How long of a wait is normal for seeing a surgeon?

Zoritsa

Last month I went in for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound and the radiologist told me to contact my Dr. the next morning to schedule an appt. with a general surgeon. A little background, 7 months ago went in for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, found micro-calcifications on mammogram, nothing on ultrasound. This past one, a small spot showed up on the ultrasound now. I called my Dr. the next morning, and they advised me to call the surgery nurse direct, to get an appt. sooner. I called and had an appt. for tomorrow, but late last week, they called and cancelled my appt. I now have an appt. for the middle of next week, which is now a month out from when I had my mammogram. I can't find any information on how long it normally takes people to get in, and the worrying is starting to get to me, as I'm so afraid I'm going to get another call cancelling my next appt. At this point, I can't even get in touch with my regular Dr. to find any information out on what the radiologists findings were.

This appt. I'm waiting for isn't even for the biopsy....this is to just talk about the procedure and make that appointment. I just don't know who to talk to, what I should be doing, or if this is a normal wait time for many. I'm just lost!

plumster1

I had a mammogram and ultrasound on a Monday and the biopsy was Friday. Maybe you could call again and make the biopsy appointment before you see the doctor. So when you see him/her it would already be set. Good luck and try not to worry too much. As I am waiting for my results, I know how hard that is.

MelissaDallas

I was going through a big county clinic staffed by an NCI cancer center. It took from the first of November to the middle of April to get through mammo, diagnostic mammo, needle biopsy & excisional biopsy. The wait really isn't an issue except for the anxiety. Most cancers have grown for years to even show up on a mammogram so a month won't make any difference. If they were seeing anything very alarming you would be getting fast-tracked. It sucks to wait though

Moderators

Zoritsa-

We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We're sorry for what brings you here, but we're glad you've found us, and hope you find this place to be one of support and encouragement!

Waiting for tests and test results is one of hardest part of this whole process, and we're so sorry that you're having to wait this long. Is it possible to schedule the procedure ahead of this informative appointment you're waiting on? That way, you won't to wait until then to schedule it. Like MelissaDallas said, the main problem with waiting is the anxiety. We hope you're able to make the appointment soon, and that you get in for your biopsy! And we hope your results are benign!

The Mods

Zoritsa

Thank you for the responses. It helps to hear from others in the same or similar situation. I was doing okay with all of this, until they cancelled my appt...then the anxiety started. I kept telling myself, that no matter what happens, I can't change it, so I shouldn't worry myself. Knowing I have a place to ask questions and find information is a bit reassuring.

plumster1, I'm glad to hear you got in quickly and will get your results soon. Hoping for the best for you!

MellisaDallas, Thank you for your response. Yes, it does suck to wait...and I am going to be hopeful that I wont have to wait to much longer. The clinic I go to use to be wonderful, but since being taken over by a larger company...I may be looking for other Doctors after this, or during if this gets delayed for to long.

I'm going to try and get the biopsy scheduled. Still waiting on my doctors office to get back to me. I've left messages and called periodically yesterday, but no luck getting an actual person on the phone.

Zoritsa

I finally have my appt. with the surgeon on Wednesday. I hope they schedule the biopsy soon after, as I wasn't able to get that appt. first.

Is there anything I should be asking? I was told by the radiologist that it will be an ultrasound guided biopsy, and I know where I have to go. I'm thinking I don't have to many questions now, and just want to get the ball rolling.

I was also able to sign up for a program that allows me to check up on my health records. I was able to review the radiologist's report and kind of get an idea as to whats going on. They found a spiculated solid mass in the 7 o'clock position, with shadowing. The birads was 4c.

Tomboy

Zoritsa, I am glad you found out that much. Maybe you can find someone who can go with you to those appointments for support, and also their memory? it is hard to remember everything they say, you will be glad that you did. All the best to you, and I hope you let us know how it went.

Zoritsa

Thank you Tomboy. I probably should have kept my last post here anyways....oh well.

So, saw the general surgeon today and basically felt like I paid someone 40 bucks to feel me up ( just to clarify, the Dr was polite and professional, just felt like a waste of my time) and write a script for the biopsy, which he said he doesn't do. So, now I am suppose to wait till the hospital that does it, to call me and schedule it. So, more of the waiting game.

Zoritsa

A little update. I go in Monday for my biopsy and should know something by Tuesday. I gathered all my information and am now going someplace else for all of this. The clinic I was going to hasn't been of any help to me, and especially now, when I need it. So, I called in the big guns so to speak (a friend of the family), and they helped me get in at another clinic (which deals only in women's breast diagnostics) as quickly as possible.

When I went to ask about getting the original order from the surgeon, his nurse got snippy with me, told me she'd leave it at the front desk, and hung up on me. On the other hand, the people in the radiology dept. were extremely helpful and nice. I feel better knowing I'm going to a better place now and will know soon what I am dealing with, or not dealing with.

Tomboy

That's terrific, Zoritsa! Finding a place where the people are kind is more than half the battle. I will be holding you in my thoughts on monday, and wishing you very well indeed.

proudtospin

when my mamo first showed calcifications, the mamo center said I needed a biopsy.  My PCD who had been ordering the mamos each year, said immediately she wanted me to see a BS.

failed mamo news on Mon, called same day and say the BS on that Sat, had the biopsy the following week

we moved fast!

ballet12

Hi Zoritsa, I had the same experience you had, about the surgery appointment being cancelled. Part of the issue in dealing with general surgeons is that they do lots of surgery of many kinds, and they are frequently called by the emergency room to do emergency surgery (appendectomies, etc.). This is often true, even if the general surgeon does a lot of breast surgery.  They generally diversify into other areas, as well. Breast surgeons, on the other hand, don't usually have emergency surgeries. I also, ultimately, switched to a breast surgeon, but this was after the excisional biopsy done by the general surgeon, in which I did receive a diagnosis.  Like Melissa, my diagnostic and surgical process stretched over a number of months.  My stereotactic core biopsy was in June, my excisional (surgical) biopsy was in July, and the two subsequent re-excision lumpectomies were done in October (after I switched to another facility). It does sound like you will have very rapid turn around to receive the results of the biopsy, which is good.

Zoritsa

Biopsy went well this morning....it wasn't as bad as I had made it in my mind. The Dr. and nurse were great and the nurse held my hand through the whole thing. I should know something tomorrow.

Zoritsa

Unfortunately, I'll be posting on the Just Diagnosed board from here on out. The Dr. that called me this morning said she'll know more tomorrow, but that it is cancer and it's very early.

plumster1

so sorry to hear that Zoritsa! I just joined two weeks ago and have learned a lot and got lots of support from the boards. Big hugs to you!