Men’s Love For Breasts … The Truly Positive Side

From the Physician’s Homeland – JAMAICA!

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So I have been “family home trekking” for the past few days – from Mom in Pembroke Hall, Kingston, to Dad in Eltham View, Spanish Town, to my Sister Amelia in Old Harbor, Jamaica …. getting ready to head to Negril, Jamaica … to have some real vacation!  Yeah:-) Before I left for Vacation, I saw a few Breast Cancer patients and an excerpt from on of the consultation went like this;

Doc: So tell me, how was the Breast Cancer Detected? Was it by the Mammogram or did you palpate a lump?

Patient: Actually, it was my husband who detected the lump. He noticed that my breast felt abnormal and so we decided to visit our Primary Care Doc

It was then that it dawned on me … this has happened quite a few times in the past. I would say, ~20% of breast cancers are detected during Breast Self Exam (BSE) … and of that percentage, I would estimate ~2-5% are really detected by significant other. Though this may be an estimate, it is not an insignificant number, considering that over 250,000 women are diagnosed with Breast Cancer each year. In my practice over the past year, I would estimate about 15 patients told me that someone else detected the mass – husbands, boyfriends … and yes, even their  girlfriends!!

Many women overlook the recommendation to do BSE. Either because of fear or because they just don’t think it is important enough or they simply forget. I encourage ALL my female readers over the age of 25 (30) to do their monthly Breast Self Exam (The youngest patient I treated for Breast Cancer was 27 years old). Please remember that most breast mass are benign (non-cancerous), but it is still best to check!

So,  I write to all my female readers and those readers with a female significant other …. Please Check The Breasts …. Doctors Orders! Yeah mon!

Peace and Love from JAMAICA!

Your Family Friendly Doc … Dr. McGann!

National Teacher Appreciation Day … Thank You!

From the Physicians Desk ...Doc’s Weekly Blog!

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FOR OUR TEACHERS … AND TO OUR FUTURE!

I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to all Teachers throughout the United States and to those in the many nations who may grace my Blog.

I did not become a Medical Doctor without many teachers pouring into me and directing me along the right path.  

For as far back as I can remember, I was one of those students who was not afraid to voice her opinion (imagins that! *giggles*) and because I always stood out as one of the taller in the class, sometimes that bring its own undue/unwanted attention. I was educated through High school in Jamaica where the teachers were strict and education is paramont … yes, I recall having to put my hands out for a few slaps with the “disciplinary ruler” ….  for misbehaving (sheepish grin).  Aaahh the good ‘ole memories! (wait, I’m too young to say that!)

While there were many teachers who spured me along, and to whom I am indebted, I will mention only 2 here…one of whom was not even a teacher.

Dr. Theodore Chase, my Biochemistry Professor at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. Ahh, yes…  I promise you, he would could make YOU  fall in love with Biochemistry.  Really! He helped me through this class, always with an encouraging word.  I think I was soothed by his patience and his British accent…it reminded me of home … and I went on to excel in that class. He encouraged me along when I told him about my desire to attend Medical School and he was one of the first to write me a letter of recommendation. Thanks Dr. Chase! Hugs!

Then there was Ms. Blossom who was my next door neighbor in Jamaica. When I was about 12yrs old, I remember her telling my Mom, “Be careful how you treat that girl, ya know. She may be the one who will be a Lawyer or Doctor and end up looking after you!”  At that point, I had never imagined that possibility. Little, poor me … A Doctor? A Lawyer? Wow!  I grab a hold of that prophetic word … and praise be to God, it rang true!

And so it is, I am a believer of speaking positively to our Children…no matter how dire the socioeconomic, mental or physical situation. We must plant seeds of hope, positive thoughts and encouragement in our children … they are our future!

Help our Teachers.  Say a positive and encouraging word to a child today, this week, this month!

Blessings!

Dr. Mac!

Positive Attitude + Cancer Treatments = Is that Possible?

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POSITIVE ATTITUDE

Maintaining a positive attitude is difficult in any situation. It is difficult with your family, it is difficult for work, it is difficult with this economy, but I think most of all, it is very difficult when dealing with an illness, such as Cancer.

It is common for Physicians to tell their patients to (try and) keep a positive attitude. However, if one is not generally predispose to being a positive person, can this request trigger a desire to change?  To become positive?

I think YES!

I believe, when presented with a difficult situation, one can re-train their brain to become positive.  Research have shown that patients who do have faith in God and a positive attitude, generally do better in treatments and have a faster recovery from major surgeries.

I believe people can change and adapt….even in the most dire circumstances.

• I am an optimist.
• Little Talia is an Optimist.
• Dr. Ginty is an Optimist too.
• What about you? 

Life is BEAUTIFUL!

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Ipsa Scientia Potestas est    ———  Knowledge itself is power

Visit http://www.LegacyEducators.com for more health information!

Your Family Friendly Doc … Dr McGann!  See you next week…

Ipsa Scientia Potestas est … ugh? Doctor Jibberish?

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DO YOU COMMUNICATE WELL WITH YOUR DOCTOR?

(Latin) Ipsa Scientia Potestas est    ———  Knowledge itself is power!

