Guest guest Posted November 6, 2006 Report Share Posted November 6, 2006 I survived a mastectomy and chemo 2 years ago and if that's all there was to it, I would have considered myself to be pretty tough. The problem however was what happened to me in the nuclear medicine department for the radioactive injections(prior to sentinel node biopsy/mastectomy) With the initial injection, I came up off the table screaming in the WORST pain--more than anything I could imagine. The radiologist had the staff push me back down on the table as he finished the injections. I screamed through the whole procedure. I was terrified. This caused an acute stress reaction which has had me in therapy for 1 1/2 years. No one would tell me why he wouldn't stop. The radiology department in another city told me that what happened to me happens to 1 per cent of patients (difference is--they don't continue the procedure against patient wishes) My surgeon suggested that he may have done it too fast (they were on a time deadline in surgery ) The head radiologist at the hospital said they " didn't know why " my pain was so much worse except that it " hurts like hell " . He was almost as bad as the radiologist who did the procedure. My point is this--why can't a patient have a support person in the department for procdures of this nature when there is no standardized method for pain control and a patient could use support (and in my case--protection) . To be honest with you, I think I might be surprised if you actually printed this letter. It's not a pretty letter. It's really rather ugly, but, it DID happen to me and I think patients should be empowered. They should INSIST on having a support person with them when procedures are done " behind closed doors " . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2006 Report Share Posted November 6, 2006 That is horrible!! I sure hope you contacted the head of the hospital and filed a complaint against these people. That is totally unforgiveable. Hugs nane Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com I feel very alone I survived a mastectomy and chemo 2 years ago and if that's all there was to it, I would have considered myself to be pretty tough. The problem however was what happened to me in the nuclear medicine department for the radioactive injections(prior to sentinel node biopsy/mastectomy) With the initial injection, I came up off the table screaming in the WORST pain--more than anything I could imagine. The radiologist had the staff push me back down on the table as he finished the injections. I screamed through the whole procedure. I was terrified. This caused an acute stress reaction which has had me in therapy for 1 1/2 years. No one would tell me why he wouldn't stop. The radiology department in another city told me that what happened to me happens to 1 per cent of patients (difference is--they don't continue the procedure against patient wishes) My surgeon suggested that he may have done it too fast (they were on a time deadline in surgery ) The head radiologist at the hospital said they " didn't know why " my pain was so much worse except that it " hurts like hell " . He was almost as bad as the radiologist who did the procedure. My point is this--why can't a patient have a support person in the department for procdures of this nature when there is no standardized method for pain control and a patient could use support (and in my case--protection) . To be honest with you, I think I might be surprised if you actually printed this letter. It's not a pretty letter. It's really rather ugly, but, it DID happen to me and I think patients should be empowered. They should INSIST on having a support person with them when procedures are done " behind closed doors " . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.13.28/518 - Release Date: 11/4/2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2006 Report Share Posted November 6, 2006 You need to get in touch with the patient advocate at that hospital. Let her know what happened to you and insist that a proceedure be put into placed to prevent that from ever happening to another patient. If you get no satisfaction going through the patient advocate than get in touch with the hospital administrator. The hospital where I had my mastectony was the only one in the area that did not do her2 testing routinely on primary invasive cancers of the breast. Because of that I didn't get my status until later than I should as the surgeon forgot to order the test. I did the above and did not let it go. I received a letter from the associate medical director that the hospital was putting in place a system to ensure that all primary invasive breast cancers will, from now on, have her2 testing routinely. The important thing is to ensure that no other woman will ever have to go through what you did at that hospital. Ruth (Ruthiema) > > I survived a mastectomy and chemo 2 years ago and if that's all > there was to it, I would have considered myself to be pretty > tough. The problem however was what happened to me in the nuclear > medicine department for the radioactive injections(prior to sentinel > node biopsy/mastectomy) With the initial injection, I came up off > the table screaming in the WORST pain--more than anything I could > imagine. The radiologist had the staff push me back down on the > table as he finished the injections. I screamed through the whole > procedure. I was terrified. This caused an acute stress reaction > which has had me in therapy for 1 1/2 years. No one would tell me > why he wouldn't stop. The radiology department in another city told > me that what happened to me happens to 1 per cent of patients > (difference is--they don't continue the procedure against patient > wishes) My surgeon suggested that he may have