Pathology report

[Trudo]

Hi , has anyone ever requested a pathology report and if so did it help them

[Mrs_Atko]

I did from my first op for the histology on the tumour they removed...not sure if it helped me per se as i had already read almost everything there was to possibly read about my type of tumour but it armed me with additional knowledge so when i talked to my onc, i felt it was a more meaningful conversation (for me....I'm a BIG fan of Dr. Google!) but of course, there's always the risk of there being lots of medical jargon you won't understand, forcing you to perhaps research certain aspects which when looked at in isolation, may not give you the full picture xx

[Yoshbosh]

I did, and I found it very interesting, but it did flag an area of concern that hadn't been discussed with me, namely that cancer cells had been found on my bladder. However, I discussed it with my oncologist and she was firmly of the opinion that the remaining cycles of chemo should mop up any stragglers.

[rosann1]

I am in the process of of getting copies my Pathology report post op and all my CT scan reports. Not sure whether I will have the courage to read them. I want them for the future in case I want a second opinion.

Hope all goes well for you.

Rosanna x

[Hidden]

I have never looked for pathology or ct reports perhaps I should, thanks for the idea

[indego]

I try to get and keep a copy of all my results, as I had a very bad experience with the first hospital I was involved with would never give me a straight answer.

I find having a folder with all relevant results in it reassuring, because it means if a hospital buggers things up again, I can just hand the file to the new people and they can scan it and know exactly where I'm at, and I won't have to remember everything.

I don't tend to read them though, as it can lead down the rabbithole of Google.

[Hidden]

I've started asking for scan reports and now bloods. A friend on here and from the chemo suite recommended the first. (Good morning Angela). I had to gird my loins but I found it very interesting tracking through over time what's come and gone or grown.

Encouraging in a way to see the impact of the treatment. What it also showed - and I discussed with my oncologist - is what a fine art of interpretation is involved. Person A may zoom in on one thing; person B think something else more important - just like we all do when we're trying to get a clear picture.

As for the bloods, this was prompted by feeling that our illness is looked after better than our well-being. I discovered my magnesium had been low for months and my hair falling out as a result No-one picked it up. Haemoglobin also rather low. I don't want anything else falling through the cracks!

Not asked for the pathology reports (yet?)

The vocabulary is certainly challenging! Google can help, or you can ask your CNS or doctors.

[Tesla_7US]

Trudo, I get copies of EVERYTHING! Blood lab reports, pathology reports, surgery reports, CAT scan reports, x rays, every single record. I read ALL of it and I can ask my Oncologist about anything I don't understand. I am the sort who wants information. The more information the better. I'd rather know about the possibilities than get blindsided with the unthinkable, again! (Misdiagnosed and dismissed by doctors until Stage 3C OC with Ascites Diagnosis!!!! The American medical community does NOT LISTEN TO WOMEN and they certainly don't listen to women "of a certain age".)

[Hidden]

I am given a full path report every time a procedure is done. My onco explains everything in words of one syllable and should I need further clarification I can call upon the medics in the family for answers. Dr Google frightens me so I leave him alone. Take care xxx

[Dee345]

I also get copies of all reports and will often take them with me to medical appointments for discussion. I have to say it was several months before I could bring myself to look at my post surgery pathology report. Just too scary! Often doctors don't mention everything in the reports, I like to address everything, Others may feel differently. Also if you want to have a second opinion, it prevents the awkwardness of asking for them for later. Take care,

[Dee345]

PS. I'm in the US. Having worked in both systems, it seems that it's more usual in other countries to get reports than it is in the UK. When I've suggested to family members in the Uk that they ask for them they find it very unusual. Maybe others have different experiences.

[linderruth]

I don't know about the UK, but at least most of US hospitals have what they call a "patient portal," where the patient can go online and see test results, prescription history, past appointments, etc. My cancer center posts all my blood work within 2 days of testing. Some doctors monitor these so that they can exchange messages with the patient.