How many copies of films and reports can I get?
I was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. I was finally able to get copies of my films and biopsy reports from the doctor who did them to take to the surgeon's office. It took me a few days because she hadn't released them, saying she needed them for my upcoming MRI. I finally got the copies to take to the surgeon I met with who kept those. How do I keep copies of my stuff when everyone needs to keep them with their charts? It takes several days to get copies as it is. I've only met with the one surgeon who already scheduled me for a lumpectomy. How do I know if that's good enough? I have no insurance. And very little money at this time. I can't afford to go to multiple doctors for differing opinions. Will they charge me for additional copies of things? I don't want to keep waiting. I want this out of me. In my mind, the more I look around, the longer I give this to get worse.
Hi - You should be able to get a copy for yourself, one you'd keep, at least of the path. report. Find the hospital's patient records office, and request a copy direct - maybe they'll rustle it together for you as you wait.
I wouldn't think you need to get multiple opinions for anything. I'd go with the lumpectomy and see what develops from that - hopefully that and radiation is all you'll need.
As for waiting, breast cancer grows very slowly. While it's natural to just want the cancer out of yoou immediately, in reality a few weeks or even more doesn't make any difference. Personally, I was diagnosed May 10 and didn't have my mastectomy till July 15, and everything worked out fine. Take deep breaths, and try to believe that you'll be FINE - this is a temporary bend in the path. And stay connected here - we'll help you get through this. Take care - PJH
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