No One Would Listen! - Doreen | Breast Cancer | The Patient Story

Doreen was away on a work trip when she found a lump on her breast. Prior to finding the lump, she suddenly started gaining weight. Her doctor dismissed it as her “just being fat.” But Doreen didn’t give up, pushed for answers, and was later diagnosed with stage 2A IDC triple positive breast cancer.
In this cancer vlog, Doreen stresses the importance of self advocacy and how it saved her life, undergoing and recovering from TCHP chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, and radiation therapy.
#cancerstories #cancerpatient #cancersurvivor #patientstories #thepatientstory #breastcancer #bcsm #chemotherapy #radiation #hairloss #triplepositivebreastcancer
Full story here → thepatientstory.com/patient-s...
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[Video Chapters]
00:00 Introduction
00:43 My first doctor didn’t listen to me
2:05 I found a lump on my breast
3:30 Being dismissed by doctors
5:05 Going to my patient advocate appointment
6:14 Officially finding out I had breast cancer
7:18 Going through my treatment plan and surgery
10:40 The process of chemotherapy
12:20 My side effects of chemotherapy
15:00 Having a complete response from chemotherapy
16:20 Prepping for surgery to remove the tumor
19:40 Losing my hair
25:15 Still going to work through my diagnosis
25:36 Making your own decisions
26:00 The importance of self advocacy
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The interview has only been edited for clarity. The interview has only been edited for clarity.
I Found A Lump On My Breast - Doreen | Breast Cancer | The Patient Story
• No One Would Listen! -...

[@marcelagarcia6612]

I had a mammogram that didn't show anything suspicious other than dense beast. I fought to get an MRI. As an oncology nurse for 18 years, i know you dont always see cancer on a mammogram. After 4 months of waiting, I was diagnosed with stage 2b. Be your own advocate ❤

[@mamavonn]

Im glad you got an answer after fighting! Can i ask is it just regular mammos things cant be seen on, or is it the fancy 3d mammo that can miss things too? I know all tests can miss things but is it that common for mammos or the 3d fancy mammos? Especially with dense breasts?

[@nolabae]

Patients should start sharing who these doctors are that ignore them.

[@klacier5111]

Oohhh facts. Let’s start holding people accountable, respectfully.

[@Heavyisthecrown]

That would be a great way to stop it honestly. They would be afraid of getting on that list or whatever is was

[@Nick23at63]

Sadly, there are so many of these videos where doctors ignore what the patient is telling them. I worked in a hospital for 20 years, and I saw this attitude constantly, and it's why I got out of the healthcare industry. You are extremely lucky if you find the right doctor, but they do exist. Not everyone has the luxury of searching them out, though. Good luck in your continued fight against cancer.

[@nolabae]

Yes, I hate that I have to agree with you on this. It's incredibly sad. I'm working my way out of the industry this year. Congratulations to being able to walk away.

[@deedt8279]

@@nolabae CANCER NO ONE TALKS ABOUT - 1] what happens down the years with those hard medications. 2] Currently doctors’ practices changed to be standard typical treatments which they apply to every patient - They themselves do not know how to think outside the box. Which is harming so many people? 3] Many agriculture and meat contains Pesticides and now-a-days these type of things diseases like cancer and dementia, muscular, Tendonitis etc. are popping up like popcorn. Nobody is taking any action against those people who are providing these foods in market. Those who get the diseases - they get occupied with their internal health issues so their ability to fight gets limited with outside world. Those who survives for little longer they will think I have just touched near death experiences so let me live my life to fullest and matter for original cause of problems are not address. IN NJ they have found 500 plus cases of dementia in kids. Those kids parents should take action . This has become a game and for some doctors a play book game. I guess that is why they call they are practicing on you. At cost of your health they are practicing on you. 4] IT shocks me when doctors tell that all medicine has side effects and if you do not follow the rules which they created they cannot help. Clearly they do not want to think outside the box. 4] Radiation has so much issues with it - while taking even if you breathe it changes the position and wrong side get radiation - which means if you have on left side under you heart - your heart muscle can get damaged. Why cannot do Open surgery to burn the lump or tumor etc....Why they are risking patients life to get damaged to other organs. WHY???? They are brain washing you with each medicine they put out in market - So pharma co makes profit at cost of your health. - Thyroid condition is another MAZE .........For Most doctors it is easy to prescribe, life time Thyroid medicine but they do not know that what level is consider for medication. - See VIDEO on KZbin - TITLE - " Escape the Hypothyroidism Trap with Dr. Antonio Bianco. "

