I don't have cancer (warning: girlie parts will be mentioned)

[Solly Mack]

Last week, after 3 very frustrating years of tests, biopsies, and various surgical procedures in an attempt to stave off cancer, I was faced with the possibility of a 2 week stay at Walter Reed and several weeks of radiation therapy back home. It seemed everything had failed.

Last October, one doctor scheduled a much needed surgery only to have another doctor of higher rank (military hospital) cancel the surgery because the lower ranked doctor acted on her own. That is the actual reason. I wish I was lying. Lot of tension between the two doctors. Different ideas in how they practiced medicine.

Then the higher ranked doctor kept putting me off and putting me off (this went on for a few months) and I finally had to go hunt her down one day and demand a call or an appointment.

I got a call and an appointment - for a redundant procedure (to include starting back over at the clinic level with a new doctor that knew nothing of my case) - that because of the advanced and aggressive nature of my condition, wouldn't serve any beneficial purpose. Especially since the surgery/biopsy results I had back in August of 2007 (removed my tubes and various biopsies) was the determining factor in the scheduling of my October 2007 surgery(full hysterectomy) - that got canceled....because somebody's ego got dented.

Higher ranked doctor said for me to call her when my clinic results came in....so I did.

I was then scheduled for a "phone consultation" with higher ranked doctor by the higher ranked doctor - to discuss the "next step".

Then the higher ranked doctor never called - Turned out she PCS'ed the day before (changed duty stations) without calling me. I found this out when I called to see why she hadn't call yet. I knew she was leaving - but she told me "not until May"


Turns out my results were bad - very bad. Way worse than before...primarily due to the aggressive nature of my problem.

So lower ranked doctor now wants to talk about cancer surgery, Walter Reed, and radiation therapy....because it's "now a real possibility" (Like it wasn't back in August 2007?)

So

Today


Got a call. Not cancer... but I still need the surgery - same surgery they scheduled and then canceled back in 2007 - only now they think they should open me up instead of lapo/vagina assist and they should take more of my canal than "usual". Because they feel it would be best "under the circumstances" to make sure "we get everything"




I'm glad...but I'm still pissed.

I'm relieved....but I'm emotionally drained.


((((babylonsister))) for being my ear and my shoulder.

[babylonsister]

1. Solly! I happen to be up, and am so glad to hear this, though

I now understand the utter frustration. Hugs to you, girlfriend, and if there's anything I can do, let me know. I'm out of town this weekend, leaving soon, but will be back Sunday.
Hang in there; I hope you like and trust the current docs; that's half the battle.

Big Fat :hug: to you!

[Solly Mack]

2. Have fun! Stay safe. Thank you again!

I'm holding my breath....just afraid they'll call and cancel again.

[ClayZ]

3. Sounds like good news, I think!

Get some rest! :hug:

[Solly Mack]

4. Thanks, ClayZ! It is...it really is

:hug:

and I can't...got my mother-in-law coming in 7 days after my (hopefully won't be canceled this time) surgery.

[tavalon]

5. So, is it endometriosis?

Why the extra canal taking? That sounds like they're worried about something "invasive". Honestly, as a nurse who admittedly doesn't work in that area, I'm alarmed. Have you considered getting a second opinion outside of the military? It's been a buttload of a time since I worked for tricare but if you find a sympathetic "health care finder" (how Orwellian is that?!), you might be able to get the military to pay for an outside second opinion. And even if you can't, I would think a second opinion before having them yank all your girly parts might be in order. I will admit that I only worked for Tricare long enough to be truly appalled at what passed for healthcare in the military and that was not during war time so I would assume it's fallen off for the non-combat folks.

[Solly Mack]

6. Yes - I had a German oncologist/OB-GYN as well

She recommended long before the military doctors did that I needed a hysterectomy as the best course of action.

We have to go through Tri-Care to get an outside referral...and that depends on your military doctor. Sort of a catch..especially for me.

