The power of two words (or what happens when they are forgotten)

[Dr_WHO]

Have you ever gotten the results of a test where they made a mistake when describing the results? Two weeks ago I had a C.T. scan and got the results about ten days ago. The thing is, in the original narrative, they forgot two little works. Here is how it first read

“LYMPH NODES: Multiple small retroperitoneal, and mesenteric nodes which are pathologic by size criteria. CT evidence of metastatic disease in the abdomen or pelvis.”

I spent the time between getting the results and seeing my MO on trying to figure out my next move. To be honest, just trying to cope with a return of the cancer. I was hopping for more time being clean after surgery, radiation and hormonal treatments.

Well it turned out that they forgot two very small but important words in the C.T. narrative: “NO” and “NOT”. I just found out today how the corrected narrative should of read:

“NO CT evidence of metastatic disease in the abdomen or pelvis, Multiple smallretroperitoneal and mesenteric nodes, stable from prior CT, NOT yet pathologic by size criteria."

The addition of “No” and “Not” really changes the meaning of the results. While I am quite pissed off by the hospital’s mistake, it is the best news I could of gotten. I really wish that they could add the same two words to everyone here that gets a result informing them of reoccurrence.

Until then you are all in my prayers.

Walt

[Dan59]

Great news Walt, I am happy for you!

[Chiquis]

I'm so happy to hear that.

Sorry for all the stress that you have unnecessarily gone through.

God bless.

[softwaremom00]

Congrats on the good results!

[Psa73]

Great news to hear, but what a lot of unnecessary stress you don't need. Hope you have great holidays Walt.

[noirhole]

A negative result is always a positive result at the Doc's! Congratulations on wonderful holiday news.

[erjlg3]

So AWESOME Walt!!! I couldn't be happier to here this news. I'm sorry for the dire stress it caused you.

Huge hugs,

Jackie

[Dr_WHO in reply to erjlg3]

Yes, if caused a lot of stress. I just wish that everyone here that had a similar test result could add those two some words.

[EricE]

That is a BAD mistake. I hope they were apologetic. I'd celebrate. That's great news.

[Dr_WHO in reply to EricE]

Yes it is great news. No apology from the hospital, no abmision of error, nothing. I found the correction when I reread the C.T. report on “mychart” and saw they added a addendum. Had to read it about ten times for it to sink in. They did however, give me a pamphlet on handling stress. (Actually it was a two page printout.)

[Dr_WHO in reply to Dr_WHO]

Just got a call from the hospital. They did apologize. Again, I wish everyone here with a positive test could get the same correction.

[Hidden in reply to Dr_WHO]

Good thing that you caught their error. When us humans are involved there’s always that chance. Unfortunately 1 in 3 deaths in U. S. Are due to medical errors. No wonder people fear going to the doctor.Happy holidays Dr Who & Keep riding!

[Dr_WHO in reply to Hidden]

Thanks! I plan on having a great Christmas. May you have the holiday of you dreams!

[Don1157]

Oh my goodness...what a deal! Good for you!

[Hazard]

Glad it turned out OK in the end - that is unbelievably incompetent.

[JamesAtlanta]

Merry Christmas!🎄 Quite a present! Sorry you had to worry so...but all is good now! So happy for your news!

James

[MelaniePaul]

Walt, that is really brilliant news! You must feel so relieved! Brilliant!

Best wishes from Dublin.

[Dr_WHO in reply to MelaniePaul]

I feel like the line from the movie when they were bringing out the dead: “I am not quite dead yet... feeling better!”

[Apollo123]

Excellent news you can rest relax and enjoy Christmas. 🌲🌲🌲🌲

[Nicnatno]

Love hearing good news. Thank you for sharing.

Nick

[Dr_WHO in reply to Nicnatno]

Have to share. We are family!

[j-o-h-n]

The stakes can be high when they make mis-stakes.

Congrats! Break out the champagne.

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 12/13/2017 1:16 PM EST

[Hidden]

They pull that on me and they better be prepared for an old man to come crashing through the ceiling at the next oncology meeting.

Of course what do I know?

[Dr_WHO]

You know a lot!

[Cammie2016]

That’s fantastic news! So happy for you, not so happy you had to go through the first bit though!

Reminded me of what that surgeon said to us on my dads biopsy, “ I’m not an expert in this field but let’s just say that I’m intrigued, I will be keeping an eye on this case!” We took it as positive and that maybe he didn’t have prostate cancer, yet he was later diagnosed with advanced cancer so we have been left wondering what the hell did he mean! More care and understanding of the consequences of words should be taken that’s for sure.

[Dr_WHO in reply to Cammie2016]

Yes sometimes you have to wonder about the medical field. I hope that your father is doing well with his battle. Do not let the words “advanced cancer “ let you think there is not reason for hope. There are hundreds of men here (including me) that have advanced cancer. Some have been around for well over a decade and are working on their second decade.

Remember “people like us we have to stick together!”

[Cammie2016 in reply to Dr_WHO]

He is doing well thank you, without you and others on this site it would be a lot harder I know that for sure, you have all given us hope and reassurance.

[erjlg3 in reply to Dr_WHO]

Elgie's had advanced cancer since 2004. He's still kicking it 😁

[Hidden]

What a shock to the system. “No “ in this case is fantastic..Happy holidays!