The Moral of My Story

I am delighted to share a personal story about Dr. Sigman, who has served as my primary care physician for the last two years.

My interactions with Dr. Sigman began after my wife and I returned from a rather adventurous and strenuous vacation. A few days after returning, I noticed swelling in my upper left chest (pectoralis muscle). I thought I had simply injured myself during my travels. I wasn’t in much pain, and I came very close to simply ignoring it. Instead, feeling a bit foolish, I made an appointment with Dr. Sigman to check it out. She got me into the office the next day.

Upon examination, many physicians would likely have treated me for a sore, strained, and/or inflamed muscle and sent me home. Dr. Sigman did addressed this diagnosis. However, she also insisted that I get an ultrasound scan “to be safe” and she wanted it performed the same day. After some effort and office help, I was able to obtain the scan that afternoon. The ultrasound results led immediately to a CT scan, which in turn was followed up by an MRI scan and biopsy. Long story short, the swelling turned out to be an advanced, very large high-grade sarcoma, a somewhat rare form of cancer that can have very poor outcomes and high morbidity rates.

Everyone knows early detection and treatment is key to improving one’s chances of beating cancer. In my case, from initial detection in Dr. Sigman’s office to surgery to remove the tumor took about 2 weeks. Such a short reaction time must be a record. I now have been cancer free and taking more vacations for nearly two years, which is a much different outcome than what may have happened had I waited and not had access to Dr. Sigman. I am lucky to be a member of MDVIP and I am blessed to have Dr. Sigman as my primary care physician.

Since my brush with cancer, I have seen Dr. Sigman for my annual exams and for other ailments that creep in with old age. During all my interactions with her, she has been caring, knowledgeable, encouraging, and informative. She listens and addresses all questions in a direct understandable fashion. I would recommend Dr. Sigman to anyone - children, family members, and friends. You can’t do any better than having her as your healthcare provider and advocate.

The moral of my story, if there is one, is don’t ever feel foolish or procrastinate about following up on medical concerns - you are your strongest advocate. Of course, a person can only do so much; they require professional care in many situations. Along these lines, seek out, trust, and secure the top, best physician you can, hopefully one as good as Dr. Sigman! This is difficult ask because they don’t come any better.