I have a constant cough: Any thoughts?

horiconmarshgal @horiconmarshgal

Welcome to Connect
Did a provider refer you to cancer center or did you self refer? Is there a reason you suspect cancer?

Only advice I have is to go prepared, I suggest write down the answers to following questions, good chance the provider will ask.

a. When did cough start, you said it comes and goes, maybe start a log of when it happens and how long last. Is there any pattern, AM vs PM, after eat, standing up vs sitting down, after being outside, etc...
b. How are you treating the symptoms
c. Does anything make it worse or better.
d. What tests have been done for current problem, date, location, result.
e. At end of appt, if provider is not clear, ask what will happen next, tests and or follow up appointments.
f. Take notes.

Hopefully you will get an answer.
Laurie

@horiconmarshgal , As Laurie mentioned it can be difficult to self-refer to an oncologist. Do you have a primary care physician? If not, it is a good idea a to establish care with a primary care doc. While a CT exam is better, even a simple chest X-ray can be helpful in diagnosing any infection, masses or nodules in the lungs. That would be a good first step.
Are you experiencing other symptoms; weight loss, fatigue, pressure in your chest?

Had biopsy at local hospital. Was referred to cancer center by pulmonology. All tests done w/results. Ct scan, biopsy, x-rays, blood work. Don't know what the issue is. Called, got nowhere. They have all results over a week ago. Insurance is a PPO so can go anywhere. Don't get it.

Assuming you can get in to see a primary care doctor within a reasonable timeframe. An urgent care may be easier to get into.

Been there, done that. Told to use my inhaler. Well, I have been all along. Our medical here in the area leaves something to be desired. Guess I just suck it up & wait. Isn't funny as I know there are a lot of us sick folks out there just waiting for care.

Ah ok! That’s good, that you were able to get this far in the process. It’s not good that you are having to wait. Waiting is so difficult especially when you know something is wrong. If you are experiencing new symptoms be sure to call and tell them that. Did they provide any idea of when they may be able to schedule your first visit with them? Keep calling.

@horiconmarshgal- Good morning. I would also like to join in welcoming you to Mayo Clinic's Connect.

You must be beyond frustrated and scared.
I know you are anxious, as everyone in this group would be, so let's get right to it!

I am assuming that you are calling the office of the physician who recommended the tests and biopsy, correct? Or are you calling the local hospital or cancer center?

I know that a week seems like an eternity but it is not an outrageous time to wait for the results of a lot of tests. Usually, after a lot of tests are done, especially with suggested cancer is concerned. the doctor at the hospital will get a team together and discuss the outcome and preferred treatment.

I'm curious- Do you know if the local hospital sent the results of all of your tests to the cancer center?

If this were me, I'd be calling the doctor at the local hospital constantly until I get an answer to this question. Here are a couple of questions that I probably would ask:
"When will the results of my tests be given to me? Has the doctor recommended me to the cancer center, and if so, to whom? May I have the number of that person?"

Then, if you have no answers after asking those, trot your body to the local hospital or the doctor's office.

I hope that by the time you are at the doctor's office if you haven't been called" you might get some tears going in your voice..that always helps me get someone's attention!

Please don't hesitate to ask if I can help in any other way. Let's at least get you into seeing someone and get those results!

By the way, I know that this is rather sexist, but a male's voice always helps! I have a high voice and often ask my husband to call. Oftentimes I'd be called, " Honey, where's your mother?"

Merry

Calling both. Sitting & waiting isn't my cup of tea. I am not a sitter. Both Primary & Specialist get calls daily from me. Yes, calling cancer center for what that's worth. Same old song & dance. Oh well, another day another auto dial to all involved. What did we do before auto dial??

They have all tests. Ct scan, needle biopsy results, x-rays, blood work. I don't know what more can be sent. I knew the results w/local pulmonology in two days. He is the referring doc. Everything sent , plus all my records.

Who is they?