Reference books/sites for breast cancer (sm)
Posted By: MT on 2007-03-28
In Reply to:
I just started with a breast cancer surgeon. I am wondering if anyone can recommend some good reference material for this. Thanks.
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Breast cancer
Does any one on this board know where I might find a sample report with regards to breast cancer? Any tips greatly appreciated. I want to be sure to get all of the stages ect. right on and though I have MT experience this is my first shot in the area of breast cancer clinics.
Breast Cancer
Thank you for your kind thoughts. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. I had a sterotactic biopsy last Wed. I had one 4 years ago that was clean and assumed this one was too. Yikes!! That didn't happen. I was given an option of mastectomy or lumpectomy and radiation. That's the good news, as the tumor is less than 5 cm. I'm really scared. I recently moved to Virginia (about 60 miles south of Roanoke) so I haven't made any friends and no close family nearby. Luckily, I'm close enough to the local hospital and work at home to be able to go for the daily radiation treatments for 6 weeks. Surgery is scheduled for next Friday and then the wait to find out if the cancer has spread, what type, the extent of the treatment, etc. I really do appreciate everyone's kindness and prayers. I will also buy a copy of the book tomorrow. Also have a really good to reason to march with all the "pink" ladies now :-) Bless you all for your kindness
Breast Cancer
Thank you so much for your words. Of course, I was so unprepared, and my world is not what it was 4 days ago. My only son is graduating from college on the west coast in mid June (I'm on the east coast) and it will be cutting it close to get my tired butt on a flight, but I'm determined to make it :-)
A breast cancer warning sm
Let me tell you a true story. I am hesitant to tell it because I want every woman to have a mammogram and to be tested as often as possible. In 2000 a surgeon I had trusted for 30 years read my path report of a biopsy he did for a suspicious small lump. The pathology report came back as "atypical ductal carcinoma insitu which some may call atypical hyperplasia." This surgeon literally yelled in my face "You have breast cancer and that breast has to come off." Due to the fact that friends of mine had suffered lymphoma and other complications from mastectomy, I asked him again if mastectomy was the only answer. He was extremely stern with me and said it was, and my only other alternative would be lumpectomy with radiation and he would not guarantee it. Due to other problems of health issues in the family (serious) I wondered about my ability to type or transcribe again. I even asked him to keep it from my husband until I decided what to do and he called my husband in his office (my husband was very ill at the time). I called my health care provider and asked about a second opinion, they said get as many as I was comfortable with. I was referred to the head of oncology at another facility (IMPORTANT) and he referred me to a breast surgeon. I told her that I had read Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book and I read about surgeons leaving "dirty margins" from the first biopsy and questioned if lumpectomy would be just as good as mastectomy. I told the second surgeon (a breast surgeon) I had heard of a physician from "Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book"who practiced at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. The new breast surgeon did the second operation which was removal of the rest of the "dirty margins" and my slides were sent to Vanderbilt. Their opinion was that no further treatment would be necessary. The breast surgeon called a tumor board meeting and it was their opinion that they were not sure if I did indeed have "breast cancer." The radiologist who was at that tumor board meeting said she would not radiate me since they were not sure it was cancer, as if I did get cancer back in that breast, she could not radiate me again. By the way, the first surgeon whom I had trusted for 30 years told me to "to go ahead and listen to your neighbor and your hairdresser and you'll be back here with more cancer and it will be too late for you then because we don't know what's in the rest of that breast!" He also was very angry that the other doctors told me I had every right to have a plastic surgeon present at operation to install Expanders should I decide to have a mastectomy and want plastic surgery down the road. He was very upset with that and upset at the fact that I would have had my own plastic surgeon of my choice. He wanted that mastectomy done "last week" were his very words. Well, it's 2006, I have had 6 month mammos on that breast and yearly mammos on both breasts since 2000. I did have a needle aspiration for the tiniest lump in that breast which was benign, then I had a stereotactic biopsy on that breast because I was watched closely for 5 years, that biopsy was insufficient for diagnosis, so I underwent another surgical biopsy in 1/05 which turned out to be "atypia." So, whether I am a fool for not having the mastectomy, I can't really say, but I can say that I did question, read, study, make my own decisions. I did not have a mastectomy in 2000, I still have that same breast (a bit smaller, but who cares?) and I still have negative mammos every 6 mos. except for the two ? findings later on. I refused tamoxifen for my own personal reasons, although