[@annespellberg7173]

So true. When I found a great one, I asked him if he would be my doctor, which they don't normally do in internal medicine at a teaching hospital if you are not in need of consistent care for an illness I think, but I knew navigating that place was like dealing with the government, even though they are a top ranked hospital, so I asked. And he said yes, after a heavy sigh. Poor guy must have been so busy, but he did it for me. I am so grateful for him when I hear these stories. He takes such amazing care of me and I never take it for granted. He is early 60's, I know he will retire sometime soon and I am dreading the day.

[@user-eg6rh7es1u]

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. I had a Dr find it but still dismissed it as fibroids. It took another 1 1/2 yrs to be properly diagnosed. What’s amazing is that I still get dismissed and gaslighted by Drs even now. I’ve learned to say this “Just because you don’t know what it is, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.”

[@asmitadas4391]

Did your doctor follow you up with a mammography and a USG breast before calling it fibroids?

[@helentaylor7132]

I was one of those lucky ducks that only had stage one breast cancer with only 16 radiation therapy sessions and no chemo. Initially because my lungs had a weird area of "damage" (still keeping an eye on that), they thought I was stage 4, so asked for a head MRI in addition to the full-body CT they were ordering and surgeon agreed. CT was pretty good (lungs heavily scrutinized--no obvious malignancy--will be monitored), but MRI showed a rather large unruptured brain aneurysm. Had cancer treatment first and then a brain stent placed by an endo-neurosurgeon via femoral artery. I am still tired and sometimes can't find words I want, even without chemo!! I knew how lucky I was. Doctors were direct with me (because I was) and almost everyone was very kind and did their job well, except one nurse (who hopefully learned a lesson). Tumor 100% estrogen positive and others negative. So taking anastrozole for at least 5 years. Also have to take aspirin rest of life because of stent. So far, so good! You had it tough, lady!! I admire you and adore your personality. And of course I wish you cured and without recurrence! That's always in the back of our minds.

[@TheEDNC]

Two words describe most doctors today…. IGNORANT & ARROGANT

[@deedt8279]

CANCER NO ONE TALKS ABOUT - 1] what happens down the years with those hard medications. 2] Currently doctors’ practices changed to be standard typical treatments which they apply to every patient - They themselves do not know how to think outside the box. Which is harming so many people? 3] Many agriculture and meat contains Pesticides and now-a-days these type of things diseases like cancer and dementia, muscular, Tendonitis etc. are popping up like popcorn. Nobody is taking any action against those people who are providing these foods in market. Those who get the diseases - they get occupied with their internal health issues so their ability to fight gets limited with outside world. Those who survives for little longer they will think I have just touched near death experiences so let me live my life to fullest and matter for original cause of problems are not address. IN NJ they have found 500 plus cases of dementia in kids. Those kids parents should take action . This has become a game and for some doctors a play book game. I guess that is why they call they are practicing on you. At cost of your health they are practicing on you. 4] IT shocks me when doctors tell that all medicine has side effects and if you do not follow the rules which they created they cannot help. Clearly they do not want to think outside the box. 4] Radiation has so much issues with it - while taking even if you breathe it changes the position and wrong side get radiation - which means if you have on left side under you heart - your heart muscle can get damaged. Why cannot do Open surgery to burn the lump or tumor etc....Why they are risking patients life to get damaged to other organs. WHY???? They are brain washing you with each medicine they put out in market - So pharma co makes profit at cost of your health. - Thyroid condition is another MAZE .........For Most doctors it is easy to prescribe, life time Thyroid medicine but they do not know that what level is consider for medication. - See VIDEO on KZbin - TITLE - " Escape the Hypothyroidism Trap with Dr. Antonio Bianco. "

[@Ceerads]

I think most doctors are caring and diligent - at least most of the doctors I’ve had. But my radiologist misdiagnosed my breast lump as being benign. It was my gynecologist at the time who got the mammogram and ultrasound reports and told me to go to another radiologist. I did, and found out I had cancer. It was my gyno who saved my life.

