Telephone call

Hello Becliz

I would think that the secretary has been told that she is not allowed to give any medical results over the phone. She is not trained to deal with what they mean and would not be able to answer any questions. Although she may perhaps have an idea of what your results mean its just not her role. 

The consultant would want to be the person to talk to you about the results and what they might mean for you. 

You could instead contact your GP as they would be able to explain them and answer any questions.

Jane

Many thanks for your response. I'm just feeling so worried and want to know one way or another. I know you're right re: secretary. It's just that when I asked if they'd had my blood test results she said she'd look and then came back and said they were in and that the doctor would be in touch. I know I'm just reading too much into the way she behaved. I will sit tight and hopefully hear soon.

It's hard for your mind not to go into overdrive when waiting for results, but I honestly believe that she would not have been able to give out any results- good or bad.

The thing with the CA125 is that it is an indicator rather than the whole picture. So a high or low result on its own can't diagnose or rule out cancer.

A high result can be for different reasons and would need further investigation- but it would need to be a consultant to interpret what would need to be done. And the consultant needs all the information to see what is needed next. 

A low result would be a positive sign but again it doesn't always give the whole picture.

I hope you hear back soon

Jane

So very frustrating but in the U.S. that is a no-questions-asked immediate termination and probably a lawsuit.

I was tempted after scan bc you know the tech know what they’re seeing but even a joking comment was met with a somewhat harsh reply.

Hope you don’t have to wait too much longer and that all your news is good!

Hi Becliz 

I agree with Jane’s reply and her reasoning. I have never been given results, good or bad, by anyone other than a medical professional in over 5 years of dealing with cancer and other conditions. 

I wouldn’t expect a secretary or receptionist to be able to answer any questions I might have so I have always waited to be advised by my doctor or consultant. I don’t think we can read anything into this sensible rule, or assume any particular meaning in what a secretary says-she will have been following best practice. I know I wouldn’t want my results given to me to interpret by someone not trained to do so, no matter how much I wanted to know something as quickly as possible! 

I hope you don’t have too long to wait now-it’s a very stressful time waiting for results, but you will need your consultant to have a full picture of all the tests to be able to say what’s next. 

Sarah xx

Hi , Becliz, sounds like the wait for results is really hard which I can relate too , three weeks must seem such a long time. How are you? From your post it reads like you know the receptionist role isn’t to share results, and the call left you analysing every word. From my experience the GP had the C125 result in a week and scan results in 2 ,  I imagine timescale vary depending on tests. I do remember every day not knowing felt like forever. Just wondering if the receptionist might know when how and who will share the results with you , although still emotionally really hard you would have some idea and time scale for communication. It was the GP that shared with me my initial results ( scan and C125) . I hope you hear soon . Take care and sending vibes for positive outcomes. Xxx