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#193206 10-13-2016 01:19 PM
Joined: Oct 2016
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Karina Offline OP
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Posts: 6
Howdy All,
I'm confused re: my up coming appointments. I'm scheduled to be seen at UNM Hospital tomorrow. Not at their CCC but @ the Specialty Surgery Clinic. When asked to bring my scan disks I informed the ENT folks that I was still waiting for an appointment for the scans. They were "working on it". I think it slipped their minds. Oh Well...
This Morning a private imaging facility called with an appt. that's over 2 weeks from now..???
Does that sound like a long time? I feel like my visit to Albuquerque will be compromised due to the lack of scan results.It's a way long drive to be told... come back after your scans are complete. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Hugs to all
Karina


10-5-16....Biopsy @ ENT office
10-7-16....Dx SSca Lt Lat Tongue
10-14-16...By examination called T1
2nd biopsy (core) for depth
Pre anesthesia testing done
Surgery date Nov.2
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Sounds like your PET/CT is being sourced out as not every hospital has a PET/CT machine or the staff to Interpret them. Having been in treatment of several facilities, the one where the ENT or person taking charge of your care, may want to do the imaging there or their affiliation, so I would keep the appointment, besides their probably going to do a physical/visual exam, scope, reviewing the pathology of the biopsy, and you can ask questions, and some prefer a CT, even an MRI, depending on location of cancer, and type.

A PET/ CT requires advanced preparation, such as low or no carbs for 24hrs, some just say 8, no exercise for 2 days as these can alter the PET scan results. A CT requires no advanced preparation, can be pretty much done anywhere, and easily read compared to a PET, and is cheaper. I think that's where the wait time can be is with insurance approval or pre approval, so wait times can vary, and yes, I've waited two weeks, sometimes less depending on the Doctor and association with the radiology center or department, and my insurance.

I hope this helps, and good luck tomorrow.


10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 6
Karina Offline OP
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 6
Thank You PaulB.... Your reply was "Right On" and very helpful to me.
My visit to UNM hospital was productive regardless of scan results.The Cancer center is on line with most imaging centers in the state. ENT oncologist is OK having scan results @ anytime prior to surg. Whew! Guess I was over thinking it.
Again...Many thanks for easing my worry and helping me make the right decision for me.
Hugs Karina


10-5-16....Biopsy @ ENT office
10-7-16....Dx SSca Lt Lat Tongue
10-14-16...By examination called T1
2nd biopsy (core) for depth
Pre anesthesia testing done
Surgery date Nov.2
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 10,507
Likes: 6
Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services
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Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)

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I would call the imaging facility back and tell them what you explained in your post. If they cant move your appointment up you can ask to be put on the cancellation list. Paul is correct in saying many procedures or even scans need days of prep time like getting extra rest, avoiding carbs and sugar or drinking lots of water. Since its an outside place where you will be getting scanned, you will need extra time to have the results sent over to your doc. I would also ask if they provide a copy of the scan to their patients. Some places will hand you a disc immediately after your test.

Best wishes!


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
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Sounds like some personal shepherding may get test results moved along quicker. Remember scans produce two things: a set of images and a written report. If you pick up the image disc after you get scanned, the report will likely not be on the disc. Just make sure both are sent along; otherwise there may be more delay.


Don
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Dec '12
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2nd tooth out
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