As a matter of fact, my doctor was cautious - about finding more (more of the canal) once they open me up.

But the chances are small...or so she said.

[tavalon]

10. Actually, if you talk to the folks in your Tri-Care office, you might come across a sympathetic

nurse (Healthcare Finder) who might be able to cut through things. Of course, they may have closed those loopholes a number of years ago. I was so disheartened when I figured out my job was to block the military folks from getting outside care, but I ended up staying for most of a year when I figured out I could circumvent the military do nothings and get any care I wanted for my clients. But, as I said, they may have closed those loopholes - I started with Tri-Care just as it was coming online in San Antonio. It was truly the wild west days. It was great fun until I had to ruin it by organizing my fellow Healthcare Finders who were being screwed by the mid levels. I quit the day after the rebellion that I organized. I knew my head was going to be on the chopping block anyway. And it saved me from going to anymore of those excruciating meetings with the Nurse Colonels. Put more than three of those women in a room and you will have to gnaw your legs off to get out. Horrible.

I hope your surgery goes well.

[Solly Mack]

12. I'm overseas and you need a written request from your primary doctor

before they'll consider it. Been there. Done that.

That's how I got the visit with the German doctor.

I've really had to fight the system to get this far.

I'm also a dependent...so...I'm not exactly first priority...not even with a pre-cancerous condition.

Thank you, tavalon!!

[tavalon]

13. Oy, yeah, I remember that heirarchy.

It sucks. Hopefully all will go well from this point on.

[kineneb]

62. endometriosis sucks

it runs in my family (I am the 3rd generation I know about). I had emergency surgery when I was 19 after a cyst ruptured. It left me sans left ovary and Fallopian tube.

Good luck with the docs, Solly Mack.

[annabanana]

7. Holy Smoke, Solly!

They sure have put you through the wringer on this. I hope all the scheduling goes lickety-split this time. Waiting all this time with an aggresive situation you thought cancer must have been something more than frustrating. My heart goes out to you, really.

Did you get any reason for the misdiagnosis?

Wishing the best for you girl.

[Solly Mack]

11. Thanks, annabanana

Constantly changing doctors - I've had 9 doctors in 3 years, in addition to the German oncologist.


I've gotten worse - and with the changes..some visible and the increasing symptoms - the doctor obviously felt I was in for very bad news.

It wouldn't be surprising...my first doctor said that if treatment (various procedures) didn't help, I was eventually looking at cancer....that was 3 years ago. Hysterectomy is supposed to reduce the chances of a recurrence (of the underlying cause) down to 1 percent.

[madokie]

8. Sending good vibes and well wishes your way

:grouphug:

Sometimes doctors can be the cruelest of all

[Solly Mack]

15. Thank you, madokie!

:hug:

I'm just relieved (and still angry)

My family has been great and now they can be relieved. They organized on their end to demand that I can get care

My husband's command got involved and suddenly...test results that were taking 2-6 weeks are now taking less than a week.

Amazing!

[madokie]

22. Sometimes one has to rattle the cages to get the animals attention

and it sounds like someone is rattling some cages now.
Peace and good luck going forward

[Midlodemocrat]

9. Holy cow! So sorry you were going through all this.

Wonderful news that it isn't cancer. Best to you, Solly.

:hug:

[Solly Mack]

16. Thank you, Midlodemocrat

:hug:

Your daughter is beautiful, btw!!

[MiniMe]

14. Awww Solly, I'm glad it isn't cancer

I have, or had endo too. I also had everything removed, its the best thing I ever did. Its different for everybody, but I didn't have too bad a time with it. PM me if you need to talk. :grouphug:

I have, however found, that you can't find things without a uterus. No wonder women usually find things easier than a man. :evilgrin:

Hope everthing goes well for you.

[Solly Mack]

17. Thanks, MiniMe!

:hug:

[laylah]

18. Oh SollyMack!

:hug: I am so glad to hear your good news. It has to have been such a emotional and nightmarish yoyo you have been experiencing! I would be angry, but relieved, also.