it is the treatment of choice. I am very, very reluctant to tell this story for fear of just one woman letting a cancer go undetected. On the other hand, I am telling it here (now for the first time) because I want women to know they have a right to make a decision with regard to their own bodies and ask intelligent questions. You have every right. Just be sure you get many high-level opinions. By the way, I did get put on a lot of prayer lists as well. I do believe God helps those who help themselves. I will never be sorry for the chances I took and the choices I made. I hope that trusted old surgeon is NOT right (my new breast surgeon says he is from the "days of yore"}. The important thing is to get tested, get more than one opinion and please, please, if you believe, pray, and talk, talk, talk, and read, read, read. Learn when to say "yes" and learn when to say "no". I hope I didn't scare anyone, but there is hope and help out there for those who are willing to use their intelligence. For any of you who think I did it for cosmetic reasons -- absolutely not! I would not have even wanted expanders for further plastic surgery. I am a grandmother, not interested in body beautiful. I was the sole source of income due to an unfortunate circumstance with my husband and we would both have been "down" at the same time. I did it because I had to at least ask what my options were. So far, so good. Please pray that I did the right thing and please know that you too have "options" to consider. Please be sure to go to a "different" facility for a "different" opinion, not the same as the one who diagnosed you. I sure hope this helps someone some day, but please, please if the second opinion says the breast must be removed, then you will absolutely have to listen and you will do fine. My new breast surgeon said if it were ever necessary, she could remove both breasts, freeze and save the nipples and do a reconstruction for her patients if they desired it down the road. There are tons of new options for us out there. But ASK!. My message to you is GET CHECKED, and make those checkups regular, there are clinics that will take you for free. I hope if they do find something, you have as good a result as I did. Please go, and please ask questions and get other opinions. Good luck and God bless. Hope I helped someone today but I really, really do not want anyone to miss anything that could kill them, so be aware that this is only my story, but it's true and it may give someone else with atypical ductal carcinoma in-situ some help, hope and understanding.A mastectomy is not a bad thing, not in today's world, but I want you to know that there are tons of options for you and I hope you take advantage of the best ones for you, God forbid, you every need that kind of help. You may E-mail me but I won't "practice medicine without a license," I just want to share my experience and strength with you and urge you to get tested soon!
she just learned she has breast cancer
did you think about that?
FYI I HAVE reference books, but in case you hadn't noticed, thing change a lot faster than BOOKS
I was simply asking for suggestions of other places on line that I might look for the latest info, especially considering that my work is on the internet, what the hell is wrong with trying to be more productive and efficient?!?! Good Grief!!
Has anyone noticed lately that there has been a lot of people diagnosed with breast cancer?
or is it just my imagination?
cancer sites
I usually use the NIH-National Cancer Institute site. It has listing of clinical trials, types of drugs, different types of cancer treatments. I also depend heavily on the Oncology Word Book by Stedman.
Need reference sites for oncology
Need recommendations for reference sites on the web for oncology terms and drug reference. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
Reference books
I use my pharmaceutical word book most often, then Stedman GI/GU & Stedman Equipment. I have a used 2004 Pharmaceutical word book (Drake & Drake) if you would like it.
Reference Books
Good reference books (and abbreviations book!) are a must also. I Google a lot, but I really verify with my BOS and my Stedman's reference books. Agree with other posters. Stedman's Medical Speller a definite must have for me.
Reference books
I have many, many books, but use fewer and fewer of them as I find good internet sites - it is much faster for me to look up something on a website than to pull out the books all the time. I would say that I use my Dorlands and my Webster medical word books more than any others, though.
new reference books
I am in need of reference books and looking at Stedmans Medical and SUrgical equipment book. I see the fifth edition is out, that must be the newest edition?
Also looking at Stedmans Ortho word book, fifth edition but dated 2005. Is this too old to consider purchasing? How do you know when a new edition will be coming out?
Thanks
reference books
When I look up a term in a reference book I use a highlighter pen to highlight the term in the book. Like Lucy said, the act of just doing something like writing it down or highlighting the term helps me remember it.
What are the must have reference books?
I'm wondering what the must have reference books would be to start out with. What are your faves?
Best reference books to get
I am going to buy some reference books to have. Can you all help me in getting the ones I need. I will doing a variety of reports...cardiology, radiology, emergency departments ect....
