In 2007, the wife underwent a right nipple biopsy, and the specimen was sent to a pathologist, who "issued a pathology report indicating a final diagnosis which included invasive breast cancer."

The defendants named are NorthShore University HealthSystem and pathologist Robert Goldschmidt, who made the diagnosis. The plaintiff's actual doctor was not named in the suit, because his reommendation that she undergo the masectomy was based on the knowledge provided in Goldschmidt's report, according to the complaint.

The day of the surgery, the removed breast was sent over to a different lab, and a different pathologist sent back a report: negative for malignancy. An independent review confirmed it.

The couple is seeking damages in excess of $50,000.

This stuff, I'm told, happens all the time. But I truly cannot imagine how bitter I would be if this had been me.