Just found out - by accident

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Maya12
Maya12 Member Posts: 10
edited September 2019 in Just Diagnosed

I just found out that my biopsy came back positive for IDC. The results were called in to my doctors office a few days ago but nobody bothered to call me to notify :(. I found the pathology report on my online patient portal by accident and this being Friday night I can’t even make an appointment with anyone until Monday. Honestly, being let down like this by my doctors office totally sucks.

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  • Bostonmama
    Bostonmama Member Posts: 15
    edited September 2019

    Oh Bless your heart ! That is a terrible way to find out. I wish you had the doctor to ask questions and get reassurance of your options. I literally was just trying to access my portal before stopping by here. Seems my portal has been down a few days. Sending prayers and thoughts your way.

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  • WC3
    WC3 Member Posts: 1,540
    edited September 2019

    Maya12:

    I like getting my test results quickly but it's pretty horrible that your doctor didn't call, though maybe not intentional.

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited September 2019

    That's got to be frustrating. Usually results aren't released to a patient portal until action has been taken on the office side.

    Sorry about your results. If it's any consolation, breast cancer usually moves really really slowly, so no action for a few days won't make a difference in the long run. Maybe knowing that will help you get through the weekend. I would call the second they open on Monday. Tell them you found your results on your own and are understandably upset about your results... hopefully that will expedite you talking with the doctor.


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  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited September 2019

    Sorry for the shock, but systems/procedures do break down. I had my biopsy on a Tuesday, expected a call Wed/Thu at the latest (that was always the timing where I get treated), still hadn’t heard from my BSby Fri morning, and happened to have a follow-up with my MO that morning. She walked in and told me. It was kind of a shock. Turns out the pathology department never sent the results to my BS. He was *livid*. Again, sorry you had to find out that way, and waiting through the weekend does *suck*, but it won’t make any difference in the long term.

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  • Maya12
    Maya12 Member Posts: 10
    edited September 2019

    The extra wait is extra excruciating because it’s been three weeks since my mammogram (where I was told things did not look good and to make sure I don’t wait to schedule follow up tests) and two weeks since my biopsy. I assume it will take another week for my next appointment (I am not even sure who to call next???). I spoke to the physician on call last night for my obgyn practice and all she said to call her assistant Monday morning and she (the assistant) may be able to assist with further steps. I honestly don’t even want to speak to anyone at that office ever again - I am seriously bothered my the lack of accountability and compassion.

    Reading other responses here, it looks like some people get their mastectomies faster than me getting my results. By the way, I am in a major metro area with excellent insurance and multiple medical centers nearby.

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  • Peregrinelady
    Peregrinelady Member Posts: 1,019
    edited September 2019
    I would definitely look for another office. You need to trust that they care enough to keep you informed.
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  • WC3
    WC3 Member Posts: 1,540
    edited September 2019

    Maya12:

    You can start calling breast cancer centers Monday. They will probably want a copy of your mammogram and biopsy report to triage you.

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  • AngieB92
    AngieB92 Member Posts: 323
    edited September 2019

    Sorry you had to find out this way! I agree about calling other cancer centers on Monday. I found out via my local breast center on a Thursday and, although they were great, I didn’t feel that I was going to get specialized care for my BC. I contacted our big university-based medical centeron the Monday after and got the ball rolling. Even though I have a one and a half hour drive to get there, the peace of mind I have about my care is worth it!

    Good luck to you!!

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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited September 2019

    It took about six weeks overall between mammogram and surgery for me, so it varies between one and two weeks for the various tests like biopsy and MRI.

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  • Nancy2581
    Nancy2581 Member Posts: 1,234
    edited September 2019

    Wow I 'm so sorry this happened. It's bad enough to get the results from the doctor, but to find out on the portal late Friday night is not acceptable. That kind of stuff isn't even released on my portal even after the doctor has seen it. We are here for you. I know the wait is awful until Monday. Try to occupy your time and don't google anything. Hugs to you

    Nancy


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  • Maya12
    Maya12 Member Posts: 10
    edited September 2019

    Thank you everyone for your support! I am still very shell shocked but I am researching breast centers in my area (while chasing my three kids, ha!). I am in Houston so I guess MD Anderson would be a good place to start.

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