3rd UPDATE

andreacha

When I last left off, my lung biopsy was xcld the day before because of the collapse risk. But my Oncologist when called by the Interventional Radiologist that was scheduled to do it, arranged for a Consult with a Dr. of Thoracic Surgery about an hour from me. It was only a week's notice which can be a problem when the state transports you, but they came through with a driver. Yesterday was the day of the consult. The driver was scheduled to be here at 11:30, a little early but it takes time to get me, my walker and spare oxygen into the car and ready to go. At 11 am the phone rang. It was the Doctor's office that I was going to. They said they had to cancel my appointment. I asked if the doctor was ill, and she said "no", I should never have been booked with their doctor as he doesn't perform Bronchoscopies for biopsies. I asked if he was not a thoracic surgeon and was told "yes", but I should not have been booked to see him. I told her that I had had the appointment for a week.

Teachertina

Good grief! Somebody needs to get their act together! Is there someone you can fire and get another doctor who can get things done?

andreacha

Continued --- She said she didn't know why it wasn't caught before. I explained that the driver for the state was expected momentarily. "Well, her trip has to be cancelled". I was so livid I couldn't breathe. The driver was there 5 minutes later and found me changed over to a big tank of oxygen. My concentrator couldn't keep up with my needs. I had a tough time trying to explain what happened. I finally got it out and she immediately called her supervisor and told her. She was asked to stay until I stabilized. I called my Oncologist's office, short of breath, and demanded to speak to my Oncologist. I told both (he and my NP) what had happened, the two of them on extensions at the office. Neither had any idea what was wrong but said they would find out and contact me. I told them I still had the voice mail from their scheduler on my computer that I could forward to them, which I did. I had called that doctor's office on the 14th just to confirm the appointment. They had it listed as a "consult for biopsy". I was sick the rest of day - literally. It got to the point that all I was vomiting was water, and more water. Then I became dehydrated and had cramping. I finally remembered my Zofran which did help. I bet that Doctor I was to see knows nothing about what happened. But I can assure you, he will. I haven't heard back from my Oncologist. He, no doubt, is having a tough time sitting today. I ripped him "a new one". (I think I heard my Nurse Practitioner giggle). One thing that perplexes me is that my own Pulmonologist is listed along with my other physicians. I don't even know yet if they contacted her previously. I intend to call my Oncologist tomorrow to find out what the next step is and am almost afraid of what that answer will be.

Bug

Oh, andreacha, what a mess. I'm so sorry to read this. Please hang in there (easy for me to say, I know). I'm sending good vibes that this is going to get straightened out asap. Hugs to you.

beachbum5817

Wow, that sure was a big screw up, andreacha. I am sorry that you had to deal with all of that with all the other things that are on your plate. I hope it can all be straightened out today. Keep us posted. Take care.

Carool

andreacha, that’s outrageous. I’m so sorry. I hope these doctors can get their heads straight and together get you to see a lung surgeon who can do what’s needed for you.

legaljen1969

Oh man. What a mess. I hate this part of the process. Scheduling snafus and referrals that don't work out. Maybe it's the girl at the cardiologist's office who didn't know what was going on or didn't understand why you were referred their office. I ran into that a few times with another diagnosis a few years back. I was referred to a cardiologist to clear me for surgery because my PCM said I had a long QT interval. The receptionist at the cardiologist's office told me, when I arrived, that they weren't going to see me because there was nothing wrong. She said the cardiologist reviewed my tests and he didn't think there was a problem. They didn't convey that to my surgeon and she wouldn't do the surgery until she got clearance from the cardiologist. So I get another appointment with the cardiologist who chastises me for not coming in the first time. I told him I was in the lobby at the reception desk when the girl told me he would not see me. Apparently I was not the first patient she had randomly turned away.

I am so sorry your oxygen got so out of whack. Thankfully the driver was able to stay with you until you stabilized. I am glad you got after the doctors. Hopefully you get it straightened out soon.

I don't know the law in your state about recording someone, but I record all phone conversations with my doctor's offices about appointments and referrals after a bunch of changed appointments last year. Here in SC, as long as one party to the conversation knows the conversation is being recorded (that is/can be the person doing the recording)- it can be and with no notice necessary to the other side. You can't record a third party conversation (i.e. wiretapping) without legal permission or a warrant. But if i am talking to someone and I want to record every word they say, I can do it and don't have to tell them.

Give 'em heck girl.

MarcieB

Hey, Andreacha. Any updates from you? I have been hoping that someone has taken a keen interest in your situation and is working to straighten it all out? I cannot believe the mess you have been through! The inconvenience it caused you is bad enough, but you still do not have the answers you need about what is going on in your lungs and how are they going to treat it? do you live alone? I am just wondering who checks in on you if you do?

andreacha

UPDATE: My Oncologist's office called me on Friday, late afternoon to tell me that they made an appointment for me with my own Pulmonologist on Monday, the 25th. She does not perform what I need but we will meet, and she will recommend the best path for me. Ordinarily the state requires a 2 week notice for a ride but because they were aware of what had just happened, they waived that rule and are providing a driver. Also, I googled that Dr. that I was to have the consult with, and the site showed all the procedures he does. I can't understand why he couldn't have done the Bronchoscopy. My mental state at this point is getting fragile. Thank you all for caring.

Carool

andreacha, I’m glad you have an appointment and will have a plan for what to do next. Thinking of you.

beachbum5817

I am so glad to hear this. It was nice of your oncologist's office to make the appointment for you, and it is great that the state is willing to make an exception for you. I hope that they won't make you wait to long for the test. Let us know how it goes. Sending prayers. Take care.

LiveWithCancer

Good grief, @andreacha. I am so sorry for all that you're dealing with. Here's praying that Monday goes off without a hitch and you get some good ideas of what's next. Sending some warm hugs your way!

KB2013

Before my lung cancer surgery, I’d been to a pulmonologist who did a biopsy via bronchoscope (was awake and sitting up) but, he failed at the attempt to scrape off a few cells; later I was told by thoracic surgeon the attempted biopsy was a waste of time, unnecessary.
I was then scheduled with a thoracic surgeon for a lobectomy. Biopsy was done at that time (and always are). Two years later, another spot and that time it was biopsied as an outpatient by a thoracic surgeon who did a needle aspiration biopsy using CTScan and general anesthesia.
If I were you, I’d inquire about a needle biopsy with the thoracic surgeon.
Thoracic surgeons don’t use bronchoscopes, pulmonologists do.
Good luck.

Carool

Hi, andreacha. I know you were going to see your pulmonologist this past Monday. Do you now have a plan for what’s next?