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jenugl
Moderator
Joined: 24 Sep 2006
Posts: 196
Location: Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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 Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 7:41 am Post subject: Anxiety waiting for MRI results |
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| Hi all, most of you have probably read my posts before. My partner was diagnosed May 06 with GBMIV. Anyway after all his treatments and no signs of tumour he now has MRI's every 3mths. He had one on Monday and we had a Drs appointment today to get results but it was canceled as his oncologist was away sick. We now have to wait until 30th for results. We don't normally dwell on results and try and live each day as it comes but every 3mths once the MRI has been done the waiting (which is usually only 1 or 2 days) seems like an eternity. This time the wait is so long and even though I am staying positive it is driving me crazy. Andrew was saying that for this MRI they only took a couple of scans where normally they do quite a few. Has anyone else had different amounts of scans done at different times? My worst thought is that it has come back and because they can see it they didn't need to do so many scans. Hopefully this is just me being paranoid. Anyway enough rambling I just needed to vent my anxieties. Love to all. Jen. |
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leo
Site Admin
Joined: 23 Sep 2004
Posts: 1574
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| Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 9:28 am Post subject: Re: Anxiety waiting for MRI results |
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hello,
It must be a difficult time to wait for results. But I doubt the exam would be changed on the table, since it is a technician that is running the machine, so if he/she sees something, they wouldn't change the number of scans or techniques.
best
Leo
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Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. |
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brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 4276
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 10:41 am Post subject: Re: Anxiety waiting for MRI results |
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Hi Jen, a couple of comments. Both, good news in my opinion.
1. If the radiologist who interpreted the MRI and wrote the report for your oncologist or neurosurgeon to read had seen any signs of change, he/she would have "flagged" the report so that someone would respond quickly. In this and only this case, no news is probably good news. Keep calling the doctor's office and asking for the results over the phone. Sometimes, the doctor will authorize his nurse to give the results over the phone... especially knowing how much anxiety the "not knowing" is causing.
2. I too seem to recall that my earlier MRI's took more scans than the most recent ones. But, like Leo said, I would rather doubt that decision was made on the spot. If indeed fewer scans where take in Andrew's or my case, I am sure it was already planned.
Good questions though. Ask Andrew to ask his medical team.
You know that Andrew and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/ |
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Noid
Experienced user
Joined: 16 Oct 2007
Posts: 57
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| Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 7:20 pm Post subject: Re: Anxiety waiting for MRI results |
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[size=18][b]I've been where you are with waiting for results.  I was scared to death, and I know that has to be hard. As dan said, usually no news is good news..or at least not anything that is an immediate threat.
I thought that I had ms or lymes when they found the mass in my head. Believe it or not, I was almost hoping it was one of those two, as the thought of a tumor had me uneasy. (I've never considered having brain cancer, so I've learned nothing about it.) Today when my doctor called me, she began referring to the mass as "the glioma" as it looks like one, and all my other tests came up negative for other things that it could be. Well, long story short, when they found that mass in my head, the doctor called my house the very next day and had me at her office within two days. The fact that my doctors are acting like it's important is now scaring me a little, but it's been a relief to finally get help. The fact that you haven't heard anything may actually be a good thing, so try not to worry yourself to death and have fun. That method helped me the most. I am to have a consultation with a neurosurgen in a few days...so i'm gonna go follow my own advice and go to the movies. No point in worrying about what you can't control. Take care.
Noid[/b][/size] |
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Noid
Experienced user
Joined: 16 Oct 2007
Posts: 57
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| Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 7:20 pm Post subject: Re: Anxiety waiting for MRI results |
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My computer is unstable and decided to post that last thing i said twice  sorry. |
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Knit4Brains
Regular
Joined: 16 Oct 2007
Posts: 14
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| Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 10:05 pm Post subject: Re: Anxiety waiting for MRI results |
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Aaaaak! But I'm gonna echo Noid and brainman on this one. If the results were urgent, the radiologist would probably flag the result and the responsible office staff would let the physician know about it. They are always in touch. Sick or not. However, I can't think of any reasonable instance where a tumor follow-up result could be given by anyone other than the physician. Sounds like a liability issue to me. If brainman HAS had that experience - I'm just plain wrong, wow.
Oh yeah, once I had what I thought was a "short MRI". I asked about it and it seems to me they just said the pix/views were quick because the initial pass was lined up nicely and they didn't have to make adjustments.
Now then. Lots of appointments had to be rearranged because of the doctor's illness.
1. Call early in the mornings and ask if there have been any cancellations. Pleasant and persistent might get him in earlier.
2. Call the primary doctor or family physician and ask for their help in getting an earlier appointment. (Andrew is anxious and cannot sleep?)
3. Call any case worker, advocate or nurse practitioner following your case to ask for some assistance in moving up your appointment.
These things worked for me for a doctor I wasn't scheduled to see until Nov 1. I saw the doctor today- Oct 19.
Hope your Andrew gets in there soon and yes, go to the movies. |
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brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 4276
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 11:15 pm Post subject: Re: Anxiety waiting for MRI results |
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 Well, let us just say that I was very well connected  .
