I was referred to Dr. Madry by my breast surgeon. I was scheduled for an appointment on 2/3/26 to discuss reconstruction after a level 2 oncoplastic excision. The surgeon would be removing a substantial amount of tissue, and reconstruction would be required to maintain symmetry.
I had my first lumpectomy in 2024, after a pathology report that came back unable to rule out DCIS. My results had been forwarded to the Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion from the resident expert in ADH and DCIS. They were also unable to definitively rule out DCIS; the clinic states it errs on the side of ADH in these cases. So, I was referred to an oncologist for preventative chemo and had my lumpectomy. Unfortunately, I cannot take the oral chemo, as I had a gastric bypass and suffer from malabsorption. I continued the rotation of a DX mammogram and MRI every 6 months. In December of 2025, I had my follow-up MRI. The MRI showed two areas of concern. They were biopsied and determined to be… the same case as before, unable to rule out DCIS. At this point, the issue had returned, and the breast surgeon was treating it as DCIS, unless proven otherwise. This led to the level 2 oncoplastic excision. He stated he had discussed it with Dr. Madry, and I just needed to go for a consult.
I showed up 2/3/26, by myself. I thought this would be a standard appointment to go over what would happen during and after the surgery. I was brought into the patient's room and seated in front of a very large window, without shades drawn, for about 15 minutes. Dr. Madry entered the room, holding a file with a piece of paper inside. He said, “I’m sorry you are going through this”. I was mid-response of “thank y..” when he interrupted and said, “ADH?? YOU DON’T HAVE CANCER. More like CONGRATULATIONS”. He lectured me for the next 4 minutes on how my insurance would never cover the reconstruction. He has dealt with insurance, and he knows. I tried to explain what was going on, and he just said, “Fine. I guess I can take a look. Put on the gown.” He walked out while I put on the gown (the window was still wide open). I sat on the exam table, waiting for him. He came in and said, “Stand up and open the gown”. I stood up, opened my gown, and he replied, “Well, you are DEFINITELY a good candidate for a lift, anyway.” I closed my gown, and he proceeded to tell me, again, that my insurance won’t cover any of it, but he will go ahead and submit it. I then asked him, “How long do you think it will take to hear from the insurance?” He replied, “Probably at least a week. I don’t know why you are in a hurry. YOU DON’T HAVE CANCER.” And walked out.
At that point, I got dressed and hurried to my car, where I had a good cry. I then called my breast surgeon’s nurse and explained that I have decided not to have the procedure, and I would rather take my chances. They, of course, referred me to another surgeon (my breast surgeon is the absolute best and I trust him 100%). The new plastic surgeon is not only understanding, but also offers suggestions without lectures or humiliation. He acknowledges that my type 1 diabetes is a concern (I have had it for over 40 years) and he will make sure to keep a close watch.
The kicker is that I received a bill with a copay of $247.49 for the (less than) 10 minutes that he spent lecturing and humiliating me.
If you have had a good experience with this doctor, I will not try to convince you otherwise. However, I want people to know about my experience. To know that there are other options. Maybe he had a bad day, maybe he was overwhelmed, maybe it bothered him that the word CANCER wasn’t written in bold letters on my chart? I have no idea. I know that I don’t believe in comparative healthcare. Everyone deserves good care and respect. Especially when they are dealing with such an overwhelming situation.
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