Timing of diagnosis

Jim112
Jim112 Member Posts: 6
in Lung Cancer #1

I am new here and would like some advice about the progression of my diagnosis.

4/23 went to doctor over cough I had for about 2 month. He ordered a ct scan same day that showed a mass in my right upper lobe.

5/1 had PET scan which showed multiple spots on lungs, lymph nodes and bones

5/6 had pulmonary function test

5/6 met with oncologist. He was unable to tell me anything specific without a biopsy, but ordered a brain MRI

5/7 met with pulmonologist who confirmed I had lung cancer based on PET scan and ordered biopsy

5/10 have brain MRI scheduled 

5/16 have biopsy scheduled

5/20 have appointment with oncologist to review biopsy results and plan treatment.

Does this seem like a reasonable time frame? I feel like everyone is moving things along as fast as they but would like some input from people who have been there. Thanks for any advice you can give.

Comments

  • Mk1029
    Mk1029 Member Posts: 1
    #2
    Timing of diagnosis

    i’m no expert but your experience seems similar to mine. Mine might have taken longer. 

    I was diagnosed last May and it seemed to take forever. 

  • jorola
    jorola Member Posts: 243 Member
    #3
    Yes it is reasonable. Please consider this...

    No offence and been there myself, you are focused on you so of course you want things to move along one immediately after the other. However consider you are involving 2 specialists, 2 specialized scans, a specialized breathing test and a minor operation, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment planning all done within 27 days and actually 19 business days. All the while they are doing the same for how many other people?

  • Bubbie7
    Bubbie7 Member Posts: 3
    edited June 2019 #4
    Waiting for diagnosis

     

    My mom died of lung cancer 40 years ago but she smoked heavily.I am dealing with waiting for a diagnosis. I started having pain in my arm and shoulder and went to an orthopedist who did an mri. It took 2 weeks to get the results but I was referred to an orthopedic oncologist. He ordered ctscan and bone scans and I’m hoping to get results today or soon. i had been seeing an oncologist for lcis a few years ago and contacted her. Her nurse said she will consult with the other doctor and get me in ASAP if it shows cancer. Any advice? 

  • Jim112
    Jim112 Member Posts: 6
    #5
    Bubbie7 said:

    Waiting for diagnosis

     

    My mom died of lung cancer 40 years ago but she smoked heavily.I am dealing with waiting for a diagnosis. I started having pain in my arm and shoulder and went to an orthopedist who did an mri. It took 2 weeks to get the results but I was referred to an orthopedic oncologist. He ordered ctscan and bone scans and I’m hoping to get results today or soon. i had been seeing an oncologist for lcis a few years ago and contacted her. Her nurse said she will consult with the other doctor and get me in ASAP if it shows cancer. Any advice? 

    Patience is nedeed, but it

    Patience is nedeed, but it also pays to be proactive. We found following up with the  people doing the testing and reporting the results has been heLpful, as has been following up with insurance to ensure required pre approvals don’t hold up a test. I feel like everyone has been very cooperative in getting the results out, once the test is completed.  For me the bigger issue has been getting the tests scheduled timely. All imaging facilities seem to be really busy. Unless you can get your doctor to order the test stat,  my only advice is to be flexible about where you go for the test. Most facilities have multiple sites so i go  to whatever location  can get me in earliest, even if it is not the most convenient location. Good luck!

  • jorola
    jorola Member Posts: 243 Member
    #6
    Awesome advice!

    I am Canadian so things work a bit differently here but most visitors are from the US. Your pro-active tips are great. They will help out others who come here looking for help.

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