done it too fast (they > were on a time deadline in surgery ) The head radiologist at the > hospital said they " didn't know why " my pain was so much worse > except that it " hurts like hell " . He was almost as bad as the > radiologist who did the procedure. My point is this--why can't a > patient have a support person in the department for procdures of > this nature when there is no standardized method for pain control > and a patient could use support (and in my case--protection) . To be > honest with you, I think I might be surprised if you actually > printed this letter. It's not a pretty letter. It's really rather > ugly, but, it DID happen to me and I think patients should be > empowered. They should INSIST on having a support person with them > when procedures are done " behind closed doors " . > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2006 Report Share Posted November 6, 2006 Dear Missmywestie, I did a lot of homework before my mastectomy. I had read horror stories about the radiation and blue dye injections for the Sentinal node biopsy. I was adamant to the point that I held up my surgery for 1 1/2 hours. When I got to nuclear medicine for my injection, I told them that I was completely lucid and needed more sedatives. They sent more....nothing happened....they sent even more....stil nothing happened, finally they injected me, ONCE, and I was off to surgery. It was nothing but a pin prick. Was it my insistance on more medication? Or was it the fact that the injection affects us all differently? I don't know. I am just glad that I held my ground and asked for more meds. I am so sorry about what you went through!!! I had read about it and I was determined it wasn't going to happen to me!! I can't stress enough....reading is knowledge and knowledge is POWER!!! peace............kimmy > > I survived a mastectomy and chemo 2 years ago and if that's all > there was to it, I would have considered myself to be pretty > tough. The problem however was what happened to me in the nuclear > medicine department for the radioactive injections(prior to sentinel > node biopsy/mastectomy) With the initial injection, I came up off > the table screaming in the WORST pain--more than anything I could > imagine. The radiologist had the staff push me back down on the > table as he finished the injections. I screamed through the whole > procedure. I was terrified. This caused an acute stress reaction > which has had me in therapy for 1 1/2 years. No one would tell me > why he wouldn't stop. The radiology department in another city told > me that what happened to me happens to 1 per cent of patients > (difference is--they don't continue the procedure against patient > wishes) My surgeon suggested that he may have done it too fast (they > were on a time deadline in surgery ) The head radiologist at the > hospital said they " didn't know why " my pain was so much worse > except that it " hurts like hell " . He was almost as bad as the > radiologist who did the procedure. My point is this--why can't a > patient have a support person in the department for procdures of > this nature when there is no standardized method for pain control > and a patient could use support (and in my case--protection) . To be > honest with you, I think I might be surprised if you actually > printed this letter. It's not a pretty letter. It's really rather > ugly, but, it DID happen to me and I think patients should be > empowered. They should INSIST on having a support person with them > when procedures are done " behind closed doors " . > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 That's just horrible. I can't imagine the powerless feelings you must have had. I do have to say that when I had mine, they told me that the dye injections would feel like bee stings - I had 8 of them, all around the site. Well, I don't know if this guy had ever been stung by a bee, but these felt like giant killer bee stings! I cried and was in severe pain throughout the procedure. I remember wishing that someone would stick this guy in the chest eight times with " bee sting " needles. Vindictive - yes, but I couldn't believe that they minimized my feelings in this. I did ask if there was a novicaine type of thing that would numb the area - and the answer was nope. I guess from reading other responses, there is something you can take for it - I would recommend that anyone having one, take the medications. Ellen > > I survived a mastectomy and chemo 2 years ago and if that's all > there was to it, I would have considered myself to be pretty > tough. The problem however was what happened to me in the nuclear > medicine department for the radioactive injections(prior to sentinel > node biopsy/mastectomy) With the initial injection, I came up off > the table screaming in the WORST pain--more than anything I could > imagine. The radiologist had the staff push me back down on the > table as he finished the injections. I screamed through the whole > procedure. I was terrified. This caused an acute stress reaction > which has had me in therapy for 1 1/2 years. No one would tell me > why he wouldn't stop. The radiology department in another city told > me that what happened to me happens to 1 per cent of patients > (difference is--they don't continue the procedure against patient > wishes) My surgeon suggested that he may have done it too fast (they > were on a time deadline in surgery ) The head radiologist at the > hospital said they " didn't know why " my pain was so much worse > except that it " hurts like hell " . He was almost as bad as the > radiologist who did the procedure. My point is this--why can't a > patient have a support person in the department for procdures of > this nature when there is no standardized method for pain control > and a patient