Thanks for the additional information---this really does help!
I have no doubt that you, and other women, have found these tests to be extremely painful, degrading and traumatic, and can understand your hesitancy and even being appalled by the recommendation of another round of these tests.
If all of your previous tests have come back negative, and it sounds like your doctor is recommending this to you every 10 (or 20?) years, you certainly do have other options. I can understand your initial question now...have they REALLY not improved the testing conditions for women after this amount of time?!
Do you have a history of breast cancer in your family?
A few options (I'm sure these are not news to you):
1. Second opinion. Are you able to consult with any other doctors who specialize in breast health, who you feel would discuss other options for you (besides going "under the knife" as the first option?).
2. Do you feel that your doctor IS discussing all of the pros/cons and all diagnostic treatment options with you? If not, is this what you are ultimately asking us... what else is there? (We can find out for you).
3. If you like your doctor, but the Radiologist sounds like a [fill in the blank], you can ask for another Radiologist or to be seen at another practice. Are these viable options?
You do not sound like you are the architect of your own demise...you are asking very intelligent, thoughtful questions and wanting to know more about the necessity of these painful procedures before just saying "yes"...because it was recommended by one medical doctor.
I understand you are really wanting to know:
a. Are these round of biopsies necessary...again
b. What are my options, and are they as good as these painful procedures
c. What chances am I taking if I say "no" to these procedures
I will find the answers to these questions above; please let us know what else you are needing help with. It will also help to know more about you-- do you have a family history of breast cancer in the family? Has your doctor explained WHY these are needed, and what other options would/would not work for you specifically?
Comment Reply
Thanks for the additional information---this really does help!
I have no doubt that you, and other women, have found these tests to be extremely painful, degrading and traumatic, and can understand your hesitancy and even being appalled by the recommendation of another round of these tests.
If all of your previous tests have come back negative, and it sounds like your doctor is recommending this to you every 10 (or 20?) years, you certainly do have other options. I can understand your initial question now...have they REALLY not improved the testing conditions for women after this amount of time?!
Do you have a history of breast cancer in your family?
A few options (I'm sure these are not news to you):
1. Second opinion. Are you able to consult with any other doctors who specialize in breast health, who you feel would discuss other options for you (besides going "under the knife" as the first option?).
2. Do you feel that your doctor IS discussing all of the pros/cons and all diagnostic treatment options with you? If not, is this what you are ultimately asking us... what else is there? (We can find out for you).
3. If you like your doctor, but the Radiologist sounds like a [fill in the blank], you can ask for another Radiologist or to be seen at another practice. Are these viable options?
You do not sound like you are the architect of your own demise...you are asking very intelligent, thoughtful questions and wanting to know more about the necessity of these painful procedures before just saying "yes"...because it was recommended by one medical doctor.
I understand you are really wanting to know:
a. Are these round of biopsies necessary...again
b. What are my options, and are they as good as these painful procedures
c. What chances am I taking if I say "no" to these procedures
I will find the answers to these questions above; please let us know what else you are needing help with. It will also help to know more about you-- do you have a family history of breast cancer in the family? Has your doctor explained WHY these are needed, and what other options would/would not work for you specifically?
March 11, 2010 - 2:34pmThis Comment
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