I have to confess today I am sleepy and cranky. I think some of it is "post procedure" and most of it is "sick of interferon and thinking about melanoma" related.
I went to see my dermatologist yesterday for my regular 3-month appointment. I brought a list of things to ask about and I don't think she liked that much. When I asked about "Mole Mapping", her enthusiasm for telling me that she doesn't do that and that maybe I need to find another Dermatologist, was downright creepy! She recommended her mentor at the Washington Hospital Center and when I asked her if I would be able to get the Mole Mapping done and still retain her as my primary DERM Dr. her response was: "probably not"
Honestly you guys, I felt "unwanted" ...
Then we went through my full body check and down my list. In some cases, the things I was concerned about were benign and in other cases, I couldn't give her enough information so I am supposed to pay attention and get back to her.
I had her remove two moles. One from my lower back - It always gets in the way of my sports shorts and one that has recently appeared not far from my excision scar. My derm said it looked normal to her and was simply red from my bra. I argued that my bra doesn't come across that part of my body (it doesn't!) and my original mole started the same way. She agreed to take it off "since it would be a hassle with your bra anyways..."
So two moles means two biopsies but I don't expect any bad news...My gut tells me they will be negative.
On the other hand, I left this DERM appointment with a bad feeling about my Dr. This was the first time since I have started going to her that I made lists and her bedside manner wasn't as good as I hoped. I wonder why I didn't notice that before? Maybe it was because at other visits, i was a quiet, nice lady who didn't question anything.
I guess Cryosurgery brings out the "MS. CRANKY_PANTS" in me!!
I was recommended to this DERM by my Primary Doc after I complained about the complete "lack of follow-up" by the original DR who took off my first mole. His idea of follow-up was to send me to a surgeon, hand me a few photocopy articles on Melanoma and Interferon and send me on my way without looking at any other part of my body. As far as I am concerned, I found my Melanoma and got it diagnosed. All he did was initially remove it.
Oh man .. I am ranting... See I said I was kinda cranky today...Perhaps it is time to channel some of this crankyness into a long walk or an easy spin ....
Cranky & Living - STRONG!
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10 comments:
Sounds like you have reasons to be cranky. Why would she get bent out of shape about a proactive patient?
Go for the walk or the easy spin. You deserve the time for yourself.
You've got plenty of right to be cranky! If that Dr.won't do what you want, go somewhere else!!!
Hope you are back to normal soon...
Hmmm, a couple of thoughts...
I'm wondering if maybe your doc wasn't having an off day herself? Either that, or you need to find someone that will take you (and your valid concerns) seriously. I wonder what she has against mole mapping?? Did she tell you why she was disgruntled?
Crank away anytime Girl!! We're here!!
I don't blame you one bit for being cranky as HELL!!
In all my endless medical dealings with the girls, I've only found one or two physicians that weren't real jerks. It's unfortunate.
i'm not as nice as jen... doctors can be total pompous a**es, and the worst ones just HATE it when you are informed, as you are. You absolutely SHOULD be bringing questions, and she should be answering them! making me mad!!
Definitely time for a new derm.
It's hard though, because I've had to beg mine in the past to just do a body scan, and I always felt like they really weren't looking.
Some dermatologists are more into the big money things then the prevention and detection -- it makes me sad.
Guess what though Holly? I've found Cliff Blocks in Boulder! REI now carries them. Dude there said Lemon-lime works best in the heat, so I thought I'd share that with you, because your local dudes were tellin' you no-no on the Lemon-lime. Thanks again for offerin' to air-mail me some. I'm payin' it forward by surprising Roman with some on Saturday for our run, I bought Lemon-lime, Strawberry, and Cran-something.
find another Derm who will listen to you...that's managed health care...you must manage your own health care because your doc will not.
Oh...i don't like it when the doc become cold and treat you like a test subject other than a human being.
Maybe call the "mentor" she recommended, and ask if you could come in for a consultation. To talk and get a feel for each other's expectations and see if you like each other.
You are right to be pi&&ed off. She shouldn't treat you like that.
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