could use support (and in my case--protection) . To be > honest with you, I think I might be surprised if you actually > printed this letter. It's not a pretty letter. It's really rather > ugly, but, it DID happen to me and I think patients should be > empowered. They should INSIST on having a support person with them > when procedures are done " behind closed doors " . > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Hi Ellen, I also experienced alot of pain during this procedure, and I think I have a fairly high pain threshhold. Interestingly, some women have said it was not that bad. They told me there was no medication I could take. I have a port and put EMLA cream on it before my weekly IV, but I was told the needles were deeper than the port access, so cream wouldn't help. Some of the areas did seem to go deep. My radiologist was a woman and she was fairly sympathetic. I just had to get through it. - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 I had the same procedure and they also told me that it could not be done with anesthetics. It was so painful! I only had 4 injections and I am a high pain threshold, but I was crying by the end of the procedure. Granted, the doctor told me it was going to hurt and was very understanding and careful, but I now really wonder if it an anesthetic can't be used. Re: I feel very alone That's just horrible. I can't imagine the powerless feelings you must have had. I do have to say that when I had mine, they told me that the dye injections would feel like bee stings - I had 8 of them, all around the site. Well, I don't know if this guy had ever been stung by a bee, but these felt like giant killer bee stings! I cried and was in severe pain throughout the procedure. I remember wishing that someone would stick this guy in the chest eight times with " bee sting " needles. Vindictive - yes, but I couldn't believe that they minimized my feelings in this. I did ask if there was a novicaine type of thing that would numb the area - and the answer was nope. I guess from reading other responses, there is something you can take for it - I would recommend that anyone having one, take the medications. Ellen > > I survived a mastectomy and chemo 2 years ago and if that's all > there was to it, I would have considered myself to be pretty > tough. The problem however was what happened to me in the nuclear > medicine department for the radioactive injections(prior to sentinel > node biopsy/mastectomy) With the initial injection, I came up off > the table screaming in the WORST pain--more than anything I could > imagine. The radiologist had the staff push me back down on the > table as he finished the injections. I screamed through the whole > procedure. I was terrified. This caused an acute stress reaction > which has had me in therapy for 1 1/2 years. No one would tell me > why he wouldn't stop. The radiology department in another city told > me that what happened to me happens to 1 per cent of patients > (difference is--they don't continue the procedure against patient > wishes) My surgeon suggested that he may have done it too fast (they > were on a time deadline in surgery ) The head radiologist at the > hospital said they " didn't know why " my pain was so much worse > except that it " hurts like hell " . He was almost as bad as the > radiologist who did the procedure. My point is this--why can't a > patient have a support person in the department for procdures of > this nature when there is no standardized method for pain control > and a patient could use support (and in my case--protection) . To be > honest with you, I think I might be surprised if you actually > printed this letter. It's not a pretty letter. It's really rather > ugly, but, it DID happen to me and I think patients should be > empowered. They should INSIST on having a support person with them > when procedures are done " behind closed doors " . > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 If anesthesia can be used for a biopsy, I don't understand why it can't be used for these injections. I was given a numbing agent which was applied thickly over the area 2 hours prior to the injections. It was quite painful regardless and the stinging lasted into the day of surgery. At least with the blue dye you are under general anesthesia when it is administrated. Ruth (Ruthiema) > > > > I survived a mastectomy and chemo 2 years ago and if that's all > > there was to it, I would have considered myself to be pretty > > tough. The problem however was what happened to me in the nuclear > > medicine department for the radioactive injections(prior to > sentinel > > node biopsy/mastectomy) With the initial injection, I came up off > > the table screaming in the WORST pain--more than anything I could > > imagine. The radiologist had the staff push me back down on the > > table as he finished the injections. I screamed through the whole > > procedure. I was terrified. This caused an acute stress reaction > > which has had me in therapy for 1 1/2 years. No one would tell me > > why he wouldn't stop. The radiology department in another city > told > > me that what happened to me happens to 1 per cent of patients > > (difference is--they don't continue the procedure against patient > > wishes) My surgeon suggested that he may have done it too fast > (they > > were on a time deadline in surgery ) The head radiologist at the > > hospital said they " didn't know why " my pain was so much worse > > except that it " hurts like hell " . He was almost as bad as the > > radiologist who did the procedure. My point is this--why can't a > > patient have a support person in the department for procdures of > > this nature when there is no standardized method for pain control > > and a patient could use support (and in my