Hhmmm. Interesting. I see. Yes, Yes … clear as mud.

Recently, I read an article in a “regular magazine” on the Thyroid gland – what it is and what it does. I thought tt was a great article —- for Physicians and other Medical professionals! It was so scientific and wordy that even my eyes started to glaze over!  It read like one of my medical books. But in a “lay person” magazine?  Come on!   Houston, we have a problem.

I see this problem as 2 fold;

1. The people writing these “medical articles” in magazines have very little, if any, medical knowledge and so (God bless their willing hearts) they turn to medical books and medical dictionary to write about things they themselves do not understand … in an effort to explain it you. So they “copy and paste” the information hoping you will “get it”…
2. Then there are the physicians (smh) who write “medical articles” for magazines in language fit for any leading Medical Journal or for conversing with their colleagues – it is considered pure Latin by the majority of the “lay readers” …

I know that there are some of our readers who are very savvy and understand everything about medicine, studied Latin in school, considered medical school, but opted for the more financially rewarding career in business or other career paths – Apologies, but this blog is not for you.

Patients are not robots – A novel concept?

Instead, this blog is a plea for people like my Mother, my Father, my sisters and brothers, friends, and love ones who time and time again, are scared away from the Hospital and Doctors by the many “jibber jabber” of the Medical Professionals who talk over their heads and mystify the world of medicine.

I think as physicians, we fail our patients if we are not able to explain at an 8^th grade level and/or to their understanding, the health issues at hand. My mother, for example, was diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus II (Also known as Adult diabetes or Sugar) about 15yrs. I remember when my Mom was told by her Doctor that Hemaglobin A1c (HgbA1c) will be drawn in the next set of labs. When I asked her if she knew what HgbA1c was … she had no idea! This is her Doc for at least the past 7yrs who have ordered HgbA1c multiple times per year … where is the disconnect here? No blame … we just need to fix this… or can we?

Doc: ”I told her. Maybe she just does not  recall.”  or “I can only break it down but so much. He just need to do what I tell him. I’m the Doc and I know what I am talking about. He just need to trust me” or “I do not have enough time to get into all that … I am not here to teach anything.”

Patient: “My doctor always talk “at me” not to me. I leave the office more confuse than when I entered … with prescriptions in my hand!” or “I never know what to ask my Doctor and I don’t want to seem stupid, so I just sit and listen, and shake me head.” or ” Doctor? What doctor? I am not going to waste my time. They always talk over my head anyway.” And the list goes on…

I am strong believer, that we must make our patients an ACTIVE participant in their care. There is no guarantee that they will comply with all medical directives, but maybe, just maybe if they knew what we are talking about half of the time, they would be more likely to comply … to their own benefit. Of course, there may not be enough time in the world for some of our overworked Primary Care Physicians (PCP) to explain everything. I Understand.  Some patients are even blindly searching the internet, where they are met with even more confusion.  What then?

Recognizing That was why I decided to help 2 yrs ago when I started Legacy Health Educator ( www.LegacyEducators.com ) a video based health website.  Though it is focused mostly on my specialty – Oncology (Cancer) – I do intend to discuss the basics of Diabetes and Heart Disease. A weekly evening radio show is next.  Become your own advocate – learn to talk with your doctors!

Ipsa Scientia Potestas est    ———  Knowledge itself is power

Your Family Friendly Doc … Doctor McGann!

Take 2 Aspirin. Don’t Call …

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From the Kiplinger Letter - “A Severe Doctor Shortage is looming. Over the next decade, we will see a deficit of 45,000 Primary Care Physician and a similar lack of Surgeons and Specialists. Some specialties will decline, despite growing demand from an aging population. Other Medical professionals will fill in – Physician assistants, nurses, etc., Many will see their roles and responsibilities expand to pick up the slack… Read more by clicking here. “

• I am one of the Specialist referred to above.
• I love my patients
• I love what I do
• I love my career …
• the current political climate in medicine – well, that … not so much.

Many physicians will be leaving the workforce in droves, either because of retirement as the “baby boomers” approach retirement age, or because of a combination of burn-out factor due to “expanded roles to pick-up the slack” and/or the politics of medicine (including insurance and Physicians declining pay with increase work demand). Medicine, in any capacity, is a very rewarding field, but even medical school admission rates are declining! Not much attention is focused on this pending dilemma … but soon, it will not be easily ignored.

Have you thought of who will take care of you – for illness, injury, or aging reasons – in the future? Where will you turn? Who will you call? An Aspirin or Motrin does not fix all.

Some seem to think, the problem of physician shortage has already begun …

Question 1: Need an MRI? Question 2: Are you Claustrophobic? Know before you go!

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Learning from your Family Friendly Doc’s personal experiences … THE MRI DEBACLE

Just and X-ray Showing bony landmarks of a Shoulder

Sooo, I injured my shoulder a couple years ago. But I, like most of you, had a multitude of excuses (yes, doctors do too!) I was just too busy to get it checked out. So I took a break from exercising/working out, lift less weights and take over the counter pain medication, etc., That worked for short while.  Only a short while. Now that Summer is around the corner … it became imperative to work harder on that New Year’s resolution to get in better shape … which means the slight vanity requires getting in shape. So, I did too much too quickly, and I injured my shoulder… again. No problem. Routine self healing process – activate! Not so this time though.

