Frustration!!!!!!!!

pmillr2000
pmillr2000 Member Posts: 26
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
When my BC was diagnosed 2 years ago, it was because of a routine mammogram. A few days later, I got a letter from the diagnostics center stating I needed "further imaging", to contact my doctor. When I made that FIRST phone call to the doctor, I was told by the nurse that "Everything's fine". I asked her to double check the report, ended up going for 2nd mammo, then biopsy, then mastectomy, you know. If I had NOT had that letter from the diagnostic center I would have accepted "Everything's fine" and rocked on for another year until my next mammo.

Fast forward 2 years. On 8/12, I had my annual mammo on my remaining breast. Got a letter from the diagnostic center stating I needed "further imaging". Drs. office scheduled 2nd mammo and ultrasound for 8/22. Called my Drs. office after 2nd visit to diagnostic center, and "Everything's fine". On 8/29, the diagnostic center sent me ANOTHER letter saying I needed "further imaging". I called the diagnostic center and they said, Oh, it was probably from the first mammo (on the 12th) and probably "Everything's fine". On 9/8, the diagnostic center sends me ANOTHER letter, this time saying it was the 8/22 mammo. I call my Drs. office again, and they said the report from the diagnostic center says "Everything's fine".

ARGH! My Drs. office is supposed to be calling the diagnostic center to find out what's going on. I could just scream I'm so frustrated!

Comments

  • mgm42
    mgm42 Member Posts: 491 Member
    #2
    Good Grief! Arrrrrgh!!!!!!
    Do you have another doctor or imaging center you could go to or see? I would be so skeptical after going through what you've been through and are going through. I'm a firm believer in 2nd opinions, particularly when given cause. I'm so sorry that you are going through this - AGAIN! I can't be of any assistance, but please know that I'm in your corner and rooting for you. Hugs, Marilynn
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    #3
    For Crying Out Loud!
    SHEEEESH!!!! Frustrating isn't the word for this!!! It isn't as if your appointment at the hair stylist got mixed up, or even that you got stranded at the airport~ THAT would be frustrating! This is your Life you are talking about! I must say, I wonder how often these techs, RN's DR's have mammograms, and if they just assume all if fine...do they go through the same thing as we "mere patients" do? Surely they are not immune to finding themselves in the positition of having to battle the beast.

    Keep us in your loop. Is it grand to have an understanding place to let it all out, isn't it???

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #4
    This is in no way acceptable! I would be at their door getting first hand information on how they can be so wishwashy and so extremely unorganized. If it is at all possible for you to go to a more professional facility I would do so! These people need to understand that their lack of organization could have life threatening repercussions and they should be held accountable! I am so very sorry that you have had to deal with such carelessness! My best to you!

    RE
  • cabbott
    cabbott Member Posts: 1,039 Member
    #5
    Clinic differences
    After surgery at a major breast center, I switched to their mammogram center just because they worked well with my surgeon. They do things way differently than my little local town did. Instead of going home and waiting till the doctor called or a letter came, I wait in the little dressing cubicle till the nurse comes in and asks to do more shots that day. They are very cautious and sometimes do the extra shots, but everything is done that day to save me from any extra trips. I have a finished radiology report in hand before I suit up and go across the hall to see my doctor for the clinical breast exam. The nurse told me she would never dream of sending me home with things undone because it would be too stressful. I just liked the convenience of not having to take another day off of work. Another friend of mine picked a different hospital clinic to go to because they too wouldn't send her home until all follow-up shots including ultrasounds were completed and she had a finished radiology report in hand. Those kind of clinics are around, but you may have to search for them. Good luck!
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #6
    How Nerve Wracking
    I would so change doctors if I was in your shoes. It is very traumatizing when you get a letter or phone call that you need a follow-up as you well know having gone through all this before. But they don't realize that they are playing with your life, so to speak. Personally, there are too many doctors out there to chose from that I would definitely find a doctor with a more supportive staff. Sometimes, it's not the doctors but his office staff that run a shoddy practice. I would definitely talk to him/her and if you don't get anywhere I would just look for another doctor. Keep us posted. Hugs, Lili
  • pmillr2000
    pmillr2000 Member Posts: 26
    #7
    Thanks for letting me vent!
    It's so nice to have a place I can go to vent!