[Solly Mack]

24. Thanks, laylah!!

:hug:

[aquart]

19. "Get everything"???

You are going to get a much fuller discussion of WHY this is necessary, right? Don't let them do anything just because it's more convenient for THEM.

[MiniMe]

20. There could be reasons

Endo is fed by estrogen, so unless they take the ovaries, the endo will just come back.

[aquart]

23. Fine. But let her hear the reasons.

Things change big time after surgery like that. And they NEVER tell you how much.

[Solly Mack]

27. Thank you, aquart. I've been told how things could change...and most likely will change.

I know what to expect...not sure how I'll deal with those changes but I am at serious risk for cancer without the surgery. I really am...

[aquart]

38. I'm so sorry.

I had better options than you, and I knew my family history wasn't strong for cancer. I was able to stop them from taking more than my uterus. But I still resent the changes that were caused which not one doctor discussed with me.

Well, first you save your life. Then you can spend some of your long life bitching about the surgery.

I wish you the best of luck.

[Solly Mack]

26. I have several problems...and scar tissue - which they want to get all of

and I know exactly why they are removing my uterus and ovaries.

I haven't exactly not been pro-active in my care....I've had to be because of all the bullshit.

[laylah]

30. Is there any way they

could leave one ovary? That would diminish the changes your body will experience. :hug:

[Solly Mack]

32. I was going to ask that during the pre-op appointment

I'm prone to ovarian cysts... on top of everything else...so...we'll see what she says.

[lostnfound]

21. Hugs.

How frightening all that must have been.
Do you ever feel that there's just too much to go wrong in a woman's body?! So many people are going through this problem. A friend of mine had 'endy' and went through 2 years of major pain, tests, and misery until they figured out what it was. She is mostly all better now.

[Solly Mack]

28. Thanks, lostnfound

My body does feel like my enemy at times.

[Cerridwen]

25. Oh, Solly. I had no idea.

I'm afraid I have no words other than; Wishing you all my best.

:hug:

[Solly Mack]

29. Thanks, Cerridwen!

:hug:

I'm hopeful now...more hopeful than I have been in a while.

[malaise]

31. In the end

that's good news. :grouphug:

[Solly Mack]

33. It is. Thanks, malaise!

:hug:

[hootinholler]

34. I had no clue hon...

:hug:

Glad to hear it's not cancer, I dodged that one a few years back and the waiting is worse than finding out.

Sorry to hear that our armed forces medical care is still in the state it is.

-Hoot

[Solly Mack]

35. Thanks, hootinholler!

The waiting is the worst...yes.

I'm glad you dodged it!!!

:hug:

[bdamomma]

36. Solly ,you do have our support here.

:hug: that is for you.

[Solly Mack]

37. Thank you, alyce douglas

:hug:

[Karenina]

39. When are you going to get a signal splitter?

:silly: Check your P.M. :loveya:

[Solly Mack]

43. My lines are separate...I've been out. Sorry!

[ismnotwasm]

40. I'm very glad you don't have cancer

And very sorry you have to go through this. What a horrid trip.

[Solly Mack]

44. Thanks, ismnotwasm

Like your screen name :)

[Lone_Star_Dem]

41. I'm sorry you've been going through all of this.

It sounds as if your in better shape right now than you could have been. I'm happy for you for that reprieve. At least now you'll be able to really begin moving forward and take care of your problems before they get worse.

My heart and my healing wishes are both with you. :hug: :grouphug:

[Solly Mack]

45. Thanks, L_S_D!

:hug:

Yes! Exactly...I feel like I can move forward now.

[Stinky The Clown]

42. Let's hope no one else's ego gets dented before you get to a place where you're free of worry.

My best to you.

