Scan results....over 2 weeks now.

Sue
I certainly agree with Pat and the lack of a return phone call is inexcusable.
John

Same As Above
I can actually request a copy of the results and they will have the same report and CD's that the MD's get within 24hrs from taking the PET or CT..

The not calling back is probably about normal (unfortunately)....

Just keep hammering the office until you get results.

Best,
John

Sue22 said:

Appreciated
Thanks very much all of you. Your input gives me an idea on where to go on Monday.
She will definitely making more calls next week. Her original doctor was in the private sector and the other one that looks at the scan is in the public system.

I will suggest she calls both of them.

Have a nice weekend. Sue

What Everyone Said
Hi Sue, Pat put it precisely. Thanks to John, I started asking for a copy to be sent to me when I left the clinic that does my scans, and it arrives within two days with the results. They are quite readable, and I don't have to coordinate scans with Dr. appointments. Two weeks is crapola. Best to you and your lady.

Hal

Sue22 said:

Tks Hal. The scans are done
Tks Hal. The scans are done at the Hospital. Do you guys pay for the scans or is it at a hospital as well? They say it is ''2 week wait for everyone''.

Should she get it in the private sector?

Your input is appreciated. Sue

Scans
In the end we pay for it via insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, VA, Charitable Orgs, or out of pocket. It is usually at a hospital but there are also private companies that do such imaging. Also doctor's groups and Mobile Units that make rounds to smaller hospitals and centers in rural areas.

You're witnessing the difference between the health care systems. One is uncountable except to themselves, thus a two week wait. The other is accountable to competition and market principals, thus, far shorter lines and less waiting times.

Should she get it done in the private sector? I guess that is an individual choice but if time is a factor and often is in cancer situations, the private sector becomes quite attractive if you can afford it. The US gets a huge number of Canadians coming across the border for cancer treatment but the truth is even for American's now who pay out of pocket the best deal can be found at Punta Pacifica Hospital in Panama. It is run by Johns Hopkins to US standards at 1/3 the cost. You might look up their web site under Medical Tourism.

Hal61 said:

Thanks
NJR, thanks for the reality check. This is the U.S., that is Canada and I was speaking out of turn. I still think it stinks, but forgot it may be the norm in Canada. The idea of paying for scans out of pocket would take me out of the care loop pretty fast. I have great insurance as a retired state employee (but I get a very meagre retirement check, so everyone be calm). If I didn't have it I'd be in the state a lot of people in this country are: doing without care. Which is the other side of the coin.

still best, Hal

Heck no
you were not speaking out of turn, you were exactly right. It is crapola to make her wait two weeks. That is cause for an entire new health problem on top of what she already has. Anxiety is a killer, a family buster and a major contributor to needless suicides. Especially when we all know that it is a very simple matter to pick up a damn phone and take two minutes to put someones mind to rest, or let them prepare to do battle.

Sorry if I am a little passionate on the topic but I experienced it myself through a comedy of errors and a broken scanner. It sucked worse than some of the treatment.

pattyanny said:

Unbelievable!
I agree! Two weeks would have put me over the edge! I am thankfully NED at this point only by the grace of God! I am going through many personal issues, and the anxiety is killing me. I am down to 108 lbs at 5 ft 9 in, after maintaining a good 120lbs for a while. I began TX at 142lbs. But, I digress.
Make sure you call the office on Monday, and get reports of all bloodwork, scans, biopsies, and tests done throughout your treatment. I have a file on myself that I can refer to with the different doctors when needed, as sometimes one Dr does not know what the other is doing. Being pro-active is very important when dealing with your health issues. It also helped me when applying for SSI Disability down the road.
My prayers and positive thought are with you! Bug them, call them, and keep calling until you get an answer. Write down the person you talked to so you can refer back to what the previous person said. Stay strong & good luck!
Patty

the waiting is the hardest part
even here in the states alot depends on where you go. I have a friend dealing with cancer and her results take days. I go to the James in Columbus and even for my PET scans I wait and follow up later that same day (wait time about 3-4 hours) to get results.
YOU are the consumer; nag, ****, ask to speak to someone higher up and get loud if you have to!

Sue22 said:

Good day everyone. All of
Good day everyone. All of your suggestions and input are very welcome. I read them very carefully and I am learning from you. I am so new to this life situation and it is awful so far. If we only knew what she has and IF it did spread or not. I think she is ready to face the music if it is bad news but it it the darn waiting.......as everyone said.

I am passing most of the messages to her as she doesn't like the computer.

Tks again. I will let you know as soon as we find out.
She said she will make more calls this week.
Take good care everyone. Sue

No Charge...
They don't charge me for the desk copy and cd's...

They are pretty much readable, although they do have al lot of the techincal stuff in them.

When they clearly say no evidense of disease..you certainly have no problem understanding them. It's when they start talking about some changes since last, but not suspect of cancer, but ...yada, yada, yada....very easy to be concerned...

LOL, then your MD will tell you to stop reading your own reports, LOL....ask me why I know this....hmmm.

Best,
Jhn

pattyanny said:

Hmmmm....
Yes Skiffin, Lol! How do I know that also... hmmmm. One Doctor told me to ditch my file! With my waning memory, I need those records. I did stop carrying around though! Thanks for the chuckle!
Blessings,
Patty

Patty Girl....
Been meaning to tell you for awhile that I like the new photo....

Hope all is well on the home front and you have restocked up on ammo, just incase the ex sill snoops around on occasion, LOL...

JG