Copies of all testing & written reports of all testing.

@sjdm

Welcome to Mayo Connect. I think it is very appropriate to ask for medical records, especially reports. You are just trying to educate yourself and advocate for the best care. MRIs and other imaging can contain thousands of images and are very hard for a non-medical professional to interpret.

Depending on the clinic, some information may be available on patient portals. If not on a portal, you have the right to request.

There are mixed feelings about whether you should wait for the provider to explain the results or read the report before the appointment. I often read first, look up terms I do not understand, but wait for a provider to explain what the results actually mean regarding my treatment. Often, terms that sound frightening are not important.

Another reason you might want to request your own copy is to retain for the future. Mayo retains medical records indefinitely, but some clinics or imaging facilities may not keep them for as long.

Have you started treatments, or are you in the diagnosis and treatment plan phase?

It is absolutely appropriate your you to ask for your results. It will be needed if you want to get a second opinion. If you had the tests done at Mayo, you will be able to see the results in your portal. You will have the written reports plus you can see the images from MRI and CT scans

Once you get your results just be cautious about reading them without having a doctor present to translate the medicaleze. Like Laurie said, some things may sound terrible to you and not be a big issue for the doctor. I got my bladder diagnosis a little over two years ago. I’m not going to lie, it’s a tough battle to fight. You need to have your information available to you as you fight your battle. Good luck and I am praying for the best for you.

Stay strong,
Ron Zarach

@ronzee50
Thank you Ron for being straight with me.
I am 7 days out from being diagnosed. Last three days I am starting to get back on offense with the things I can control, I am done being a sitting duck for blader cancer. Fighting back with exercises, what food I put in by body, reading & learning about new approved drugs. The above has helped me have less ups and downs. Biggest help is my personal
HP.
Scott Johnston

@roch
Lourie, thank you for the reply.
Not started treatments.
Last Monday what was my diagnosed today.
Got scoped this past Friday.
Next CT Scan 8/24.
Surgery is scheduled for 9/1.
Doctor beleaves the from he saw in the scope,tumor did not appear to be invasive with the mussels.
Only treatments that was briefly explained is " we are going to cleanse your bladder for a period of time after surgery and get" . How, what will be used to achieve " the cleanse", length of time of "the cleanse?
The whole game plan is based faith.
Not up set about that because I don't no any better.

Scott