[@barbaradw9969]

When my husband was battling Cancer, and his hair started to fall out, I had a friend come to the house & Shaved us both. So he wouldn’t feel left out.

[@annelarsson6152]

Wow Doreen what a roller coaster journey you have been on/is still!! You are so brave in all this and I Love your attitude 💪💪❤️❤️ I also loved how you went back to that horrible dismissive dr and told the bitter truth!!! I wish everyone did so!!! They should know, and I wish they learn something in the end of the day!!! You go girl, you rock and you got this 💪❤️❤️

[@davisholman8149]

I agree! Doreen, I am so GLAD you told that idiot doctor’s staff person what they needed to hear….BRAVO!👏🏼🎉. Thank you for your thoroughness in explaining how your treatment progressed also. Loved the Bald Buddies pictures.🤩

[@Ceerads]

Stage I breast cancer does sometimes require chemo: if it’s HER2-positive (as was mine - mine, too, was stage I triple positive). I had a lumpectomy, four A/Cs but no Taxol. That was 24 years ago, and the treatment protocol may have changed. After radiation (which followed the last chemo) I was put on Tamoxifen for 4.5 years and then Letrozole for 5.5 years. At that time, my hospital wasn’t giving Herceptin to anyone who didn’t have stage IV breast cancer. My sentinel node biopsy was done right before my lumpectomy. To my surprise, it was virtually painless. There was no pre-mapping of lymph nodes. Only one was removed; obviously, it was benign. I appreciate your story. Btw, you looked great bald! I wish you continued good health.

[@jack9601]

I LOVE this awesome woman!! Sadly, the theme throughout is Not Being Listened To. Not Being Taken Seriously. It's such bullshit. Love out to All the beings going thru these challenges; you Got this. ❤❤❤

[@casey044]

Really helpful and courageous video. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@sueu6263]

Good for you for telling them off!! Hope you are doing well🙏👍

[@ertiebassy3612]

Thanks for this story. ❤

[@Mimi-fe2gm]

I love her laugh ❤

[@isagoldfield7393]

Blessings!!!!

[@maryroberts9315]

Thank you for sharing! It is amazing that you still have a good sense of humor. You look great with that haircut.

[@PaigeHughes-mj4wq]

❤ God bless you … you have a great personality

[@deedeesmith3073]

For anyone who is getting ready for chemo with breast cancer you can try cold capping to keep a good portion of your hair. I had stage 2 Her2 positive breast cancer with 6 rounds of chemo and my hair thinned but I was able to keep it. It’s not for everyone but it was worth it for me.

[@30daysorless8]

Good for you! Even if they don’t take it in you spoke your truth. I’m sure they wouldn’t want a love one to get the level of care they gave. karma is real.

[@Melododia80]

This makes me so mad. These doctors need to stop being so close minded and think outside the box. Not every cancer patient fits the same mold. 😡

[@meahdahlgren6537]

Right

[@jonijenkins8006]

Blessings

[@maureen3770]

What a jerk doctor - hopefully someday she will see the light and understand what a horrible disservice she is providing to her patients.

[@annespellberg7173]

Wow. That first doctor really needs to lose her license. That is outrageous. I keep hearing these stories and I feel so incredibley lucky that I am a patient at a premier teaching hospital, UCSF. They listen, jump on tests, do everything possbile to figure it out. I am heartbroken for people that go through this.

[@clevernugget]

Sometimes there’s a downside either way, I had a gyno doctor that jumped on tests and scared the shit out of me, put me through an Endo biopsy for no reason, refused to do my cervical biopsy despite multiple abnormal paps and cost me a lot of money to not catch anything that was wrong. Some doctors just like billing the insurance

[@annespellberg7173]

@@clevernugget Not mine. Get a new doctor if they don't investigate an abnormal test.

[@suewinter3693]

Beautiful BRAVE lady!

[@evarodriguezalequin5705]

When I see doctors with an actitud that is not listening patients, I will not return nor recommend that person. Some think that they are God or know it all, I delete them from my list. I had been going to anual screenings and check ups. And even though, I tested positive last year for endometrial cancer. Stage 1. I was operated last month. Also medical insurance is a real pain to approve MRI and C T Scans. I had a D & C done with pathology. Pathologies don’t lie. Cancer is cancer. Insurances plays with people’s lives. Not good. This Friday I’m going to my oncologist for another pathology results. I had a Lap total hysterectomy and nodules pathology. Hoping all is good. There’s a possibility of having radiation ☢️ and/or chemo treatments. I’m happy I have good Dr.s. I been properly oriented and educated. So I know what can be expected.