I appreciate it!!!! :)
info on reference sites for OP notes
Does anyone have any helpful web sites that list surgical instruments. This is very frustrating for me when trying to search for OP instruments. Any info would be helpful
Does anyone know of any good reference sites for PT notes?
anybody have any good PT sites/books??
I do a lot of PT reports and some of the exercises dictated are not very clear and spelling is unknown, and having a tough time finding reference material on the web. I have the Dorland's Orthopedics book and that helps sometimes, but wondered if there were other things out there that other people use??
Try to refer to ref sites and books
Sites like these help.
Reference books? GOOOOOOGLE. :)
Opinion on reference books.
I am a newly graduated MT and am beginning the job search. So far so good. I got a 98.2 on the first test I did and it was long! That was a real confidence booster, too bad they are not hiring immediately. I am reallizing that I will need to invest in more books.
Which books should I absolutely get the newest versions of and which would it be okay to get slightly older and cheaper used ones?
Query: How many have reference books and how many?
Wondering if I should expand my library.
Reference books and Google
Google is not always accurate either!!!! In my 7 years as an MT, I find it taking way too much time trying to find the correct spelling of referring physicians or primary care physicians online, especially if you have no clue as to which city they practice in, and when they dictate all these physicians names they want a cc to go to. I also would just like to add that maybe QALady should consider taking the word "Lady" off the end of her name. Obviously no one will ever be as "perfect" as you and I feel for the man you're married to, if you're at all married. If you complain about a few MTs, don't refer to all MTs, do your job, provide feedback, and if those same MTs continue to be sloppy, then the supervisor isn't doing his/her job at all. I'm a firm believer of shame on me once, maybe even a second time, but no more than a second time for the same mistakes. I welcome feedback and print every single report I have had a blank on for future reference. Sloppy may describe some, not all.
I seldom use the reference books...
or the software my company has provided us, and I have some nice reference books. I use Google with good results. I personally won't invest another dime in reference materials if I can help it, just not necessary.
How often do you replace your reference books, or (sm)
do you all strictly use medically acceptable internet sites for research now? I've been using the internet a lot, but I'm thinking of getting a new Surgical Word Book. Wondering if it is worth my $50 to do this. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.
Anybody know of any good sites for surgical term reference? nm
-
Thanks to all who shared their reference sites with me; I received some great new ones! nm
x
Both, but mostly books, Internet sites not updated often enough.
Some are, but I find it mostly a waste of time having to surf through pages of links to find exactly what I want.
I, too, remember lack of reference books. I'd tug on sm
the doctors' sleeves to get answers to my questions, or I'd go to the OR and look at product boxes for proper names. I wouldn't trade a minute of it, would you?
use resources means to use reference books or - sm
look up things on-line to research, like google. A lot of times you can figure terms out by putting in a few of the words you can understand. Being able to reference well is key to being a good transcriptionist, especially when you are doing a new specialty. The company you are testing for should have told you how they wanted blands left, some want just _____, some *, or maybe a highlighted line. I would just go with a ___ if I were you. Type it all up, then go back over it with just your speakers on (no headphones) and sometimes that helps you pick up words you did not hear before, also change the speed, slow them down if they talk real fast, or speed up of real slow, you get the idea. Fool around with it. Tests stink, but when you are a total novice they are really rough. Good luck.
Do MTs bother to use their reference books or the internet? SM
I just wonder because I am so sick of correcting reports where the MT has obviously just guessed at what is being dictated or what she heard rather than taking a minute to crack open a freaking book or at the very least Google it.
QA is a resource not a freaking safety net for MTs who can't or won't do the job they were hired for. Part of the job description for medical transcription is to be both productive AND accurate! Nowhere does it say, if you don't know, just guess or if you don't know, just leave a blank -- don't look it up or use the internet -- just leave a blank.
While I'm at it, let me just say to all the MTs out there who have being "doing this for years" and don't think they could ever possibly make a mistake -- YOU ARE WRONG! To the MTs who use "that's how we were told to do it at my last job" as your battle cry -- THAT IS WHY WE HAVE A STANDARDIZED REFERENCE BOOK CALLED THE AAMT BOS!
I don't care how you did it at your last job. I don't care if that is what you thought you heard. I don't care if your spell check didn't catch it. And I don't care how long you've been an MT. You should have known how to spell it, you should own a reference book, you should own a copy of the BOS, and years of experience in no way replaces a good solid education! Finally, you should take the time to educate yourself, look things up you aren't sure of, and just plain care about the content of your work -- not just how much of it you can get done.
