - he also fully examined me every visit.
I would suggest that you keep following up with Dr Creedon if you can.
See you all tomorrow - if not have a great weekend everyone!!!
Marie
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BC Ladies meeting at Marian's home for a show and tell. Great company Once again thank you for opening your home to all of us Marian. Met some new ladies as well as some "old" ladies always a pleasure. Missed a few from last year, hope they will make it next time
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Three years NED woohoo0 -
Marian - Thank you for hosting the BC gathering last Saturday. It was a real pleasure meeting for the first time this wonderful group of ladies & be able to share our experiences.
Ossa - CONGRATULATIONS 3 years NED ! Hooray! Bravo!
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That's a great milestone Ossa...so happy for you! Also nice to meet you on Saturday!
And thanks to Marian for hosting, I had a great time!
Carrie.
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Just found this site and it looks like it might be very helpful. I am in Victoria, BC, 37 yrs old and recently diagnosed. Mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy done late Sept with diagnosis the first week of October. Surgery was done just over 2 weeks ago and today my drain was removed - woo hoo! The highlight of my day was the drain removal. Lowlight was the pathology report that the surgeon also provided. Is there not a less scary way to say "extensive lymphatic involvement"? Now I wait for a referral to the cancer clinic. I haven't been there yet and am looking forward to getting some more comprehensive information - my GP only really knew my diagnosis, surgeon only really knows about the surgery. My mother was also diagnosed at Age 38 (her first surgery was almost exactly 26 years prior to mine) and had another diagnosis 4 yrs later in the other breast. She is still here today at just over 65 yrs of age so I guess I will just hope the similarities follow through. She has been a great support and not missed a doctor's appointment yet (even though she is in Chilliwack and a ferry ride away). My husband has been great also, but it seems no matter how old you are, Mom knows best how to take care of you. Looking forward to reading more of your inspiring stories as I head into this long journey...
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Welcome tanyah,
You and your mom sound like incredibly brave and inspiring women. Thanks for sharing a little bit about what both of you have been through and offering hope to others that this disease can be overcome.
Wishing you a smooth and speedy recovery.
Warm wishes and hugs,
The mods
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hey Tanyah
I'm in nanaimo. I am finishing chemo tomorrow! Woohoo! It's been 6 months but I did it!
I'll be in victoria for 6 weeks around Christmas. Pm me if you want to chat
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Hi Tanya...sorry to hear about your diagnosis but you've come to the right place. I also have lymph node involvement😁 but have completed chemo and radiation and feel great. Your mom is a great testament to you, and it must be nice to have someone close who really "gets it".
Wishing you success with your treatments, and enjoy being drain free...
Carrie.
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Tanyah, glad you have your mom to count on as well as a positive story for her to share not just with you but for all of us.
My pathology report said extensive lymphovascular invasion rather than involvement but same scary description! My BS called my pathology a constellation of cancers so I kind of got into Star Wars with that. But here I am looking back to two years ago when I was in the midst of chemotherapy to this year when I have done two treks in Nepal and both after I became a senior citizen.
One step at a time and I am hoping you soon have a plan in place. There are many of us here who will be with you for each step of the way.
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Thanks for the messages. Marian - I re-read my report and mine did say "extensive lymphvascular invasion". Glad to hear that I'm not the only one that received this wording, that makes it seem a little more "routine" and less scary. Just waiting to hear when I will see the cancer clinic still. I am looking forward to that as I will get more complete information and a plan. But obviously also pretty anxious about what they are going to say. The pathology report just seems to indicate it's a lot more advanced/aggressive than I would have hoped. I wish I could compare my report more with my Mom's...but 28 yrs ago, the reports looked very different. There was not nearly as much information and it was typed on a typewriter!
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Welcome Tanyah. sorry you have to be here, great group of ladies here with lots of knowledge..anything you need answers to I am sure one of us can help you as I am sure one of us have "been there, done that"Such an inspiration to hear about your mom.. Way to go mom
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I just sent out an email with the group photo to everyone who was at the potluck but got a bounce from you Carrie~~I looked at what you wrote down but maybe I am getting it wrong. Please PM me and I will send it to you.
Happy holidays to all of you and though I know it has been quiet on BCO lately I hope anyone new does post with any questions etc. as we are all still here, just a bit quiet.
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Thanks for the picture Marian. The more the merrier.
[I'm going to bump two messages posted by poniesandpuppies Dec 1 under the forum topic Looking for stage IV bc surviors still battleing the battle to bring then up in Active topics but here is a direct link to her 1st intro msg, (the next one mentions pharmacare)
I will get this right yet!
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/55/topic/820775?page=1#post_4233215Kathy
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I'm going through chemo right now for HER2+, ER+PR+ grade 3 breast cancer, with 3/9 nodes involved. I'm scared to death. I don't know how to keep my emotions in check. I'm only 35 years old. I have two babies under 2 years old. I am so scared right now.
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Sadvancouver
I'm 35 too but I'm triple negative. I live on the island. PM me if you want to chat.
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Hi Sadvan,
Wish you weren't having to go through this, and with two little ones to boot. I found it really helpful to join a group on here that was also going through chemo at the same time. Check to see if there's a December 2014 chemo group already started up or considering starting one if there isn't. There was something about being able to chat with a lot of others who were going through the same thing at the same time that I found really beneficial.
You also may want to consider looking into the mindfulness based stress reduction program offered through the BCCA's Vancouver Centre. I don't think I could have done it through chemo, but was happy to get into a group when I was in radiation. There's usually a wait list so even if you're only remotely interested it's worth putting your name down. Patient and Family counselling runs the program.
We're here for you too. If there's anything you need help with or want to ask, just let us know!
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tanyah,
Just saw your posts now. I also had extensive lymphovascular invasion and it scared the bejeezus out of me too because the biopsy suggested a cancer that wasn't as aggressive, so you're definitely not alone on that front. Have you met up with your oncologist yet?
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