2 years ago I was referred to the Hospital because I had a sore lump in my right boob . The Consultant who examined me said she coulden't feel the lump and didn't want to probe any deeper as it was very sore, but said as it was sore I probably had nothing to worry about and diagnosed me with ' non-specific breast pain'. I accepted this at the time but ended up back at the hospital 1 year later with the same lump (only larger) and still in pain. I felt they would think I was a nuisance. However, by the end of the day I had a diagnosis of Breast Cancer which was by then high grade (stage 3) and a 6.5cm tumour. My lymph glands were also affected. They did a lumpectomy which was not enough so I had a mastectomy and most of my lymph glands removed followed by months of Chemo and Radiation Therapy. I am now on Tamoxifen for the next 5 years. I am very, very tired and glad to be alive but cannot get the Misdiagnosis out of my mind . Any feedback on what to do would be appreciated.
2007-07-02 12:16:51 · 10 answers · asked by katykat9 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
I have been told that breast cancer can be very difficult to diagnose but I do think that you should have been referred for a mammogram and more exploration owing to the actual lump that you had. I can understand you must feel some degree of blame towards the medical practitioner for not taking things more seriously sooner.
There would be no harm in consulting a solicitor to see where you would stand on making a claim against the practitioner for not pursuing things further. However your records etc would all be needed. You also have a right to see and read your medical notes. I cannot understand why anyone would say because it is sore you have nothing to worry about...what rubbish!!!!!
My answer to you is to seek legal advice.
2007-07-05 05:42:12 · answer #1 · answered by laplandfan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is awful! We put our trust in the professionals and don't expect that sort of misdiagnosis.
What the original doctor said is usually true, cancerous lumps are not painful or sore, there are of course exceptions to this and I would say he was negligent in not carrying out further tests to confirm or refute his suspicion. I would be very angry of that had been me. Perhaps consider consulting a medical negligence solicitor and ask for his professional advice and consider further action.
2007-07-03 05:18:52 · answer #2 · answered by huggz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OMG I'm so sorry!
I know how it feels to think you are a nuiscence, i had a few problems and was going back and forth to doctors, and specialists for about a year and a half within that time NO ONE Diagnosed me with ANYTHING!
doctors are unbelieveably POOR! If you are unsure don't feel like a nuiscence go back untill you feel setteled with the answer!
I think you should call up the doctors which you went to and book another appointment with the doctor which said it was probably nothing! Tell him exactally what it is and how he didn't notice it when he examined you.
Otherwise get a lawyer and sue the doctor.
Or talk to the manager to the hospital.
With me i got so fed up of being tossed around from person to person and was just really really firm with one doctor one day (i was at the limit of breaking at this point) I finally got the notice and answers i wanted.
2007-07-02 12:24:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hi, first of all you have my utmost sympathy, but you are fighting it keep doing so with everything you have. I don't know if this will help but i hope so. My wife died of cancer in dec2000, after a long and brave fight. A little bit similar to your case, before she was finally diagnosed with a quite rare type of cancer ( cancer of the peritonium don't know if i've spelt that correctly but it is cancer of the sac that contains the stomach and intestines ). to start with she complained of heavy bleeding even between periods and didn't like to complain too much to the doctor, as she had allways had heavy periods. at the start when i finally convinced her to see her doctor he said the normal, nothing really wrong with you madam just your age we will try hormone replacement therapy, because of your age mid thirties. eventually after two years of this going on, (they even had the affront to say it was all in her head, that just made me so angry ) they finally agreed to send her to hospital to have a biopsy, it was then that they found evidence of the cancer, but thought that by having a hysterectomy she should be fine . On the day of the op i took her in she was a little worried but in good spirits.
After the op in recovery the surgeon told the two of us he needed to talk to us.It was devastating news the cancer was so far advanced that there was no hope. He told us that at the best she had six months and did not believe that there was any therapy that could help. I fell apart but my dear wife made me strong enough to help her fight it. The outcome was that she lived another five years with help from the wonderful staff at the churchill Oncology unit Oxford. once even going into full remission. But i do not want to make you feel this will be you.
What i found that although i was angry with the wrong diagnosis. The days that you stay strong and happy with yourself are the days and weeks that keep you stronger to fight this horrible disease. Don't stay angry with the doctors, they do make mistakes although that is not much comfort for you. if you feel the need to hit back at them let someone else do that for you, so you can focus on keeping yourself as fit and healthy as you can. It is really important to be as happy in your own mind as you can.
I wish you all the best of life.
ps have just been reading about the benefits of garlic in fighting cancer. hope this may of been some help to you.
2007-07-02 22:42:06 · answer #4 · answered by davidos 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forget about the past and concentrate on the present and future. Learn as much as you can on how you can stay healthy.
My recommendation would be to go to www.pubmed.gov and type in cancer and mangosteen, cancer and ganoderma lucidum, cancer and goji, cancer and spirulina...
There is a lot of science that can guide you to being healthy, naturally. I already did this research and if you would like to receive a copy of it let me know by sending me an e-mail at healthy1@optonline.net
2007-07-06 00:42:13 · answer #5 · answered by healthcoach9 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Misdiagnosis is a serious thing. That is what malpractice insurance is for. I can only imagine how hurt, scared and angry you must be.
It is important that our health care professionals take accountability for the care of their patients, and when we
are not provided for, that we take action so others do not suffer the same fate.
I wish you well in your treatments and your recovery.
2007-07-02 12:24:26 · answer #6 · answered by Jeanette B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I hear one more time that cancer lumps aren't painful I shall scream LOUD. MINE HURT. MINE HURT. MINE HURT.
Ok world-mine was invasive carcinoma and it HURT.
Because I heard cancer doesn't hurt, I delayed going to the doctor. People, ignor all the rules and myths. Go to the doctor for ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that is different from the norm. Do NOT delay.
2007-07-04 11:13:06 · answer #7 · answered by moondrop000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry for your situation. But cancer is one hell of a *****, it probably wasn't during your first appointment, then again it possibly was, it's such a 'funny' thing. Generally a lot of pain = no cancer, but who knows with this thing.
Hope everything goes well!
With sympathy!
2007-07-02 12:31:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow. i'm very sorry you've had to go through this. i think this is cause for a lawsuit. the last doc didn't even attempt to find out what the problem was. i'd contact a lawyer and ask if this is a malpractice suit. i hope you feel well very soon. god bless.
2007-07-02 13:07:50 · answer #9 · answered by racer 51 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should definitely take your misdiagnosis further...the doctor should never have "assumed" it was just sore.
2007-07-02 12:39:10 · answer #10 · answered by Lalalala 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