 << Getting off my soapbox now.
Reference Books versus software
I am running a poll here. How many prefer to use reference books over software programs and vice versa. Does using one or the other assist in your production? I am just getting back into at-home transcription and am wondering which, and what, to purchase. TIA
I'd send you my hardcopy books, but here's an online reference.
http://www.grammarbook.com/notgrandmasgrammar.asp
The site states that it's only in recent times that the quotation marks come outside the period, essentially because people are too lazy to follow the "proper" rules. I'm no old lady, but I was taught not to be lazy just because the rest of the world refuses to follow the rules.
I prefer software as opposed to looking it up in reference books...
I like the Stedman's word books software that you download on the computer and when you want to look something up you just click a button versus getting the book out and looking for it. I seems much quicker to me.
Need good organisms and infectious disease books/sites (sm)
I have Stedman's Organisms & Infectious Diseases, but it's out of date (2002) and an updated company has not been published. Does anyone recommend any books and/or web sites that can give me quick info including on meds for specific IDs? e.g., Stedman's lists HIV/AIDS medications alphabetically in the appendix.
Can anyone recommend any good acute care reference books
I am thinking of changing from clinic to acute care transcription. Can anyone recommend any good reference books that I should have? TIA
I like drug books even though you can access sites on line. A lab book, the Sted's Ortho Words, a
s
Free Ortho sites & ABCZ sites
 Every orthopedic test imaginable.
http://www.mtaccstudent.com/Articles2/OrthopedicTests.htm
This site has a free ABCZ Expander system.
http://medicaltranscriptionexpandproductive.blogspot.com/
This site has free software.....There is Stedmans Ortho Word Book program on there amount other great software.
http://www.4shared.com/dir/3130156/34dfa22c/Medical_Transcription.html
Good luck
I prefer books. I'm kinda old school. I like to be able to write new terms in my books. I do
have Stedman's Medical Dictationary on CD and I do use it quite a bit, but that's more because the actual print dictionary is so darn heavy to pick up and look a word up! 
breast prostheses
It's McGhan style 68. Here is the link. Scroll down about 1/3 of the way down the page and you'll see it. Hope this helps.
breast biopsy
I had a breast biopsy a month ago (stereotactic), and for what ever reason, I'm still having pains underneath my breast where the incision was made, my question is, should this still be hurting ? Also, can the marker they placed move ? I know it sounds dumb but it just feels weird in the center of my chest. Thanx for any help. 
Breast pump?
Can one of you younger women enlighten me about electronic breast pumps? Today I was typing a report and heard the term for the first time. Are hand pumps not used anymore? This patient received an electronic breast pump from WIC.
Breast discharge
I saw my doctor today for breast discharge, amber colored, from several ducts in the right breast. I am having a mammogram Friday. My doc did not feel any lumps. I am very nervous.
Has anyone had an experience similar to this and have some possibly reassuring words for me?
Thanking you all in advance.
Okay -- so, was the breast exam for
the driver's license or the work permit????
The baby has to eat, whether breast or bottle
feeding. This is a time in their lives that you will only have just once and no matter how much you wish to have it again, it will never be. I breast-fed my youngest 30 minutes, every 30 minutes it seemed. It can be done if you have the right attitude and you have some flexibility in your job and your SO is willing to help out.
Whole turkey breast is good, too. sm
Pork roast tastes good, too, but I have a small rack at the bottom of mine that it sits on so it isn't in grease. I have also done whole chickens with lemon juice. Tasty.
breast will turn into mush? lol
.
Clarification - I did not mean breast exam sm
was required, only that an exam was required in NY for a minor to get a work permit. Personally, my kids have gone slightly over 12 months in between physical exams, and I was assuming that this girl's exam was probably overdue. Therefore, she was getting more than just a routine "Stick out your tongue, let me listen to your chest, you're okay to work" type of exam solely for the permit and instead had to have a more thorough exam. That being said, I don't care how old my daughter is, as long as she is a minor, I will be in the room with her during an exam. Same thing for my son.
Actually, I can REFUSE to have a breast exam done on
me by a doctor, and I always did. For me this procedure is much too intimate.
crockpot turkey breast question
I just got a crockpot, have not really used one much. I want to cook a boneless turkey breast. Have looked at recipes online, most have no liquid added. The idea of leaving it on low at home, while I'm a work, (with no liquid) makes me a little nervous. Comments? TIA
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