Another Endocrinologist Appointment and First Mammogram

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So. Yesterday I spent about 6 hours on a rickety, rusting, ready-for-the-junkyard, bus, so I could make my appointment time in Buffalo New York, at the V.A. Hospital. No real problems since I slept most of the way there, although the trip back could be a book in and of itself. *giggle*

During my meeting with the Endo and her assistant, I was impressed by their attitudes. They both referred to me as Cathy or Catherine, consistently called me "her" and "she", and were, as they were the first time, very respectful and helpful. The assistant even went so far as to ask me when I planned to have my operations. Of course I told him that I hadn't even done my RLT yet, and wouldn't even qualify for surgery, even if I could afford it at this time. He seemed somewhat disappointed by my answers and asked where I planned to have the surgery done. I told him about Thailand, and my preference, Trinidad Colorado, and the costs of each, at which point he advised me to go to India for the surgeries!

I also inquired as to the possibility of an orchiectomy, but was again told that the V.A. "doesn't do those." The Endo even explained to me why they don't. It seems that the V.A., which is subject to the whims of our "government", still considers Transsexualism to be a psychological affliction, not a physical one, curable with the "right psychiatric treatments. Sigh.

Additionally, I had my first mammogram that same day. No big deal, even though they had to do one twice, to make sure of what seemed like an anomaly. Everything turned out fine, with no signs of any cancers or unusual growths of any kind. Yay me! I expected much more pain and discomfort from this exam, but I found that it was well within my tolerances

Again, I have to commend the personnel at the V.A. hospital in Buffalo for their professionalism, their kindness and their understanding. I have had nothing but positive experiences there, and I feel very comfortable and at ease in their care.

I also bought a new wig, the day before my trip. just a synthetic fiber jobbie, but it's very nice and, for what I paid for it, very pretty. Very long with streaks, and a honey blonde. I shouldn't have bought it, because it means that I will likely eat nothing but hot dogs for a few days until my next paycheck, but I couldn't resist the price. Nearly half of what it should have sold for, with the new tag still on it. Oh well. Guess it's a good thing I like hot dogs, huh?

My testosterone levels are still much too high and the endo wants to put me on higher doses of estradiol, progesterone, and maybe something else. I told her that the problem could be easily taken care of with the simple removal of a couple of things I have no use for, but she demurred, as I said above. Well, I tried.

Three months from now I will go up there again, for another appointment. I'll update you all when that happens. Til then, I am progressing slowly toward my RLT, with the very strong possibility that I might "test drive" at work, this Halloween Wednesday. If I get the go ahead from my boss, who knows all about me, I want to see how I'll do. If I do badly, I can pass it off as a "Halloween prank." If I do well......well then, my RLT might come sooner than I expected or hoped for. Cross your fingers for me, ladies.

Until next time, thanks for all your help and support.

Goddess Bless you all.

Catherine Linda Michel

Comments

Breast Cancer Prevention

Kathy,

One thing that most people do not understand is that not all Veterans Administration Medical Centers (VAMC) are like the one you attend for treatment. There are some VAMC's that absolutely refuse to give service to a transgenederd service person regarding HRT. You and I are both fortunate to be seen by a VAMC that has an open mind. For those veterans who are transgendered there is a place for TS Veterans. its a a yahoo members
site.
As for a mammogram I had my first one in August, it was then followed up by a sonagram due to a couple of spots from the mammogram. I do not have cancer, but I do have some skin growth that shows up as spots.
For those who are self medicating, I'd recommend seeing a care giver and getting a mammogram. You are just as susceptable as a genetic female for breast cancer.
Thank you Kathy for giving me an opportunity to help others become aware. If your mom and sisters have had breast cancer and you are using hormones The Smart thing to do is get a mammogram.

Jill Micayla
May you have a wonderful today and a better tomorrow

Jill Micayla
Be kinder than necessary,Because everyone you meet
Is fighting some kind of battle.

Thanks Grover/Very True, Jill

The absolute NEED for mammograms and follow-up treatment is paramount for all who have breasts! Even though mine are small and in the still-growing phase, I understood the need for this exam and raised no objections when it was suggested.

You are also correct in that you and I, along with some others, are lucky enough to be receiving treatment from an understanding and somewhat lenient VAMC. Obviously there are things they will NOT do, such as orchiectomies, or full SRS, but within their limits, some VAMCs DO understand our needs and are respectful of them.

I feel it's worth re-mentioning and re-posting the TSVets forum URL, for those who might have missed it the first time. You MUST be a TS service member, or ex-service member in order to gain access and membership at this forum, but there is a wealth of information and discussion there that pertains particularly to us.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TSVets/

I urge all service and ex service members who are, or who might be TS, to take advantage of this resource.

Thanks for your comments Grover and Jill. The breast cancer screening and mammograms are vital to every one who has breasts, and people cannot be reminded too many times.

Huggles from
Catherine Linda Michel

As a T-woman, I do have a Y chromosome... it's just in cursive, pink script. Y_0.jpg