i have cancer.

Sorry this happened, is he? Failure to diagnose cancer--or even see the patient--could be considered negligence (malpractice). Depends. Waiting that long for tests in a patient who is symptomatic is not realistic even if you did not have cancer.

There is another lesson to be learned here. You see your surgeon for the surgery. For the other part of your life, you need to see a regular doctor who knows you so well that they can tell you are sick just by looking at you and know when you are just complaining. One who has the time to see you and can get tests done promptly.

Unfortunately, that doctor for you is going to be your oncologist.

I once reviewed a case where the patient went to the ER. Resident thought he was fine. Went to his regular doctor who didn't even have to examine him to know he was sick and get him admitted. Emergency surgery showed he had gangrene of the gallbladder. He was in such excellent physical condition that he just didn't look sick to the ER doctor. If you think you have gallbladder troubles, it is nothing compared to what he must have been feeling. This was life threatening.

Hopefully you will respond promptly to the treatment and the delay will not be harmful. The harm to your heart and your trust in him is something else. Concentrate on getting well.

I would want to meet with this nurse face to face. Was she a nurse, just a receptionist or a medical assistant? Hopefully she will be long gone real soon. The surgeon doesn't really want to depend on someone like this.

For now, I'm rooting for you.

Sorry Marie, I hope all goes well.

We are dealing with my Dad right now and cancer.  It's scary waiting for all the test so we can determine a game plan.  His cancer has metastasized already and we aren't sure where the primary source is at. 

I hate CANCER, hate it.

Good for you for taking matters into your own hands. Too many people put blind faith in their doctors and would have shrugged it off and waited longer.  And you are also a good example of how not everything health related is caused by your WLS. Thank you so much for posting this.

Not to reduce your very real and earth shaking experience into just a "good example." I know first hand the vertigo of stepping into a brand new, off tilt world the minute you hear the word "cancer".  But, you have already taken the very best first step you could have taken by insisting on immediate care. That fighting spirit will serve you well as you conquer this.

Best wishes to you!

 My beautiful sista ... sending positive energy and love and support as you fight and conquer this... I am dittoing GoodKel's words....

In addition, should you desire, please check on-line or contact Sloan-Kettering http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/311.cfm ... I have two very close friends who are currently receiving treatment and are also part of research studies there for colorectal cancer... they are thriving and doing well...

I am so proud of you for taking matters into your hands and seeking answers/solutions/treatment for your condition. I am so glad you insisted. I wish you continued strength and determination as you tackle this.  I offer unconditional support in whatever measure I can.  

((((((((HUGS)))))))))... Sending tons of positive energy your way.  You will be in my thoughts....

Cancer SUCKS, so sorry to hear you have to go through this.  Chemo is the devil, radiation not so much.  Smoke 'em if you got 'em (if you can)...it really helps.

Do you have Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Lymphoma survivor,

-Cyn

Did you find out?

Marie

I am hoping you will soon be past this.
We must be our own health care advocate
because sometimes the dr's just don't listen.

Sophia Maria

Marie,

I'm so sorry this has happened to you. 

Now that WLS has become such a huge, busy specialty I really don't believe that bariatric surgeons and their staff have the time or inclination to deal with our everyday issues, especially when we are out of the one year follow up period (I realise this is not a popular belief LOL) and I thank you for posting this and pointing out how important it is to be our own advocates and NOT to have blind faith and trust in the people *****arranged our guts for us!!!!

I wish you the very best in your treatment!!

Kim
xxx

Go to the office and ask for a copy of all of your medical records. If you decide to pursue their negligence you'll have the records. And even if you decide to do nothing you will have put the fear of God into them because they will assume that is what you want the records for. And they are required by law to give you copies of your records, though they may charge a *small* fee for photocopying.

There seem to be quite a few of us who were diagnosed with cancer post WLS. Probably if you, and even some of us, had not had WLS, our complaints would have been attributed to our weight. The truth is, there are just some bad doctors and bad nurses out there.

Good luck to you!

Thank you for your very good advice.  I am sorry for your diagnosis but certainly will remember you in prayer.  I hope all goes well for you.  Hang in there.  Mary