This weekend I took Tim to the ER because he had developed pneumonia , the antibiotics were not doing the trick. He had a CT scan done to confirm the pneumonia, the ER physician came in and said that yes, he had pneumonia AND they thought the cancer was back. We were furious! It was a horrible thing to have to hear when he was already very sick. I can't verify who made the actual diagnosis.(was it the doctor, a technician ?) We already have appointments scheduled with ENT and PCP, so we'll have the right people looking at the CT, as well as ordering additional tests. We were feeling better about the recent surgery, even though we haven't figured out the next course of treatment. Any suggestions? I think I'm just venting because I'm sick over the thought of another recurrance and the way the whole thing wasn't handled in the ER. I thought the first rule of a physician is "do no harm" I feel as though a great deal of damage has been done to our confidence/peace of mind and blood pressure! and I'm starting to lose it. Tim ended up staying in the hospital over the weekend, is now home and is feeling much better. Thanks for listening!

Don't get too down about an ER doctor seeing or saying something. Your regular docs have more history and information. Be patient if that is even possible. Best wishes for just some infection and inflammation. One step at a time.

Please keep us posted.

Catherine, I agree with Uptown. Wait to hear it directly from the ENT. They probably went off the CT scan and jumped the gun over scar tissue. At least I am really hoping thats the case.

Wishing you all the best with the upcoming tests! Hope your husband gets well quickly from the pneumonia.

Thanks all! I'm taking your advise and cooling down a bit! Our head and neck surgeons are on it and went ahead and ordered a PET scan and read me the notes from his last scope on6.24, when no evidence of recurrence was noted. So, yes, all is good, just need to remember to not over react,yet remain proactive.

Definitely an ER dr. May not necessarily know what he/she is looking at. Hugs.

My hubby by just was diagnosed with pneumonia as well. Meds worked, we finished them and the cough is back. X-ray showed nothing in lungs, but we are having a CAT scan soon to confirm.
Getting a large dose radiation blast this week for our 5th recurrance in 2 yrs. ER drs are not dumb, but they also aren't always correct or have a definitive diagnosis based on tests. Please wait for the radiologist and your specialists to view, review, discuss and diagnose.
As caregivers we are like sponges and every word matters, but unfortunately as ER Drs we sometimes say things forgetting this literal absorption. It has been interesting being on both ends and seeing this.
You guys are surviours don't forget that. Please keep us informed.

Catherine, You have every reason to stay calm until you hear from the the ENT. My son had pneumonia, too and something showed up on his lung but it turned out to be scar tissue. And he's been fine ever since!