WAITING TIME TO SEE AN ONCOLOGIST

[HazelLynn]

Hi,

I would appreciate opinions about this situation please.  My doctor said I would need to see an Oncologist and a Radiologist.  I had a mastectomy for DCIS and 1mm of invasiveness.  His secretary hasnt arranged these appointments for me, she is of the opinion that I dont need one, but her opinion isnt needed in this as she is the secretary and not a qualified doctor),  I have telephoned for the appointments, been in physically, made requests in writing.  I have now waited six weeks and I think this is too long.  I am on Tamoxifen and have not had the side effects or my pathology report discussed in any detail.  Do you agree that six weeks is too long.

I look forward to hearing responses from the community and doctors.
Thanks you.
Hazel

[HazelLynn]

Hi thanks for your posts.  Huraahhh! I now have an appointment this Friday to see all the doctors.

Best wishes to you all and thanks again.

[japdip]

After mastectomy a considerable amout of healing needs to take place before some other types of treatment is begun (radiation for one). I don't think this amount of time is unusual. I had surgery in Oct. and didn't see the Onc. until mid Feb. As far as the secretary; I think I'd squeal on her to her boss. Or just pester her until she does something because she's sick of hearling from you. You know, the squeaky wheel theory.

[twinz529]

Hi, I had a similar experience w/ a orthopedic surgeon...Short story, I had pain in my leg,went to doc ,did xray, found mass,..Went to ortho,He odered tests(MRI,Blood) & gave me a prescription.....This was Nov 07...I called for 6wks,went in the office,..Even wrote a letter..To this day He never gave me the results of anything nor did he authorize my prescription...So don't be like me I was trying to be nice & patient & not bother anyone...Well I decided enough was enough I called & waited until office hours were over I said that if I didn't get a call back I was gonna file a complaint I listed in my voicemail everything I had done to get there attention...Then I contacted my general physician & told her that since she referred me I would appriciate her help in the matter which she did...In the end I actually called my insurance told them the whole story & they denied him any claims of taking care of me....You deserve attention..You need your appointments so don't let any secretary be in your way..Good Luck..You are in my prayers....

[katiek3451]

Who does she think she is??  Her boss, your doctor, needs to know this ASAP.  She has no right to over rule a doctor and leave you hanging.  I would call and INSIST on talking to the doctor, and get this done.  One day is too long to wait because a secretary is making decisions.  Good luck.
Katie