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Today, I saw the ENT to whom my oncologist referred me. The idea is that he was going to exam me, then set up an excisional biopsy of a lymph node/tumor. Both my PCP and my oncologist told me they think I have lymphoma.
The very first thing that happened was that the nurse told me they had an extra copy of the report from my oncologist’s office. Would I like to have a copy?
I thought was a little strange, but, sure, why not?
Well ... it was really eye-opening. My oncologist repeatedly suggests that I am a chronic smoker and drinker and am lying about it! For the record, I am a “never smoker.” Not even one drag once. Not even marijuana. Nothing. However, when I saw him for my initial visit, the very first thing he said: “Well you smoke! You said you don’t smoke but you do!” I have never had any medical professional act like that before, so I was perplexed. Eventually after about 5 back and forth accusation and denials, I said: you know I walked up the stairs, instead of taking the elevator. Maybe people smoke in the stairwell?” He seemed to agree with me and I thought the issue was solved but apparently not.
In the report, he appears absolutely obsessed by this — he brings it up in no less than 5 different places in the report. He also states that I was “counseled on the health risks of excessive alcohol use.” Um, what? I have not had a single drink in 3 years. Before that I was a very light social drinker (one glass of wine a week).
Anyway, although the oncologist told me in the office that he suspected lymphoma, lymphoma appears nowhere in the report he sent to the ENT. It’s just all about my “smoking,” my “chronic cough” (I had a bad head cold when I saw him, with a cough), that fact that I look “malnourished and chronically ill” (got a good laugh out of that one).
So, the ENT tells me they are going to do a fine needle aspiration. I said, that is not how you diagnose lymphoma. What are you looking for? He finally said that he suspects me of having squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus! I said ... hmmm... that is actually kind of rare. I think lymphoma is more common (OK, there is no “I think” about it, I was just being polite.) Maybe it is more common in smokers and drinkers? Hmmm?
Interesting to read this. I have gp who continued to not address an issue I brought up and also give a diagnosis for a skin condition including medicine. Next visit he said about that...what was it you had? I told him what he had said and he said "oh, no, no, no. it couldn't be that." For another issue he gave a cavalier response which made the nurse take a step back in surprise. Another visit I spoke to an older nurse first. I got the feeling the nurses had banded together to try to save the patients from this guy. I had a problem that I thought was one thing but couldn't figure it all out. She felt it was something else and got me an appt elsewhere and she was correct.
Now I have good referrals from friendships and contacts outside that one doctor. But, yes, these people one is so dependent on for a good life can indeed be wackos. And I have heard other stories about other doctors from relatives so it really does happen more often than people think.
Have you contacted your oncologist? It is so bizarre that it seems like someone else’s record got imported into yours by accident. Clearly there is a big difference between esophageal cancer and lymphoma due to an enlarged lymph node that I think you indicated previously was in your clavicle area and clearly visible in photographs. If that isn’t successful, I agree... time to see another oncologist.
Have you contacted your oncologist? It is so bizarre that it seems like someone else’s record got imported into yours by accident. Clearly there is a big difference between esophageal cancer and lymphoma due to an enlarged lymph node that I think you indicated previously was in your clavicle area and clearly visible in photographs. If that isn’t successful, I agree... time to see another oncologist.
No. We had a dispute about “my smoking” during the exam. I thought I had cleared it up. Apparently, not. It just seems like he connected all the dots in the wrong way. Sick looking, thin person who is coughing and smells like smoker == smoker for him and not someone who is naturally thin, happened to have a bad head cold and just walked through a smoke-filled room.
I would raise hell with the oncologist and then with your PCP. I have never really read the doc's actual notes, but I've never had a problem as potentially serious as yours. This is nothing to eff around with - Raise hell with the first two doctors and if they don't respond appropriately, go back to step one and find a new PCP. That will be a setback, but this needs to be investigated thoroughly. At the very least, your PCP should refer you to a new oncologist.
You must be very stressed out and uncertain. You need medical professionals who are on your side right now.
And now I'm wondering what my files say. I always say I have about a drink a month, don't smoke and use marijuana edibles occasionally for severe headaches. My file probably has me as a chain-smoking, alcoholic pothead. LOL.
I would raise hell with the oncologist and then with your PCP. I have never really read the doc's actual notes, but I've never had a problem as potentially serious as yours. This is nothing to eff around with - Raise hell with the first two doctors and if they don't respond appropriately, go back to step one and find a new PCP. That will be a setback, but this needs to be investigated thoroughly. At the very least, your PCP should refer you to a new oncologist.
You must be very stressed out and uncertain. You need medical professionals who are on your side right now.
And now I'm wondering what my files say. I always say I have about a drink a month, don't smoke and use marijuana edibles occasionally for severe headaches. My file probably has me as a chain-smoking, alcoholic pothead. LOL.
The OP’s PCP seemed to indicate initially that it was an emergency, from what I recall. I wouldn’t suggest to her that she goes back to scratch and get a new PCP as that could take months. I would just contact your PCP and explain what happened and either make your own appointment with a second opinion place like you discussed in another thread or ask him/her to refer you to another doctor who is going to properly diagnose you and order the appropriate test.
That’s so unprofessional. I would demand that the speculative information about smoking and drinking be removed from any record on which it was entered. And as another poster said, find a new doctor.
FWIW, I have been accused of being a smoker or former smoker because my lung function is so poor. (grew up in a home with a chain-smoking father) When I say I don’t smoke, they ask when I stopped (umm, never started). But I have what sounds like a smoker’s cough.
Good luck.
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