Time from bx to path results...what is your experience in Can

DianeKS

Close family member waiting for results from a biopsy done this week. Results won't be available till Sept 3! I waited 2 weeks, but asked the RN to give me the results instead of waiting for the surgeons apt. (3 wks). Thought things had improved from 2006...disappointed, and can't stand the waiting crap!



Diane

listee

I'm in BC, it was only 5 days from biopsy to results and I got them from my GP. I'm surprised its going to take that long, if I were her, I'd start calling her GP daily. Squeaky wheel does sometimes work. Good luck!

Ridley

I'm in Ontario (Toronto) -- my first biopsy (ultrasound guided) took 1 week.  The next ones (MRI guided) took 5 days (all this summer).  Sounds like a long time to me as well. 

DianeKS

Yes, I thought so as well. Nice to know the system is working somewhere....



I already suggested the squeaky wheel listee. Normally she is very good at that, however I might see if she can get her GP to give her the results. Not her normal self, quite anxious. ' Can't change anything, why worry? '. Which is true, however , unnecessary IMHO.



There is only so much distracting one can do...



Thanks for the feedback, would like some other experiences to arm myself with examples to drive my point home. Anyone else care to share?



Many thanks,



Diane

Ridley

Diane. You might post your question on the Canadian Connection thread as well. I have found its the more active thread in the Cdn section.

slv58

I'm in Ontario and had core biopsy done on a Fri. And got results 10 days later on a mon. I consider that fair considering my timing included 2 weekends.

Beesie

Every doctor and clinic does things differently, whether they are in Ontario or Manitoba or in the U.S..  I've had lots of biopsies and a few surgeries over the years and generally I've been told that the results will take anywhere from 5 to 7 working days.  This can vary based on how well staffed that particular pathology lab is, and whether people happen to be out sick or on vacation.  At the end of August, I'd bet that some people are on vacation and that may be delaying results.

Some doctors insist that patients come in to receive the results in person, and other doctors are happy to give the results over the phone.  Some insist they only they can give out the results and others allow other staff or other doctors to give out the results. It's the doctor's decision. Your family member's situation might be one where the doctor wants to personally give out the results, and perhaps he or she is on vacation for a week or two at the end of August.  That happens.

Diane, if your family member is saying ' Can't change anything, why worry? ', then maybe you should let this go.  If she's okay to wait and doesn't want to make a fuss, I would think that your pressing on the issue and giving examples of people who got their results earlier will only make her feel bad and more anxious. Why are you intent on 'driving your point home' when she's okay waiting till September 3rd?  Personally I've never had a problem with longer wait times because it's easier to go on with my life and put it out of my mind if the wait is going to be a few weeks, vs. a few days.  Maybe your family member is happy to enjoy the rest of the summer and not have to face the results for a few weeks.  Remember that this is about what's best for her, not what's best for you or what you think is best for her.  

If your family member is normally good at being the squeaky wheel but is choosing to not do that this time, take that as a message about how she wants to handle this.

DianeKS

Good points Beesie,

Totally thinking about what I would want...you are right that I should take my cues from her and not push the issue. Thanks for the perspective.



Diane