case--protection) . To > be > > honest with you, I think I might be surprised if you actually > > printed this letter. It's not a pretty letter. It's really > rather > > ugly, but, it DID happen to me and I think patients should be > > empowered. They should INSIST on having a support person with > them > > when procedures are done " behind closed doors " . > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Your story is awful and it saddens me to hear such a thing done to another woman. I hope you reported this to the highest authority at that hospital..I felt nothing during my procedure..i was given something b4 going in..the dye was injected just a regular needle pinch and i had to move my arm around until the dye went to several nodes and about 6 were taken out...why the heck wouldnt something have been given for you all to take to alleviate any friggen discomfort is beyond me..the medical system at this point does not have a high rating in my book but thats another story..its a hard enough situation why NOT HELP THE PATIENT when you can....this is heartwrenching...im so sorry you had to go thru this and anyone else who experienced pain during this test and procedure...hugs and take care all of you....kassy > > > > I survived a mastectomy and chemo 2 years ago and if that's all > > there was to it, I would have considered myself to be pretty > > tough. The problem however was what happened to me in the nuclear > > medicine department for the radioactive injections(prior to > sentinel > > node biopsy/mastectomy) With the initial injection, I came up off > > the table screaming in the WORST pain--more than anything I could > > imagine. The radiologist had the staff push me back down on the > > table as he finished the injections. I screamed through the whole > > procedure. I was terrified. This caused an acute stress reaction > > which has had me in therapy for 1 1/2 years. No one would tell me > > why he wouldn't stop. The radiology department in another city > told > > me that what happened to me happens to 1 per cent of patients > > (difference is--they don't continue the procedure against patient > > wishes) My surgeon suggested that he may have done it too fast > (they > > were on a time deadline in surgery ) The head radiologist at the > > hospital said they " didn't know why " my pain was so much worse > > except that it " hurts like hell " . He was almost as bad as the > > radiologist who did the procedure. My point is this--why can't a > > patient have a support person in the department for procdures of > > this nature when there is no standardized method for pain control > > and a patient could use support (and in my case--protection) . To > be > > honest with you, I think I might be surprised if you actually > > printed this letter. It's not a pretty letter. It's really > rather > > ugly, but, it DID happen to me and I think patients should be > > empowered. They should INSIST on having a support person with > them > > when procedures are done " behind closed doors " . > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 You are not alone when the same procedure was done on me they had two people to double up the injections 2 and 2. It felt like fire under my skin it hurt so bad all I could do was cry. The area was massaged which helped some but I'll never forget that pain. I really hope that something can be done for this particular procedure. They claim there are creams and a spray that is suppose to help numb the area..NOT it's like rain on a day that is too cold to turn into snow . Selena --------------------------------- Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Hi Kassy, I'm curious - did you just get one injection? I've heard that one can be given just blue dye and/or radioactive dye. I believe I had both and had 6-8 injections. How about others who've had SNB - how many injections did you get? - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 They say timing is everything!! I'm going in on Thurs for my mast. They will be doing the sentinal node bio. I'm not looking forward to this procedure now that I've read all of your posts. I'm glad you all expressed your experiences, really appreciate all of the experience shared whether it be positive or negative! Makes me a little nervous and anxious...I have to admit!!!!!! What is the difference between the blue dye and the nuclear?? Why both??? Guess I have to get back to my research again. Thought I was pretty well informed. Ha!! There's always something lurking.... Thanks again for the info. Diane - Pa > > > > > > I survived a mastectomy and chemo 2 years ago and if that's all > > > there was to it, I would have considered myself to be pretty > > > tough. The problem however was what happened to me in the > nuclear > > > medicine department for the radioactive injections(prior to > > sentinel > > > node biopsy/mastectomy) With the initial injection, I came up > off > > > the table screaming in the WORST pain--more than anything I > could > > > imagine. The radiologist had the staff push me back down on the > > > table as he finished the injections. I screamed through the > whole > > > procedure. I was terrified. This caused an acute stress > reaction > > > which has had me in therapy for 1 1/2 years. No one would tell > me > > > why he wouldn't stop. The radiology department in another city > > told > > > me that what happened to me happens to 1 per cent of patients > > > (difference is--they don't continue the procedure against > patient > > > wishes) My surgeon suggested that he may have done it too fast > > (they > > > were on a time deadline in surgery ) The head radiologist at > the > > > hospital said they " didn't know why " my pain was so much worse > > > except that it " hurts like hell " . He was almost as bad as the > > > radiologist who did the procedure. My point is this--why can't > a > > > patient have a support person in the department for procdures of > > > this nature when there is no standardized method for pain > control > > > and a patient could use support (and in my case--protection) . > To > > be > > > honest with you, I think I might be surprised if you actually > > > printed this letter. It's not a pretty letter. It's really > > rather > > > ugly, but, it DID happen to me and I think patients should be > > > empowered. They should INSIST on having a support person with > > them > > > when procedures are done " behind closed doors " . > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 I won't say that I feel deprived of the pain , cause I don't,but they must have worked on my SNB while I was under since I don't recall getting any shot for that at all ne > > > > > > > > I survived a mastectomy and chemo 2 years ago and if that's all > > > > there was to it, I would have considered myself to be pretty > > > > tough. The problem however was what happened to me in the > > nuclear > > > > medicine department for the radioactive injections(prior to > > > sentinel > > > > node biopsy/mastectomy) With the initial injection, I came up > > off > > > > the table screaming in the WORST pain--more than anything I > > could > > > > imagine. The radiologist had the staff push me back down on > the > > > > table as he finished the injections. I screamed through the > > whole > > > > procedure. I was terrified. This caused an acute stress > > reaction > > > > which has had me in therapy for 1 1/2 years. No one would tell > > me > > > > why he wouldn't stop. The radiology department in another city > > > told > > > > me that what happened to me happens to 1 per cent of patients > > > > (difference is--they don't continue the procedure against > > patient > > > > wishes) My surgeon suggested that he may have done it too fast > > > (they > > > > were on a time deadline in surgery ) The head radiologist at > > the > > > > hospital said they " didn't know why " my pain was so much worse > > > > except that it " hurts like hell " . He was almost as bad as the > > > > radiologist who did the procedure. My point is this--why can't > > a > > > > patient have a support person in the department for procdures > of > > > > this nature when there is no standardized method for pain > > control > > > > and a patient could use support (and in my case-- protection) . > > To > > > be > > > > honest with you, I think I might be surprised if you actually > > > > printed this letter. It's not a pretty letter. It's really > > > rather > > > > ugly, but, it DID happen to me and I think patients should be > > > > empowered. They should INSIST on having a support person with > > > them > > > > when procedures are done " behind closed doors " . > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 >Hi MMW: What a horrible experience many women have had!! SNB is a relatively new technique. Which means that there hasn't been enough time to get feedback from patients, scientific data accumulated, and critical analysis/comparrison of different techniques within the surgical specialty. Interventional radiologists sometimes (in some places) take on the role of injecting the radioactive marker. In other centers the surgeon will inject the radioactive marker (as well as the dye) after the patient is under anesthesia for the SNB. Some surgeons only use the dye, without the radioactive marker, and feel that they get equal results. From my own perspective, interventional radiology itself is a relatively new " specialty " . The " teaching " for this sub-specialty of radiology is rather unpredictable and un-structured. Often times new procedures become developed, after a radiologist has been formally trained in a program, and the radiologist begins practicing on patients in the " see one, do one, teach one " method of medical training. Needless to say, it is the patients who bear the brunt of this lack of experience/training. You obviously endured a horrendous experience. Nobody, in this day and age should be subjected to that. I would advise you to take it up with the administration of the hospital in which it occurred. Make sure that the incident is investigated and that the department head is made to determine how other women with the same procedure and the same radiologist fared. Make sure your surgeon knows about the experience you had with this specific radiologist, also. If you do not get satisfaction with these mechanisms then you can make a formal complaint with your country medical association and/or your state medical licensing board. I hope this information is helpful to you. Let us know how it turns out. Best wishes, Anne V. > I survived a mastectomy and chemo 2 years ago and if that's all > there was to it, I would have considered myself to be pretty > tough. The problem however was what happened to me in the nuclear > medicine department for the radioactive injections(prior to sentinel > node biopsy/mastectomy) With the initial injection, I came up off > the table screaming in the WORST pain--more than anything I could > imagine. The radiologist had the staff push me back down on the > table as he finished the injections. I screamed through the whole > procedure. I was terrified. This caused an acute stress reaction > which has had me in therapy for 1 1/2 years. No one would tell me > why he wouldn't stop. The radiology department in another city told > me that what happened to me happens to 1 per cent of patients > (difference is--they don't continue the procedure against patient > wishes) My surgeon suggested that he may have done it too fast (they > were on a time deadline in surgery ) The head radiologist at the > hospital said they " didn't