Delivering Bad News - What not to do...

Summary

In the video, Mrs. FLOTUS learns she has invasive, metastatic breast cancer that is estrogen receptor positive, indicating a response to hormonal therapy. Despite her shock and fear, the doctor assures her of available treatment options including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The doctor's empathy and promise of support, along with the mention of a successful family member's recovery, aim to comfort Mrs. FLOTUS as she faces this health challenge.

Takeaways

• 🏥 Mrs. FLOTUS is diagnosed with invasive breast cancer that has metastasized to her lymph nodes.
• 🌟 The cancer is estrogen receptor positive, which indicates a better response to hormonal therapy.
• 🔍 The patient has been experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and has discovered a lump.
• 👩‍⚕️ The doctor recommends meeting with a medical oncology team and a general surgery consultation.
• 🔪 Possible surgical treatments include a mastectomy or a lumpectomy, to be followed by radiation and chemotherapy.
• 🧬 The cancer was undetectable at stage one and is prevalent in the Hispanic population, as mentioned by the doctor.
• 💪 The doctor encourages Mrs. FLOTUS to remain strong and assures her that there are many treatment options available.
• 🏋️‍♀️ The patient is described as very active, which could be beneficial for her recovery process.
• 😢 The patient expresses fear and concern about the pain and suffering similar to what her husband experienced with colon cancer.
• 🤝 The doctor offers emotional support and mentions a personal connection through a family member who survived breast cancer.

Q & A

What health issues is Mrs. FLOTUS experiencing?

Mrs. FLOTUS is experiencing fatigue, dizziness when she gets overly tired, and she has a lump that she is concerned about.

What tests has Mrs. FLOTUS undergone?

Mrs. FLOTUS has undergone a CBC (Complete Blood Count), a comprehensive metabolic panel, and a mammogram.

What is the diagnosis given to Mrs. FLOTUS by the doctor?

The doctor diagnoses Mrs. FLOTUS with invasive breast cancer that has metastasized to her lymph nodes.

What does 'estrogen receptor positive' mean in the context of breast cancer?

Being 'estrogen receptor positive' means that the cancer cells have receptors for estrogen, which is a good thing because it indicates that the cancer is likely to respond to hormonal therapy.

What is the initial reaction of Mrs. FLOTUS upon hearing her diagnosis?

Mrs. FLOTUS is in disbelief and shock, stating that no one in her family has had cancer.

What treatment options are suggested for Mrs. FLOTUS?

The suggested treatment options include meeting with a medical oncology team and a general surgery consultation for a possible mastectomy or lumpectomy, followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Why does the doctor say that the cancer was undetectable at stage one?

The doctor indicates that Mrs. FLOTUS's cancer was very insidious and undetectable at stage one, suggesting that it was not easily identifiable or noticeable at an early stage.

How does the doctor address Mrs. FLOTUS's concern about being in pain like her husband?

The doctor reassures Mrs. FLOTUS that she will be fine and that there are many cancer survivors. The doctor also empathizes with her feelings and offers to set up a meeting in a few months.

What is the doctor's response to Mrs. FLOTUS's fear and concern about dying?

The doctor assures Mrs. FLOTUS that she is not dying and that there are plenty of treatment options available. The doctor also refers her to the best medical oncologist in town.

What is the doctor's plan to support Mrs. FLOTUS moving forward?

The doctor plans to refer Mrs. FLOTUS to the medical oncology team and offers to set up a meeting with her in six months. Additionally, the doctor calls in the nurse practitioner, Bonnie, to answer any further questions Mrs. FLOTUS may have.

What is the significance of the doctor mentioning her Aunt Marie's experience with breast cancer?

The doctor mentions her Aunt Marie's successful treatment of breast cancer to provide Mrs. FLOTUS with a positive example and to reassure her that recovery is possible.