[Solly Mack]

47. Thanks, Husb2Sparkly!

I was ready to go to the IG - and told them so

[bean fidhleir]

46. Good to hear that it's not cancer

But surely you can file a charge against that "higher ranking doctor" with the IG. Her behavior sounds unprofessional as hell!

[Solly Mack]

49. We are actually looking into that...

Thanks,bean fidhleir

[SoCalDem]

48. Yikes... you have been through the mill ..

I flunked a mammogram a while back and had to go back for more testing.. the result.. "probably benign"..re test in 3 months.. so I know how worried you were are..

:hug:

[Solly Mack]

50. Thanks, (((SoCalDem)))

You take care too!!

:hug:

[Greybnk48]

51. Good luck Solly

I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer a year ago, had a TAH with tubes and ovaries, I've been cancer free since. It was VERY stressful and frightening. I can't imagine having to put up with the crap you have in addition to everything else. Hopefully things will be better from here on out.

[Solly Mack]

56. Thanks, Greybnk48

Thank you for telling me that...it gives me hope.

[ProfessorGAC]

52. Well, Solly. A Relief: Sort Of

Still sucks to be ill and need surgery, but no cancer is no cancer. Recover quickly and get yourself healthy.
The Professor

[Solly Mack]

57. Thanks, Professor

[DarbyUSMC]

53. Not only are doctors not gods, some are downright devils. What an ordeal; I'm so sorry you've

had to go through this. I am sending all good vibes your way. You deserve a medal.

[Solly Mack]

58. Thanks, DarbyUSMC

[panAmerican]

54. So glad you're ok after this ordeal. Stay well.

[Solly Mack]

59. Thank you, panAmerican

I'm gonna try (to stay well)

[panAmerican]

55. So glad you're ok after this ordeal. Stay well.

[RadiationTherapy]

60. Why the warning about "girlie parts"

It irritates me greatly that many progressive women I know still give the "warning" or the "apology" when they mention their gender specific equipment and functions. I am 33 goddamned years old and I can handle talking about whatever the person who I am speaking to and care about has to say.


My boss mentioned her period the other day and then said, "I'm sorry, Greg." WTF is that??


No more concessions.

[Solly Mack]

64. Don't you just hate it when that happens?

I especially hate the reactions people have when something isn't done to their specifications or because they presume to know why someone says or does something...and what really gets me is when they demand an explanation after deciding they already know the reason.

Did I mention I don't have cancer?

Guess where your irritation falls in place after that?

[RadiationTherapy]

67. ok. yeah. got it. Moving on.

[yellerpup]

61. Good news, finally.

I want to jump and shout hooray because you are finally getting what you need and have found out that it's not the worst that could happen. On the other hand, I'd really like to fight somebody with brass knuckles for running you around and playing games with your life for most of the last year. I'll visualize a great outcome for you and wish you the very best. Get well soon! :hug:

Edit for typo

[Solly Mack]

65. Thanks, yellerpup!

:hug:

Much appreciated!!

[Ilsa]

63. Hey, I'm glad you got the set-up for the OR and everything. Hope it all

holds out for you. Sorry you have to go through this, but it is a good thing if they can catch it all. BEst wishes to you on your surgery and recovery. Fortunately, general anesthesia is alot better these days. Good luck all the way around!!!

[Solly Mack]

66. Thanks, Ilsa!

I'm more hopeful now than I have been

[jesus_of_suburbia]

68. Sounds like the best news possible! *Hugs*

I'm sending good thoughts your way!

[NuttyFluffers]

69. group hug!

:grouphug:

(i closed my eyes during the PG-13 stuff, though! i have tender sensibilities -- and a corset. :P)

[Ichingcarpenter]

70. Sounds like a emotional roller coaster through hell

I'm glad it wasn't cancer. Hang tough and keep us informed

[gatorboy]

71. Thank God you don't have cancer, Solly!

Hate that you still have to go through surgery though. :(


Hey, did you ever find tha graphic design job you were looking for?