Am I the only one who sometimes sweats the small stuff?

octogirl

As I've mentioned in another thread, just diagnosed late last week, via biopsy of a lump on nipple I found (also had dx mammogram and ultrasound). Radiologist called with results the next day and helped arranged an appointment with a breast surgeon, next week....However, all he could (or would?) tell me for certain is that it is cancer, he said based on ultrasound and biopsy he can't be sure of type, nothing said about stage...two weeks seems a little long to me to see the bs, but at least I have an apt...it is a start.

But in the meantime....

BS staff refer me for a MRI to be done before my apt with bs. Tells me MRI facility will call me within a day or two to schedule an appointment.

Which they do today, but not before they take a fairly complete medical history over the phone. Ask me lots of questions about family history, etc etc. I answer their questions, but feel impatient: why do they need to know this just to schedule a MRI. Does the MRI not speak for itself? Don't I want my bs to interpret the MRI? Or is this all for the benefit of the insurance company? The only question they ask me which makes sense to me in the context of the purpose of the phone call is whether or not I am claustrophobic. (fortunately, I am not).

And then, I have to argue with them to schedule before the date of my doc's apt. They tell me the insurance company needs to approve, that might take 5 to 7 working days, but then want to schedule me for about 10 working days, which would be after my bs apt. I point out that is more than five to seven days, get a Big Sigh and am told, 'well ok we will schedule sooner, but if we don't get prior approval you are on the hook for that cost.' Me: I can take that risk, I will call bs staff to get them to push approval on the MRI.

Ok, finally get a day that is before my bs apt, MRI scheduler tells me date and time, gets ready to hang up phone, and I ask her for the address I am to report to for the MRI. This person who just asked me all her questions responds to mine by saying in a not too nice tone of voice: "What? You don't have our address? Why don't you have it? Your doctor is supposed to give you that information." Me: 'ummm, well no, I don't have it and I'd hate to miss my apt; can you just confirm the address I should go to on the date of my MRI appointment?' Her: (After Another Big Sigh) "well, ok, it is.....

I know this may seem petty in the big scene of things, but hey, it is frustrating to give so much info and to get so little in return.

Really, just venting, but thanks for letting me do so.

Octogirl.

plumster1

Hi Octogirl-

I understand your frustration as I myself was diagnosed two weeks ago. I think the reason for all the family history before the MRI is to give the radiologist who is reading your film some history. I know my BS looked at the radiologist's report that was done with my MRI as well as looked at my MRI herself to see if she concurred. I figure the more eyes the better checking and double checking right? It sounds like the person you spoke to was definitely difficult to deal with which is unfortunate during this stressfull time. I know once my MRI was done, I had selected my BS (I interviewed 3) and formed a Tx. I felt so much better. Good luck I hope all goes well!

plumster1

Hi Octogirl-

I understand your frustration as I myself was diagnosed two weeks ago. I think the reason for all the family history before the MRI is to give the radiologist who is reading your film some history. I know my BS looked at the radiologist's report that was done with my MRI as well as looked at my MRI herself to see if she concurred. I figure the more eyes the better checking and double checking right? It sounds like the person you spoke to was definitely difficult to deal with which is unfortunate during this stressfull time. I know once my MRI was done, I had selected my BS (I interviewed 3) and formed a Tx. I felt so much better. Good luck I hope all goes well!