There is no liability issue. My MRI reports belong to me... the doctor just keeps my file. This is true for all of us. Older doctor might balk at this, but it is legally the truth. You can call your oncologist and tell him or her to send you your entire file and he has to do it. It seems to me that the major reason doctor do not read reports to patients over the phone is because most patients would have a hard time interpreting the medical language. Also, they need to do other tests, schedule future appointment, review the case with the patient.... And, really, if it IS bad new, do you really want to get it over the phone? So it is just better to go into the office and get the report from the doctor. You pay your doctor to do his or her job. Part of that job is to help you understand what is going on with you and what options are available to you.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/ |
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In
Site Admin
Joined: 18 Jul 2007
Posts: 1436
Location: AUSTRALIA
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| Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2007 8:10 am Post subject: Re: Anxiety waiting for MRI results |
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Jen- i think we have all been through that one time or another. It sucks to be frank. And it never gets easier. Not when everyone says not to worry, or to relax, or to let it be ready when they are ready.
So my advice- all of above. 
Hope all is well and things improve.
_________________
Thinking of you Inica
*Administrator*
~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~
My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731
 9 Lives and still kicking |
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jenugl
Moderator
Joined: 24 Sep 2006
Posts: 196
Location: Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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| Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2007 8:19 am Post subject: Re: Anxiety waiting for MRI results |
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| Thanks eveyone for your replies. Andrew phoned clinic and asked them to send report to his local GP. We have an appointment with him early Monday morning. We only have 1 oncologist at our hospital and she has not long come back from maternity leave and is actually leaving all together next month. They had a hard time getting another full time oncologist to fill the position (I don't know why - I live in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia - it;s just a very long way away from major cities). who I think starts soon - haven't met him/her yet. Anyway hopefully as you have all said - no news is good news. Will let you all know results. Thanks again to everyones response. Love to all. Jen. |
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Knit4Brains
Regular
Joined: 16 Oct 2007
Posts: 14
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| Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2007 2:00 pm Post subject: Re: Anxiety waiting for MRI results |
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Oh Jen, I'm so glad Andrew could get the results with his GP Monday. It's nice to know there is a physician who is part of the team approach. NOW you can go to the movies this weekend, eh?
Rotten luck though about losing the oncologist. I had to change from a Neurologist who literally saved my life several years ago when he moved. It was difficult to build that trust with a new physician when she was getting so many new patients at once. I'm thinking of changing again though, since my recent surgery was done at a different hospital and all my new doctors are there. Seems to make sense to have everyone in one institution - better communication. Best of luck to Andrew in establishing a good relationship with the new doctor.
I have a sticky note with "Jen/Andrew in Australia - Monday" on my computer. I'll be thinking aboutcha. Hmmmmm . . . must look up time difference. |
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In
Site Admin
Joined: 18 Jul 2007
Posts: 1436
Location: AUSTRALIA
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| Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 5:24 am Post subject: Re: Anxiety waiting for MRI results |
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Results tomorrow?!!!! Best of luck and i have everything crossed for you guys. Hope all is the best- let us know when you can.
_________________
Thinking of you Inica
*Administrator*
~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~
My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731
9 Lives and still kicking |
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ksplat
Super Moderator
Joined: 26 Apr 2007
Posts: 563
Location: Brisbane, Australia
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| Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 7:37 am Post subject: Anxiety waiting for results! |
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Dear Jen
Sorry to hear about the delay in getting Andrew's latest MRI results. Of course I agree with Jim about "no news is good news". I know from working in the healthcare industry that if there was anything serious found the specialist wouldn't have left this until when they get back from leave!
I have faith in our hospital system here in Qld as I've had first hand experience myself with a public hospital here in Bris. They will be right on the ball & I'm sure you haven't heard because there's nothing to report! Although, I understand & sympathise with your anxiety waiting to hear.
Thinking of you & Andrew.
Cheers, Angie.
_________________
Brother diagnosed with GBMIV Feb 07
Treatment: Radiotherapy, Temodal, Gliadel Wafers, Dexamethasone, Keppra, Dilantin, Clexane
Went to our Heavenly Father after a 19mth battle,, 47 years young.
23 Sep 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227
"Without Faith We Have Nothing" |
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annaplasticMan
Regular
Joined: 09 Oct 2007
Posts: 13
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| Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 11:45 am Post subject: Re: Anxiety waiting for MRI results |
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yes I understand the feelings and worrys evrey 2 mounths I go for am MRI and it can be hard on yah waiting... I know quite a few times i did things I knew I wasent supposed to with friends just to relieve stress... the key for me to relieve stress is to hang out with friends and have fun before evrey MRI Live life and be around friends so that you do not think about the sittuation quite as much and you know you have people there to support you....me i push it to far my friends are drinkers  but seriously supprot sometimes takes it away.....I hope for the best for you |
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jenugl
Moderator
Joined: 24 Sep 2006
Posts: 196
Location: Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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| Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2007 4:45 am Post subject: Re: Anxiety waiting for MRI results |
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| Hi everyone. Great news. MRI all clear even the feint enhancements from the previous 2 MRIs have resolved themselves. We feel very blessed and lucky. I wish everyone could get these results from their MRIs. Thanks for all your replies. Love to all. Jen. |
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ksplat
Super Moderator
Joined: 26 Apr 2007
Posts: 563
Location: Brisbane, Australia
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| Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2007 6:08 am Post subject: Anxiety waiting for MRI results |
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Dear Jen
WOW, that's fantastic! I am soooo happy for Andrew & you of course.
What a relief for you all. I pray you continue to win the battle with GBMIV.
Cheers & blessings, Angie.
_________________
Brother diagnosed with GBMIV Feb 07
Treatment: Radiotherapy, Temodal, Gliadel Wafers, Dexamethasone, Keppra, Dilantin, Clexane
Went to our Heavenly Father after a 19mth battle,, 47 years young.
23 Sep 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227
"Without Faith We Have Nothing" |
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