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A guy I know was told he may-or-may-not have cancer. The doctor wants to run a test to be sure, but his next opening is in seven weeks. Why, for the love of God, would you drop that bomb on someone and then leave it like that? Not only does this give him two whole months to worry about it, but if it does turn out to be cancer that's two months for it to get worse. It seems like decent medical care in this country just keeps getting harder and harder to find.
That is just cruel. I would see another doctor ASAP.
I would imagine the testing involves blood work. I don't understand the wait - most labs you can get in fast. If its a biopsy that will be trickier depending how busy the doctor is.
I've been in that situation, and it's no fun. You really do not provide enough information to know why, but if there are no openings for whatever procedure or test he needs then that's the way it is.
I had to wait 3 months, and it sucked.
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blood tests wouldn't take that long, and aren't usually used as a test for cancer. It's probably a biopsy, which has to wait on the surgeon and operating room schedules.
It does sound pretty ridiculous: that long but obviously there much be something that requires a person with special skills to preform whatever tests are needed and it sounds like there are not enough practitioners to do whatever is needed. I do agree, probably another doctor might be an option. Of course we do not know the situation or details; the patient may have been told a test to totally rule out cancer was needed. In panic and for good reason the guy only heard the word cancer.
What kind of cancer? What kind of test? If the original doctor cannot do it for the better part of two months ask for a referral to someone who can do it sooner.
He said he needs a biopsy, so I imagine it requires a specialist to perform. It still seems unfair to make someone wait that long. I suggested he make some calls and see if there was a quicker option.
He said he needs a biopsy, so I imagine it requires a specialist to perform. It still seems unfair to make someone wait that long. I suggested he make some calls and see if there was a quicker option.
That is a good response (from you) but I'd bet he'll find he can't get in any sooner. Sometimes one has to wait for a specialist, tough as that is.
A biopsy is a bit different than just a test. Anyone in a lab can take blood and run a test so that can be done quickly, but a biopsy requires a physician to perform a procedure. In some cases, they can insert a large needle and take a sample that way but in other cases, it's full scale surgery. Obviously waiting 7 weeks is far from ideal, but sometimes you do have to wait to have the right person doing the procedure. Your friend should ask how often is ok and when is the best time to check back to see if they've had any openings - people end up rescheduling for all kinds of reasons, and it's not unusual for an earlier appointment to open up.
I've never had this problem with any doctors where I've lived, including California, Hawaii, and Oregon.
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