If you have to get in the habit of crossing 4 lanes of traffic, you need to get in the habit of making quick decisions for your safety:
1) if little traffic, turn left.
2) if traffic is heavy, turn right, then right again at the next light and do a U-turn of some sort (if traffic is light on that streets), then turn left with the light.

I have a similar problem, but if it's really hectic, I'll simply find a way to safely get to the nearest light that will let me turn left. Even if it takes a few extra minutes... hey.. your on a bike... relax and enjoy it.