Other health problems

[Sherry in WV]

Have any of you experienced a reluctance on the part of other Docs, not your Onc, but other specialties, to treat you. I have severe back pain and finding it more difficult to walk.
I went to see a specialist, had an MRI of my back, after a neg. bone scan, and found I have spurs, bulging discs and pinched nerve. The ortho surgeon is afraid to touch me because I am stage IV bc with mets to liver. Am doing well, have been off chemo for a year, get every 3 week herceptin and am holding my own. Still have small tumor that can be seen in my liver, but much better than the 8 cm tumor I started with.
My onc says I am good to go and can have the surgery to relieve the pain and be able to walk without pain.
I am just so tired of other Docs getting "freaky" when it comes to treating me for things other than my Breast CA.
Has anyone else had this experience?

[Jackie]

No, in fact I have had to hold off an ENT from wanting to do a surgical procedure on my eardrum (certainly nowhere near as serious as what you have!) to coordinate w/ chemo, counts, etc. I would say find another ortho guy if he's reluctant...maybe your onc can recommend one for you. You sound like you're doing beautifully with your treatment program...maybe someone else knows why he's so concerned. All he has to do is phone your onc if he needs confirmation! Best of luck to you!
Jackie

[eleanor]

Hi,
I too was checking to have a surgical procedure done (not as serious as yours) and found no reluctance for treatment. I eventually chose not to go through with it, but as long as your onc is clearing you, I would think you are good to go.
Perhaps you should find another dr.
el

[Sherry in WV]

Thanks for your replies. I was curious as to how many others have faced this problem. I want to be treated as a person not as Breast Cancer with mets!
Peace,
Sherry

[Lolly]

I have had a few minor surgeries since dx as stage 4, but have had good experiences overall with the surgeons and their staff...no reluctance to treat, as long as there is open communication between the specialties which sometimes has to be facilitated by me as there is the occasional breakdown in information transfer. Sometimes the younger staff personel are uncomfortable, which I attribute to inexperience, so I use the opportunity to "educate" them if possible.
Hugs,
Lolly

[bry]

I was wondering whether I could have spine massage if I had recurrence in collar bone area? Thanks for advice, all the best