should I ask for my report

B-A-P

hey guys ,

I was dx'd last week and like I said in my previous post , I've been given very little info. I'm still waiting on referrals and next steps , which could take a while. It's really bothering me not to know so I wanted to ask my Dr for a copy of the report so I can haven more info. My husband is worried that it'll cause me more stress to read it vs just waiting.

Just wondering if anyone had any opinions on this. Did you want to know the details or was it too stressful ?

All my testing could take months apparently and it's hard sitting here knowing that even though I am okay, I don't even know what they really found.

Thanks

moth

I'd definitely get the report.
IMO, knowing is better than not knowing. It's your body, your disease, find out about what's going on.

Also, occasionally offices and labs lose records or you might find an error in it that needs correcting etc. I'd ask for every single report, from pathology and also the radiologists (they do a separate report). File all of them in a binder and anytime you're dealing with breast issues with any doctor, bring it.

Ingerp

I think most of us get copies of our reports without asking. Much better to have the information. It'll help you here as well--you can see what other women with similar dx's/tx's are going through.

Peacetoallcuzweneedit

HI there -

I would say get a copy of your reports/results --> CDs or pdf files, or video files of all scans and any MRIs, etc....I am note sure it would cause you more stress to have a copy of it...if it is a concern, get a copy then don't read it - put it in a file or start a file on your PC for your medical records.... I carry ALL my records to every physician visit I go to...they have all come in handy... I keep all my health care in the same medical group - however even with the electronic medical record that is a requirement now, specialists and sometimes where I go to get MRIs are not on the same server and they will not have access to previous information or my surgical pathology. So I provide the copies and CDs to compare results and make sure there are no changes...and make sure we are talking about stuff that matters and not wasting time transfering records...etc.

Peacetoallcuzweneedit

Also...test results should not take a few months....I would call and see "why?" I work in health care and in a medicaid and medicare system...there is not much that takes two months even in the bureaucratic systems of care that I work in...a result I was waiting on took 2-3 weeks and it was sent to 3 different labs to make sure there was no cancer in the sample. I would for sure have a conversation with the doctor or their nurse to get a precise timeline of what to expect... the diagnosis is scary enough..hopefully you are doing well and hanging in there!

B-A-P

Whooops should have been more clear I was dx'd by excisional biopsy. I was told I couldn't have an MRI for a few months as the area would light up anyway. I imagine this is for accuracy Genetics appointments here take months if not the year , and where dcis is relatively a better prognosis, I imagine I will not be bumped up at all. I should have an appointment with the cancer clinic relatively quickly however. And yes I feel like it's better to know than to not. I think my husband was worried that I'd go google crazy and work myself up

I wish we had electronic acces to our records but we don't - not yet anyway. Would be a lot easier than chasing the Drs. Waiting on a call back now. Receptionist told me "she couldn't just give them to me " but I feel like that's because he hasn't spoken to me (this is my family doc ) , but I did tell her I know the diagnosis. Hopefully I'll get them soon.

moth

BAP, are you in Canada by any chance? I have tips for getting the records if so.

B-A-P

Moth : I sure am

moth

I'm in BC & can offer info about that province. pm me if you want to talk privately

Rrobin0200

yes... get the report. It really is crucial to have your own copy.

B-A-P

• So I got my path report. I'm glad I did. I also got my cancer clinic appointment for next week which is scary. But they also made an appointment to have me see a radiation dr next month which makes me nervous. I don't know if it's just standard to meet with them but we hadn't yet discussed that option. With my type of dcis , studies show (and yes I take it with a grain of salt because I'm not the dr) that it occurs in more than one duct and tx is isually mastectomy . So why radiate before having the full picture ? I may be jumping the gun but it feels like they're making decisions for me

DX Dcis with Idp- 6mm grade 2 . Papillary . Said slightly increased ER (whatever that means )