To: MaryAnn Gromisch

Thank you both for your reply. So far I'm doing okay and my dermatologist told me that I have something called Hidradenitis Supparativa. I'm glad I know the cause of my problem and hopefully nothing serious goes on. I might have to call my dermatologist by next week because this pain I'm in I'm not tolerable with it at all. So far I'm being treated by the dermatologist for this matter and I'm going to see my oncologist for follow up from my dermatologist visit. So far I'm doing okay from all this.

This breast tenderness I mentioned I'm going to mention this to my doctor anyway because it's really painful in a way that feels severely painful I think it's because it has no fat which is why is tender. From all this I'm going to mention to my doctor anyway and see how everything goes.

Thanks,
Melissa

I also wanted to mention, that because you are very inquisitive, it is important that you are equally inquisitive with your doctors, and become an advocate for yourself (you have already done an excellent job..I'm just challenging you a little further, if that's OK!).

You said, "...I can do is to do something by injection for me from my under arms. I don't know exactly what it is but that's what he told me."

It is important to either a) not walk away from an appointment not knowing/understanding a treatment option, or b) if you are unsure once you get home, call the doctor's office and ask a nurse to explain.

Even the best patients and self-advocates will not understand everything at the doctor's office, during an appointment...perhaps even a few days after the appointment. However, an excellent patient (and self-advocate) will do these two things every time:
1. Bring a pad of paper and pen, and write down what the doctor says. For example, if you do not know what type of injection, ask for it to be spelled (or better yet, ask the doctor if he has written literature about it). Ask what it is for, how often, duration of treatment, etc.
2. Request a copy of ALL lab tests and results after your appointment. You can also ask for a copy of your medical records.

These steps are important in cases such as yours, where you have been battling this unknown pain and symptoms for months. Obviously, more routine appointments do not require these measures I stated above (unless a treatment is presented as an option, in which case, please get this information in writing, so you can look up the information when you get home).

I'm glad to hear you are finding some answers!