Had core biopsy–might not get my results for over a week

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surprisedat65
surprisedat65 Member Posts: 73
edited January 2015 in Waiting for Test Results

Core biopsy went fine. Doc had originally said 3 business days, so Fri, Mon, Tues. I am scheduled for an appt. at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, but I was told it's possible the pathology report will not be there in time and that the doc is leaving town Tuesday afternoon for a week, which meant, I was very clearly told, that I would have to wait another week to meet with him!

My mammo and ultrasound results from the pathologist said "mass with malignant characteristics, "Assessment category 5," BI-RADS category 5: highly suggestive of malignancy."

It is a practice with several surgeons, tho' I have no way of knowing if any or all of them are breast cancer specialists. Might I insist that the doc either talk to me over the phone or have someone else give me the results when they come in rather than my having to wait so long to know what's what?

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited January 2015

    Yes! There is no earthly reason for you to have to wait that long. IF your results are not in on Tuesday, I would ask him very matter of factly who in his office you should speak to for the results. His absence is no reason to leave you in limbo of the worst sort for over a week longer.

    When the results come in, ask them to either scan and email the path. Report to you OR tell them you are stopping by in an hour to pick up a copy. Don't take no for an answer. (You could also ask them to fax to you if you have a home fax.)

    This is your medical info and you are entitled to it.

    It is possible that not all the info (such as hormone receptor status) will be in the path report but it should be available in an addendum within a few days. some of that can take a little longer.

    Failing all of the above you could go to the facility where the biopsy was done and ask for a copy of your report - this may or may not be successful.

    Good luck, and hang on.

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited January 2015

    Not meaning to freak you out, but I had to wait 11 loooong days for my Biopsy results, simply because the clinic that gives the results, in person, was closed, because of the horse race that stops a nation,The Melbourne Cup, here in Australia. The Breastscreen call back clinic is only open, on Tuesdays and all the results are given in person, by a Breast Surgeon, with councilors and breast Nurses available for consultation. They don't give results over the phone.

    I only mention this, because I too, was outraged by the wait and sent a very strongly worded letter to Breastscreen Australia outlining exactly why this should never happen to anyone else, ever again. I got a letter back apologizing for the extra wait. I don't know if it was acted on, for the following and subsequent years.

    It is bureaucracy, they just don't seem to "Get It! "

    You can certainly try to reason with them, I sure would and I wish you all the very best!

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  • savgigi
    savgigi Member Posts: 376
    edited January 2015

    One thing I have done, when I know the results are completed and released to the doctor, is go to the medical records department where the biopsy was done and get a copy of my report. If your doctor does not give you your results on Tuesday and will not allow anyone else to give them to you while he is gone, you might consider doing something similar.

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited January 2015

    Savigirl and Kay - Exactly.

    Ariom - that's ridiculous that you had to wait because of the Melbourne Cup. It's great that you took the time to write a letter.

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited January 2015

    Thanks Hopeful! I will never see that race the same way again, it's just a reminder, of that awful wait, to me now!

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited January 2015

    I'm sure you won't, Ariom. All the better that you drew official attention to that situation. I really shudder to think how many women had extended waits such as yours because of a horse race.

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