Was your breast cancer misdiagnosed by a radiologist?

I was not misdiagnosed by a radiologist but was told by my oncologist in February 2018 during a routine exam that I had a "cyst" in my left breast. When I asked my doctor several times if she was sure, she said yes, that she thought it would be gone by the time I had the mammogram she was going to order for "due diligence". I suspected that she was being less than honest; as it turns out, I had a second breast cancer. I dropped her immediately. To accept that your oncologist would intentionally lie to you after knowing you for several years and seeming to take such a sincere and personal interest was devastating. But--I contacted her informed her that I was requesting another oncologist and moved on.

Yes, 2 years before I had Stage 3, I felt three lumps and a mammogram and an ultrasound. I was told to monitor then and come back in 6 months. I did and they said the same thing. Then another 9 months I had Stage 3. Totally misdiagnosed.

@trivia
I am so sorry you went through that. Stay strong.

@dthayer
Unfortunately, maybe she just isn't that bright. Good that you are moving to another oncologist. I didn't feel comfortable with mine and switched out. Always follow your gut.

Absolutely! Thankfully, this was nearly three years ago and I have great trust in my current oncologist. 🙂

That's horrible! Why wasn't a biopsy performed right away? I have learned to be quite assertive in my treatment. I have even considered checking out Stanford University if I need care in the future. I wish you all the best.

I wish I knew why the two radiologists who looked at the test results didn’t suggest a biopsy. Of course, I know better now but back then I didn’t know that much about breast cancer. Can’t go back and change it. Now I’m Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer, which they guess now that I was Stage 4 when they first diagnosed me. It was too small to see the lesions in my liver back then.

@trivia
I am so sorry you have gone through all of this. It is so difficult when you expect those with knowledge to guide you. Because I kept worrying about my other breast, I had asked the oncologist and my regular doctor for an MRI of the breast which they both told me was not necessary. It was my breast surgeon who I asked following my lumpectomy who said she didn't see why not to alleviate my worry, and it was at that MRI they noted another lesion on the opposite side of the affected breast which turned out to be a neuroendocrine cancer. I thank goodness I had decided to go to the other facility as had I not, that second lesion would have spread like wildfire. Stay strong Trivia, look out for yourself and keep questioning.

The beast cancer clinic at University of San Francisco is fantastic for the support and the knowledge. When I went there with a friend they tape the whole conversation with the doctors and the team and not only gave it to her on a CD/DVD but there was a typed out record of everything discussed

Oh that is great to have a record of the discussion as you get overwhelmed with information and thoughts.