[@k9khodi363]

Did her annual gyn visit miss the lump? These videos are powerful and helpful, but often the stories are a bit disjointed. Perhaps the people putting together the videos and interviewing the patients could create a format that makes sure the flow is consistent and obvious questions are answered? This could make them even more valuable to the listeners. 🙏

[@juliej5917]

Doreen, you look GREAT with short hair. When you said they were putting a needle in through your nipple, my first thought was how many Valium would they let me take… several sentences later, you mentioned Valium. 😅 Was Tamoxifen the menopause inducing drug? Brave and valiant fighter! 🥳

[@janieraccoon]

Valium!? I'm thinking morphine!

[@suziedebuizer2846]

Oh God! The same thing happened to me when my doctor ordered the wrong mammogram. I had a lump under my left arm and they wouldn't do a regular mammogram. I had to have a Bilateral Diagnostic mammogram. Took them another month to finally get the right order in. Thank God it was negative. I also have a lump in my neck on left side that was found to be negative.

[@splash6427]

🙏 ❤️ 🙏

[@ElizaPurest]

❤😊

[@viviandasilva8520]

Ohh my!! What happened to Tiffany did she make it?

[@deedt8279]

what are the side effects of radiology ??? you did not talk about it ......i heard that it affects other part of your body e.g : heart, lungs , etc

[@Ceerads]

I’m not Doreen, obviously, but I’ve had breast radiation after lumpectomy. When I had mine (24 years ago), I had to lie on my back. My breast cancer was in my left breast, so my heart could’ve potentially been affected. Nowadays, some patients can get radiation while lying prone, with their breasts put into depressions in the table (similar, I guess, to one’s position for a breast MRI), and radiation can be beamed to only the breast, avoiding the heart. Or so I’ve heard. Another side effect can be a sarcoma. I assume both the heart problem and the sarcoma are rare results of breast radiation. Skin irritation and fatigue are also common results of radiation treatments (mostly during treatment). The radiation oncologist monitors one’s skin carefully and gives salves to prevent burning. I had no problem with my skin, and was fatigued only one time in my 33 radiation session (every day for six weeks and then three boosters). Others have different experiences, of course.

[@meahdahlgren6537]

Deedt8279 every person is different

[@anneherman6745]

❤🎉

[@pm2886]

This is why America desperately needs universal healthcare. The patient should never have to think of all these logistics. The patient should never have to chase things or "find" doctors. They should be able to present, have non-profit-seeking doctors arrange non-profit-seekinginvestigation, then arrange everything for the patient at zero cost. The patient should then be able to receive all required treatment at their local hospital. It's heartbreaking to hear what Americans have to contend with.

[@a.salmon8193]

Universal health care is expensive and a country needs a govt that is fiscally responsible toward the citizens. High taxation par for the course. In Canada, it is difficult if not impossible to get to see a Dr. Hospitals are understaffed in some areas. We have the option of private but it's expensive. The more people coming into the country are stressing the system. It goes back to responsible govt. We get the same runaround with drs.

[@pm2886]

@@a.salmon8193 We're not a rich country, ourselves. And our healthcare levy is about 2%. Barely anything. I will agree though, that mass migration has thrown out the balance. So has a rapidly increasing percentage of non-contributing citizens. In previous generations there were far fewer people who were under/unemployed, and so the system was able to fund itself easily. As the welfare state increased its enabling by offering to prop up anyone who put their hand out, so too has the exploitation of that boon. Universal healthcare can only work well when the vast majority of citizens are responsible contributors. The welfare state has destroyed that culture of responsibility in my country (and no doubt in yours, too).

[@Hiddenhistoryyy]

No its not america its all the country I live in sweden I know many people under 30 age they diagnosed cancer at late stage and the patients allways calling the doctors and they ignored

[@marianne9433]

Better yet tell us who the good doctors are

[@helentaylor7132]

The ones who listen, answer your questions and ask you questions.

[@PaigeHughes-mj4wq]

You are funny 🙂

[@leannearthur292]

Love your short hairdos are stunning

[@lorraineamico42]

God bless you @lorraineamicothemakeupartist