files?

brenda63

Can I get copies of my records? If I can do I get them from my ONC?

Anonymous

Yes, you are entitled to a copy of ALL your records....from ALL doctors that you might see.

Call each of their offices and make the request...its always good to have your own copies.

Best Wishes

Jule

brenda63

Thank you

blackjack

Brenda,

I would ask all your md's for a copy of all your records, lab reports, surgical path reports, biopsies ect. and keep then in a BIG 3 ring binder. This way you can bring the binder with you on appt. and keep your notes handy at all times. I also put in their dates of all my appts.

Hope this helps,

blackjack

SandyL

Brenda,

I strongly encourage you to get and keep copies of all your records, everything that blackjack listed. I was first diagnosed with bc in 1986 and had a mast and chemo.  I didn't get copies of any of my reports except for the labs from my checkups with my onc after I finished chemo.  In 2002 I found a lump in my remaining breast and to no one's surprise it was a new primary.  I had another mast, chemo, and radiation.  My surgeon from 1986 had retired so I went to a surgical oncologist specializing in breast cancer and I also went to a new oncologist, one that my new surgeon recommended.  Both new doctors requested copies of all my records from my first bout with bc.  My former surgeon's partners were still practicing so I had no problem obtaining copies of everything in my former surgeon's his files, but I ran into a roadblock when I attempted to get my old oncology records.  My former oncologist had switched to a new group, but left old records behind.  When I requested my records, after a couple of weeks of getting the runaround, I was finally told my records had been destroyed because they were so old.  Yes, they were 16 years old, but breast cancer can recur even 20 years later (although it usually doesn't, thank goodness).  The only record I had from eight months of chemo was a handwritten page of notes that was in my former surgeon's files.  It had the correct dates of my treatments and abbreviations for my chemo drugs, but didn't have dosages or any other details.  It didn't even have my name on it.  The lack of an official record of the drugs and dosages made a difference in my new oncologist's choice of chemo regime.  He wanted to give me more Adriamycin, but couldn't because he didn't know how much I'd had previously.  I learned my lesson and got copies of everything the second time around.  I hope I don't have to deal with this a third time, but if so, I've got copies of everything.  It's a good thing, too, because I learned recently that my second surgeon relocated to another state.  

Sandy  

Makratz

The American Cancer Society provided me with a plastic binder/folder with inserts and tabs.  They are free to all cancer patients.  It's a great way to keep track of all your records, apts, bills etc.  Perhaps you can request one from their website.  I got my from a rep that was at my radiation facility.  Best of luck!

brenda63

I want to thank everyone for the info. I wanted to do that but wasnt sure I could. Sorry to hear about your BC coming back Sandy. I will keep you in my prayers. I pray for all of us!!! I pray for a cure for all cancers!!!!

Makratz

Thanks Brenda, we al pray for a cure!