Won’t give pathology report over phone

puzzled1

Is this a bad sign? My surgeon has always called me with the results of my biopsies. The last results were read to me over the phone by the assistant. Today I called because the results of my lumpectomy were supposed to be in on a Wednesday. The person who answered the phone told me the report was in and she would let my surgeons assistant tell me the results because my doctor was in surgery all day. She was gone a long time and them came back and was very halting in telling me the assistant didn’t have permission this time and my doctor wanted to go over them with me in person on Monday. I’ve done a decent job not worrying because that doesn’t change a thing but I kind of cried a little when I hung up because it scared me. Little bit concerned

Moderators

Oh puzzled, we're so sorry to hear of this troubling interaction. We don't have any insight on whether this is a good or bad sign, but we are sending lots of positive thoughts your way and wishing you peace this weekend while you wait for the appointment on Monday. Please keep us posted, and know we're all here no matter what the results!

--The Mods

Hopeful82014

puzzled - what a pit of a situation to be in, especially having to wait over the weekend for the information. I really feel for you.

I wonder if it's possible that the assistant did not actually have authorization to give you those results over the phone that last time? It might be that she (?) has since been told to leave that to the surgeon and that the receptionist did not realize that.

Personally, I think this was handled pretty poorly. It sounds as though the office lacks clear guidelines on how and by whom results are provided. In this case you would have been better served being told that the results weren't available (as opposed to received by the office) but that the surgeon fully expected to have them for you for your appt. on Monday.

As always, the waiting and wondering is one of the truly difficult aspects of cancer that others simply have no inkling of. I hope you can find something enjoyably distracting to do this weekend. Maybe try to stay away from this board and anything that touches on cancer. Sometimes that can be very helpful and soothing to your mind - sort of like not scratching a mosquito bite.

Hoping for the best for you, puzzled.

puzzled1

Thank you for your replies. I’ve relaxed about it today. Just miscommunication between doctor and assistant probably. I can wait until Monday. Thanks again

Shellsatthebeach

I've read where people were told to come meet with the doctor for their results and where clear of cancer. When I had my first mammogram they saw mico-calification and wanted me to get more test done including biopsies in both breasts. The doctor would not give me results over the phone which scared the crap out of me. I met with him and all was fine. He said they were there most likely due to breastfeeding. All that worry for nothing. Fast forward 10 years later, having a very different issue, the doctor told me over the phone I had cancer. I think it is all just a procedural thing. Some won't review any results until you visit them while others just use the phone. It doesn't mean your results are any worse.

Veeder14

My experience with this was when I requested my pathology report and the nurse told me that I had to come in for an app't to get the results. I'm 2 hours away from the hospital. I called back and told the Nurse Practitioner the same thing and demanded to be provided with results over the phone (read the report to me) or have it sent through the Mychart system by the end of the day. She called back and did read me the report however she added in her opinion, which turned out to be incorrect. I did find out that the lymph nodes were clear but the other part about the surgeon not getting all the cancer out was wrong, and I had to get straightened out at my next app't.

Sometimes I think the providers just want to be able to bill for another app't and that's why they want patients to show up in person to get results.

I just wish providers wouldn't make it so difficult for patients. We have enough hassle and stress to deal with.

sparrowhawk

That sounds like poor management to me. When I was getting my biopsy results, I had to go in to see the doctor but the receptionist read me the doctor's instructions over the phone so I had some idea of what to expect. I really hope you have good news.

Anonymous

Hi puzzled

It is easy to understsnd your anxiety over this.

Good to hear you have relaxed a bit since then.

Wishing you all the best for your appt. On Monday.

puzzled1

Thank you so much for all your replies. Just got back from doctor. Not cancer! She was sick last week and didn’t see my report until this morning. Silly me. Worrying for no reason.

Anonymous

Yay puzzled1!! That's great news!!

Anonymous

Happy Dance Puzzled.

That is wonderful.

MCBaker

So happy for you!!!

Salamandra

That's great!

And wow, that's terrible. The lack of empathy that people can have. Ugh.

Meow13

Holy cow, I was sure it was bad news that is why they wanted to see you in person. Yippee it was NOT cancer.

puzzled1

I keep trying to like your comments, lol! Too much Facebook for me. Thank you all for taking the the time to comment and encourage while going through your own struggles.