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I had an excision surgery performed on a mole two weeks ago. It was a surgery to take wider margins since the mole was one that could potentially turn into cancer if left there. When I went in for the follow-up last week, the doctor didn't have the results yet.

I got a message from the doctor's assistant yesterday (message didn't come through until this afternoon, thank you annoying cellphone) saying that I should call the office. She didn't say anything else, but of course, I'm reading into this and fearing the worst.

Are they always vague? If the assistant is calling you instead of the doctor, does that mean anything? I'm on pins and needles since I can't talk to her until tomorrow; I left a voicemail message today, and she wasn't in.

I don't know if you can reassure me. I just needed to put this out there because I'm freaked out.

Medical personnel cannot leave specific messages on voicemail because they dont know if the person listening is you. They can get in big trouble for doing that.
Just give them a call back and they will be able to be more specific.
Hopefully all is ok.

[This message edited by GabyBaby at 5:34 PM, November 13th (Wednesday)]

What Gaby said!!! HIPPA laws are serious these days!!

(((trying)))

sunandmoon

HIPAA is responsible for more anxiety attacks and sleepless nights than any other thing in medicine.

Seriously. Whatever the outcome is it doesn't really matter I'd you get the info today tomorrow or next week. Hard to accept but true. I can tell you from working in an MD's office and dealing with cancer on a daily basis it wasn't usually the MA making the call if it was bad news. The Dr or myself his RN called them when it was bad news.

So I am going to prescribe a large glass of merlot and 2 Benadryl and when you wake up in the morning you will only have to wait a little while to get the call.

Thank you-- I am ridiculous about anxiety. Rationally, I know that I've done everything that I can, followed doctor's orders, etc.

And yet... worry worry worry. But I really appreciate your responses.

It just means to call them back for results. If you get a call to make a follow up appointment that's a bit more anxiety provoking.

I had the same thing happen a few years ago. They can't leave health info on voicemail. When I called back (after freaking out) they said that there were irregular cells that could turn into cancer, but they removed all of it. The Dr had me come into the office for a quick skin check 6mos later and then yearly after that.

Sending you healthy mojo.

Sigh. No return call today, so I called again. They gave me the number for a different office where she and the doctor are seeing patients today. I called, and she was busy. They said she'd try to call me back, but she probably won't be able to until five o'clock.

I know that everyone is busy, but it annoys me that there isn't ANYONE else who is allowed to read me the results. I even tried calling my dermatologist's office to see if she got the results, and she did-- but of course, her nurse/PA couldn't read them to me; it has to be someone from the other doctor's office.

Of course, that only heightened my anxiety-- she saw bad news! She's afraid to tell me! I know they're probably just following the required protocol, but it stinks that the protocol has to leave me in such an anxiety-ridden state while I wait for an answer.

(((trying)))

Normally it needs to be the nurse or doctor that says the results. Sending you healthy mojo and fingers crossed that they call you early tomorrow.

Thanks everyone-- got the "all clear" this afternoon!

That's great news!

oh, thank goodness!! I have been checking this thread. I hated waiting right along with you!

Glad it was "all clear." YAY!!!

Yay!!! Awesome update!

Excellent!!!!!!!! Breathe, have a big glass of wine and hug the kids. I'm glad you are 100% healthy!

Great news! Thanks for updating us. I was starting to get worried. I've gone through these things before. They're nerve-wracking.

YAY!!

What awesome news! I'm so SO happy for you!

My turn now, I hope.