    I chose my oncologist on my surgeons recommendation and because of her reputation as one of the best in the area. I really don't have much choice in the diagnostic center, without traveling to Birmingham. That's not ENTIRELY out of the question, but it would definitely be a pain in the butt! Up until now, I've been very happy with BOTH of them. The first doctor, who's nurse told me 2 years ago that "Everything's fine" was my GP (notice, I said WAS), who had just sent me for my regular mammo. This is a different doctor I'm dealing with now!

    At any rate, I've finally gotten SOME level of assurance from all parties involved that everything is, indeed, fine. After I complained to the nurse at my oncologist office (who, BTW, turned out to be the one to get to the bottom of it all, and I'm very grateful), She looked again at the report she got from the diagnostic center and said it was a GOOD report. So she got on the phone and kept at it until she talked to someone at the diagnostic center who could answer my questions. She also looked, again, at my reports and agreed that the report was a good one, I don't need to worry. The letter, apparently, was some sort of a glitch or something, and I should NOT be getting it. Whew!

    Lord have mercy, they're only doing ONE boob, it shouldn't be so hard!
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    #8
    pmillr2000 said:

    Thanks for letting me vent!
    It's so nice to have a place I can go to vent!

    I chose my oncologist on my surgeons recommendation and because of her reputation as one of the best in the area. I really don't have much choice in the diagnostic center, without traveling to Birmingham. That's not ENTIRELY out of the question, but it would definitely be a pain in the butt! Up until now, I've been very happy with BOTH of them. The first doctor, who's nurse told me 2 years ago that "Everything's fine" was my GP (notice, I said WAS), who had just sent me for my regular mammo. This is a different doctor I'm dealing with now!

    At any rate, I've finally gotten SOME level of assurance from all parties involved that everything is, indeed, fine. After I complained to the nurse at my oncologist office (who, BTW, turned out to be the one to get to the bottom of it all, and I'm very grateful), She looked again at the report she got from the diagnostic center and said it was a GOOD report. So she got on the phone and kept at it until she talked to someone at the diagnostic center who could answer my questions. She also looked, again, at my reports and agreed that the report was a good one, I don't need to worry. The letter, apparently, was some sort of a glitch or something, and I should NOT be getting it. Whew!

    Lord have mercy, they're only doing ONE boob, it shouldn't be so hard!

    WHOOOO HOOOOO!!!
    Well, now that posting was more like it! We are so glad you came in here to vent, and more than that, we are doing the Naked Happy Dance that you finally got the Good News you so deserve. It sounds as if the RN is in your corner. I found that the RNs at the cancer center were my best friends for the duration of my chemotherapy schedule.I was thinking of putting them on my speed-dial! :-)

    Thanks for the update, and we can all exhale now! YAY

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • nsejean
    nsejean Member Posts: 4
    #9
    frustration
    Frustration doesn't even describe what you have been through. I feel like the rest in saying that you should think about checking into another place for testing and treatment. It would be very hard for me to believe what they are telling after such a mix up. When I went for my mamogram, I was immediately given the follow up ultrasound and when I asked about getting the biopsy done, was told I could have my surgeon do it but it would need to be under ultrasound to get the smaller sized tumor under the larger one. I agreed and they phoned my MD who gave the order All was said and done in 3 hours for the mamogram, Ultrasound and needle biopsies. When I met the referred surgeon, I changed back to the original one I had wanted because I did not feel comfortable with the new one. I'd say you have to feel comfortable with your doctors and be free to communicate your needs because you will be with them for a long time. I really am glad I talked with my new friends and old ones too who have been down the cancer road before and have helped me to understand all the changes that happen as you walk down this journey of life with cancer. It's an entirely different world in which my life has been touched by the hugs and kind words and deeds of strangers and I in turn have done the same thing. It does help to talk with others, especially those who have been there before you or are going through what you are going through. Blessings. Jean
  • Ginger7286
    Ginger7286 Member Posts: 13
    #10
    Frustration
    Please drop the GP and go to an actual GYN!!! I know mine saved my life (I have no doubt). I went for my annual and she felt the small lump in my right breast. Ordered a mammo with an ultra-sound. Ultra-sound turned to biospy, biopsy led to stage 2a cancer diagnosis. Anyway long story boring...get to a Dr. that specializes. I know technology is fallible but come on. I was never out of the loop and had results back in 3-5 days for each step. My doctors and surgeon all speak with one another and stay up on me, constantly checking on me and calling me. All this for a er+ small tumor that was removed, all tissue came back clean with only the sentinel node positive for cancer. Get doctors that take time and care, there are too many of them for us not to be choosy!! It is our health and well-being a stake. Take of yourself and keep us up on how you are doing.

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