Humor strikes in the weirdest locations

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Kangaroorex
Kangaroorex Member Posts: 47 Member
in Kidney Cancer #1

I was at my latest doctors appointment and my oncologist was reviewing the scans and the radiologists notes when he starts to get this really annoyed look on his face.  Naturally, i am a bit concerned so I ask what the issue is. The doctor says that the radiologist has written the report in a really strange way and that I should have a look.

The report has the usual information (which is great) saying everything is clear except for an apparently benign adnodal mass.  then there is an entire paragraph about the cost of CT scans and the limited time professionals have in their work day.  The doctor then calls the radiologist to ask what's going on and puts it on speaker for me to hear.  The radiologist starts berating my oncologist for having him review an adnoma thats the same size and shape by 6 different measuring points and why is he reviewing the same unchanging mass every 3 months, doesn't the doctor have anything better to do? (I was in a trial program so the other scan dates are in a different file)

My doctor, who is a rather patient man, quietly explains the the biopsy results, and the location of the other files.  There is silence on the other end of the phone followed by "Oh...well congratulations on achieving zero growth then, I have to get back to some other work now..." he says his good byes and hangs up. 

My doctor and I broke into a fit of laughter after the call and it still gives me a chuckle so I thought I would share.  The moral, if there is one, is that it is important to have someone on your medical team whos knows everything that is going on.

Roo

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  • Jan4you
    Jan4you Member Posts: 1,330 Member
    #2
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    Well guess you enjoyed a

    Well guess you enjoyed a laugh with your doctor, but still. THAT should be addressed so seriously.

    Yes, I have also heard how stressed radiologists are in having to read so very many tests, but that is to be taken up with his supervisor/administration. MISTAKES can be made when under such pressure. For example, I had two different radiologists write in the SAME paragraph opposite kidneys had the mass. I insisted it be changed. I wanted reassurance that the surgeon knew which kidney had the mass. geez.

    Glad you have a good rapport with your doctor, as it should be!

    Jan

  • Kangaroorex
    Kangaroorex Member Posts: 47 Member
    edited September 2016 #3
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    corrections were made

    Actually the doctor did call the radiologist back and had him find all the scan files for the last 2.5 years so he could see the progression and regression of the tumor.  He did offer a suggestion though just to muddy the water, I may have Adnodal tissue intermingled with the RCC in the gland.  It would explain how the new growth responds so well and quickly to treatment but the core mass remains unchanged.  They also had the devils own time trying to classify the tumor and the biopsy results during the original diagnosis.

    I dont know for sure, but i am really happy that 2.5 years down this road I am no worse off than when i started and have had no further spread or change.  I can live with many years of stasis.

    Roo

  • hardo718
    hardo718 Member Posts: 853 Member
    #4
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    Glad things are unchanged

    BUT, that radiologist needs to find a new profession.  His salary should be withheld, if for no other reason but a bad attitude.  Maybe he should have called in sick that day cause of his bad attitude.  God help this radiologist should he ever have to deal with walking a mile in your shoes.  He should be ashamed of himself.

    I love your doctor though and glad you had a good laugh.

    Donna~

  • JerzyGrrl
    JerzyGrrl Member Posts: 760 Member
    #5
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    Sounds as though...

    Sounds as though the radiologist has been practicing immanence-based medicine. 

    Hubris attack? Or Spell-check?

    Wink

    Jerzy

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