know why " my pain was so much worse > except that it " hurts like hell " . He was almost as bad as the > radiologist who did the procedure. My point is this--why can't a > patient have a support person in the department for procdures of > this nature when there is no standardized method for pain control > and a patient could use support (and in my case--protection) . To be > honest with you, I think I might be surprised if you actually > printed this letter. It's not a pretty letter. It's really rather > ugly, but, it DID happen to me and I think patients should be > empowered. They should INSIST on having a support person with them > when procedures are done " behind closed doors " . > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Complain to the powers that be. Maybe your suggestion about a support person will start a storm, like a snowball rolling downhill. That is a wonderful idea! My surgeon is a friend, so I had that and it was great to know he and his wife (also a surgeon) were there. Angel (A.K.A. Mari) mfgershman@... Please click each day to help others, IT'S FREE! http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 This is the letter I wrote to the preseident of the hospital, when I had a particularly bad experience with the MUGGA exam: (His reply follows---fwiw, though they don't *want* these letters, they welcome them...really--feel free tp use/edit as you see fit...but, let me tell you, the response was almost instantaneous and positive) hope this helps. My name is Marisa Steffers, one of the Grant Managers here at BI. I am also currently a patient, having been diagnosed with breast cancer a few weks back. As a precursor to beginning chemotherapy, I was sent to cardiology for a " MUGGA " screen. I am writing to you now about that experience. 1. While waiting for the injected material to circulate, I sat in the outer waiting room,watching television. And suddely, i saw a mouse, scurrying across the floor. I was shocked. I dont think the staff was suprised. They had also seen the mouse, and were talking about the mouse problem. 2. I used the bathroom (which was in the endoscopy suite). There was graffitti on the wall; the wastebasket was overflowing and the area of the wall where the pipe from the tank enters, had been, it looked like, water-logged at some point. The wall was stained and cracked and disclored. 3. Finally, the exam commences. I lie down on the table and the machine is positioned over me. The screen takes a while to complete. While waiting, staff walked in and out--getting cookies that were kept in over-head cabinets; chatting; getting sugar for their tea. I felt like a chair. Like I wasn't there. There wasn't a screen around me; the door was open, and folks just walked in and out. Only twice did someone say, " 9 more minutes " and " 3 more minutes " . It was discomfitting. You know, when I first came to the unit, I heard one of the staff say " the MUGGA is here " . My feeling like I was a chair seems to fit with that sentiment. I wasn't " the patient who was getting the MUGGA " ; I was simply, " the MUGGA " . When I contrast my treatment with my surgeon and radiologist (which has been really quite loving) with this latest experience, the difference is quite glaring. ly, the experience made me feel terrible. As an employee and as a patient. I thought you should know. Respectfully, Marisa Steffers Sr. Grants Manager Beth Israel Medical Center (response) Marisa- first and most important are my best wished towards your full recovery- if there is anything at all that you need please let me know. Second, thank you for sharing this with me. It is only when I learn about stories such as yours that we can work to make us better. So many people just never say anything. I can assure you that I will use your feedback in a positive way to help us do a better job. Thank you again My very best wishes for you. > > Complain to the powers that be. Maybe your suggestion about a support > person will start a storm, like a snowball rolling downhill. That is a > wonderful idea! My surgeon is a friend, so I had that and it was great > to know he and his wife (also a surgeon) were there. > > Angel (A.K.A. Mari) > mfgershman@... > > Please click each day to help others, IT'S FREE! > > http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 I had 6-8 injections - it burned a bit but not that bad for me . I had the injections the day before surgery. Sheri --------------------------------- Sponsored Link Degrees online in as fast as 1 Yr - MBA, Bachelor's, Master's, Associate - Click now to apply Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2006 Report Share Posted November 8, 2006 ; Since mine was referred to as " radioactive dye " I'm thinking I got both. The nurse told me " bee sting " , but I figured it was going to be pretty rough when the doctor came in and told me this is REALLY going to hurt and I'm sorry. Can't say I appreciated the shot, (as on a pain scale of 1 to 10 I'd give it about an 87 - OY!) but I sure did appreciate his honesty. On the other hand, given the choice between 30 seconds of extreme pain (and 1 node being removed) vs. taking out several lymph nodes (which can possibly effect you forever) I guess I'll keep my nodes and take the pain : ) - Jen : ) Age 40, taking Chemo Stage 1c, Grade 3, ER- HER2+ Lumpectomy, SLNB, Mastectomy Diagnosed: 7/2006 (1st Mammo) On Tue, 07 Nov 2006 10:59:06 -0500 writes: > Hi Kassy, > > I'm curious - did you just get one injection? > > I've heard that one can be given just blue dye and/or radioactive > dye. > > I believe I had both and had 6-8 injections. > > How about others who've had SNB - how many injections did you get? > > - > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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