Sunday, May 15, 2016

Gynecomestia Turmoil; Dr. Myers Strongly Opposes My Inclination to Radiate

The following exchange of Patient Portal  e-mails between Dr. Myers and yours truly is self explanatory:.

Pt. 4/19/16  Dr. Myers' Capitalized Response Embedded
For the reasons stated in my latest  on-line journal entry, I have postponed implementation of the Cabergoline/Arimidex plan; see below:
"Before the ink fully dried on my charted course of action, I changed direction. A recent note to a cyberspace buddy contains the following update; "Based on a number of my advisors like yourself, I  have placed Dr. Myers' prescription for counteracting gynecomestia on hold. I intend to explore radiation more thoroughly. I will also give more thought to delaying any action until such time I can no longer  tolerate my body image and/or pain."
Hopefully you will continue to answer any questions on this topic if and when they occur."
 I VERY MUCH DISAGREE WITH THIS APPROACH
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Pt. 4/22/16  Dr. Myers' Capitalized Responses Embedded
I value your knowledge, expertise and judgment far too much to adopt a treatment plan you strongly oppose. For my own peace of mind, however, I would like to proceed with my research effort. I would do so, however, only with your concurrence. If you approve I will proceed as follows:
(1) Consult with a radiation oncologist to hear what s/he has to say about the effectiveness and likely side effects radiation would have on a person of my age and degree of involvement
 REASONABLE
 (2) Secure a better understanding of (A) the manner in which my gynecomestia is likely to progress and (B) whether non-treatment is an appropriate course of action for my circumstances.
THIS IS A VERY PERSONAL DECISION. REDUCTION MAMOPLASTY WOULD ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM, BUT IS SURGERY
If either of these choices appeal to me particularly, I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my findings with you at our next regularly scheduled meeting (or sooner if indicated).
WE CAN DO IT BY PHONE IF YOU WISH
I conducted a fair amount of research before I sought you out as my PCa physician. This research effort paid off immensely. I will be forever grateful for all you have accomplished in my behalf. As I indicated toward the end of our scheduled appointment last October I doubt that I could have achieved a better outcome with any other practitioner....anywhere. In closing, please be assured I am prepared to follow your lead on this issue.
 HOWEVER, IT NEVER HURTS TO BRING OTHER EXPERTS AND CONSIDER ALL OPTIONS
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PT 4/29/16 Dr. Myer's Capitalized Response Embedded
Your favorable  response to my proposed research effort is very encouraging. I will proceed as planned. At some point I may choose to discuss my findings by phone as you suggest. I will consider this as an opportunity to further my research effort.
Please be assured I would like very much to continue Hormone Lite under your care for as long as possible. I hope to avoid any action or statement that would jeopardize this arrangement..
I WOULD SAY THAT IF RADIATION IS THE OPTION YOU SELECT, I WOULD RATHER STOP THE CURRENT TREATMENT RATHER THAN PUT YOU AT RISK FOR RADIATION
JUST UNDERSTAND THAT I  THINK THE  RISK OF ADT LIGHT AND BREAST RADIATION IS TOO HIGH FOR BREAST CANCER.
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Pt 4/30/16  Dr,Myers' Capitalized Response Embedded 
 I very much appreciate your additional perspective on my research effort. It will be a topic for discussion when I meet with the radiation oncologist. Thank you!
HE WILL DENY ANY RISK. ASK  HIM  ABOUT THE BREAST CANCER RISK OF SCREENING MAMMOGRAPHY DONE REPEATEDLY. THEN ASK HOW THE ACCUMMULATIVE RADIATION DOSE OF MAMMOGRAPHY OVER TIME COMPARE WITH THE DOSE HE WILL BE USING ON YOUR BREASTS. 
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Pt  5/1/16
Will do.