Tricky to read, but MRI’s are great to eval ligament tears

I was awaken twice in one night secondary to my right hand going numb, feeling heavy and was tingling. Self assessment: I sleep on my back, so no chance of having slept on my hand/arm. Hhhmm. Maybe a fluke. So I went back to sleep. Woke up a second time. Numbness and tingling in my hand…heavier this time, could barely move it. Massaged it to get the blood flowing and dissipate the tingling feeling. Scary.  Oh no … time for a check up. I am right-handed, and as physician I am in dire need of all my limbs … especially my right hand! Immediate evaluation by PMR (Physical Medicine and Rehab) doc with an ultrasound (US) of my shoulder showed possible tear of a ligament. Injection to the joint with steroids for some relief and an MRI was ordered to assess my cervical spine – to make sure a nerve was not pinched as it exits the vertebral body. This to be followed by an MRI of the shoulder.

• What? An MRI?  Two Separate MRIs?
• Well EVERYONE will have a Radiographic Imaging of some sort in their life time – dental x-ray, chest x-ray, CAT scan, MRI, PET-CT – these are done for injury or for diagnosis of other ailments such as cancer or other chronic diseases.
• Learn about some of these different imaging modalities and other tests by click HERE

I like to tell my friends, and myself, that I am not claustrophobic. I just have a very increased awareness and slight apprehension of being in a tube for an extended period of time. Semantics really. I can handle it … I just need a little relaxation medication on board! ***smile*** Happy thoughts helps too!

 YOU>>>

• If you need a MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Please know what it entails before you go (click here to watch a quick video).
• Are you Claustrophobic?
• Claustrophobia is defined as – a feeling of having no escape and being closed in small spaces or rooms (Wikipedia). Miriam-Webster defines it as an Abnormal Dread of being in closed or narrow spaces.
• If per chance you may be claustrophobic, or have like I do, just a “very increased awareness and slight apprehension” then you should let your doctor know. Missing a MRI appointment may delay very important diagnostic information.  Talk to your doctor about this … relaxation medication may be in order!

Oh … please remember to remove ALL metals – earrings, hair clips, piercing jewels, etc.,

From your Family Friendly Doc ….  Doctor Mac!

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The Scary Truth: Finding a GOOD Doctor…

From the Physicians Desk … Doc’s Weekly Blog! Learn more about your health by watching videos – click here!

Weekly mail … weekly Medical Journal to go through! Lets see…this week an interesting  article titled the, “Three Great Truths of Medicine” caught my attention…Hhhmm. The article was featured in 25th March 2013 issue of Oncology Times and authored by Dr. J Simone. Today, I will briefly review the first of these 3 truths

NUMBER ONE:

“There is no reliable, public mechanism for choosing a skillful Doctor.”

• What constitutes a Good vs a Great Doctor? How does a patient choose a Doctor?
• In the article, it was stated that virtually any M.D. can obtain and maintain a license to practice medicine. Not to belittle the process of getting through Medical School, but if you were able  to jump through the necessary hoops to “get in” then “getting through” is usually not too problematic…some refer to it as being “smart enough” but that can also be semantics. Nevertheless, one quickly realizes that the school from which the “Medical Degree” was obtained, becomes inconsequential by the great equalizer of the many medical board exams one must take. Board Certification is a GOOD thing!
• Additionally,  Medicine is changing constantly AND rapidly.  So, how do you know if your Doctor is keeping up with the latest for his/her Medical Specialty? Not only are Doctors required to see many patients everyday, but at the point of exhaustion are required to keep up with the pace of Medicine, and Maintain a family life…How do they do it all?

How do you keep up with your Career/Job changes?

Well, as Dr. Simone pointed out, in most States, doctors are required to obtain a number of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. This acts as a means of trying/forcing Doctors to update medical education. However, since these are Seminar/Meeting based, the outcome or benefit for the physician cannot be easily quantified.

How do you choose your doctor?

• Advice from a friend or family member?
• Referral from your Primary Care or reading an article in the Press?
• Convenient location or blind choice or limited by Insurance acceptance?
• Or (a pet peeve of most physicians) – the ever so wary “fee based” evaluation of a doctors “star based” scoring by an unknown number of patient satisfaction surveys?
• Were you always satisfied with above after meeting with the doctor? Or did you require a little something extra – more compassion, more time with your Doctor, etc.,

THE  Dr. Mac FACTOR

Should I be faced with a large surgery, I would consider the expertise/board certification of the surgeons (yes), the number of procedures performed (maybe), and success rate (maybe). HOWEVER, I know all too well, that Doctors, like “regular” people are not perfect.  IF the surgeon has a 100% success rate, I just may be the one that causes the change to 99%. So, instead of putting my trust solely in the surgeon, I put my trust in Jesus. My Jehovah Raphe, the one true great Physician … I know the outcome rest solely in his hands.

Now you choose …

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