Hi all,

It feels like I have continuously run into road blocks the last couple of months with my healthcare providers. Whether it's my local gynecologist dropping me from her care, the oncologists office taking forever to decide if they would book me an appointment, and now my family doctor has vetoed my nurse practitioner's decision to order me an MRI. 

My cancer journey started on October 16th, 2025, when the local gynecologist performed an endometrial biopsy. After that, I started experiencing pelvic pain 2 or 3 times a week. This is unusual for me. I received my biopsy results on October 29th, 2025 confirming it was grade 1 endometrial cancer, I was then started on a progestin until I could see the oncologist. November was a flurry of appointments, between having a CT scan, the initial consult with my oncologist in London, meeting with my local gynecologist to get her opinion on the matter, and following up with the oncologist in London again. At the end of November, my local gynecologist placed an IUD for me and I started on Letrozole. Unfortunately, the IUD became displaced and had to be removed a week before Christmas. I was still having pelvic pain in addition to menstrual cramps during this time. Since the IUD removal in December, I have had daily pelvic pain, I also started having back pain, which is different from my usual lower back stiffness.

I saw my nurse practitioner yesterday, and went over all of this pelvic pain and back pain with her, and after an examination she agreed that an MRI would make sense and that she would put through a request. Unfortunately, she called me this morning to say my family doctor doesn't want to order the MRI, and thinks I should have an Xray and Ultrasound instead, and then she will decide if I can have an MRI. 

I expressed my disappointment, and my concern that we won't see anything on an Xray, as I feel that my pain is soft tissue or nerve related. My nurse practitioner replied that she can't go around my family doctor's orders. I am really feeling now that my concerns are being dismissed and that none of my healthcare providers care or want to help me. I will finally get to see my oncologist on March 11, so I guess I will ask him then if he will consider ordering me an MRI... 

That said, has anyone ever paid for private care, especially to get diagnostic tests or imaging done? I'm honestly just frustrated after asking for help from medical professionals for four years now and not getting anywhere, only to finally get some answers, learn that it's cancer, and now feel like I'm back at square one with no help from my healthcare providers. 

@MissERP are you willing to wait until March 11th when you see your oncologist and see if they will order a ct or mri?  It's only a few weeks away.  If they don't and you still feel strongly about it then look into getting one privately, and at least you will know you have done everything.  I also hope you find an oncologist that you like and maybe they will have a better gyne for you to see.  Good luck

Thank you both @meinvan and @gratitude123 

Yes, basically I have no option but to wait until my oncology appointment on March 11 (which yes, isn't that far away now, I have just had a lot of frustration, worry, and confusion, waiting since a week before Christmas to find out what's going on, or who was overseeing my care). 

I live in rural Southwestern Ontario, my local hospital emerge has been helpful at times, but yesterday I ultimately decided to drive an hour to the next larger hospital, scared that my concerns would be dismissed again, but hopeful that that wouldn't be the case. The doctor I saw at their emerge couldn't order me any imaging, but said he doesn't think my pelvic pain is related to my cancer, and that it is most likely just that, chronic pelvic pain, and possibly endometriosis based on my health history (no one has ever looked into my irregular, painful menstrual cycles (I asked once before and was dismissed and shamed), until last year where we just went straight to cancer, and my gynecologist dropped me before I could even ask her about other possible issues like that). He was also going to send a referral for me to see one of their gynecologists, which is good. All in all, I thanked him for his help, and I am appreciative of his time. I am still dealing with this pelvic pain, but at least now I am hopefully at the start of getting some help.

@MissERP glad the Er doc was able to refer you to another gyne.  Good luck

@ginny that is very frustrating, and I understand exactly what you mean about wanting to get on with things so you can live your life. I hope you can get some answers soon about that liver pain, and everything else. 

Hi @MissERP I am so sorry to hear the challenges you are having. I've read through all the responses from other Teal Sisters and thought I'd share so additional perspective. One time, years ago, when I was having very bad pelvic pain, I asked for an MRI from my GP. She told me that there is a 'protocol' in place. You need to have a x-ray done first, then ultrasound before an MRI. Since MRI machines are so limited, there's a process in place to I'm guessing 'rationalize' getting an MRI. Obviously if there's an emergency reason and/or clear rationale for an MRI you could get one however, this was explained to me. I trust my GP 100% and we did the x-ray, ultrasound very quickly and then on to the MRI. I'm only sharing this as I wonder if that's what happened with your family doctor although I don't sense she explained her rationale well at all. Regardless, it annoys me and how you are being treated.

I'm glad you went to the ER and hopefully you will be able to get into to see the gynecological referral soon per the ER doctor. 🤞

As well, in regard to your question about private care payment for diagnostic/imaging....yes I have done it numerous times. I too live in Southwestern Ontario. I have driven to Buffalo a few times to have CT's and/or MRI's done. As well, I have paid for CT's in Florida too. The challenge you will run into is that there is often no 'comparison' for them to look at (my exception is Florida as I've had CT's a few times so they have a baseline from which to compare). You can request a copy of the scan on a disc and bring the report and scan back and ask your doctor to get a local radiologist to a 'consult' on it. 

I hope you are going to get some forward momentum. When we are dealing with a cancer diagnosis, supportive care is what we are looking for. I am so sorry that you haven't found that in your medical team yet. I say 'yet' because I'm holding out hope that you will soon find that 'person' who will help you move forward with the support you need.

#Supportandencouragement

Hi @Alwayslearning, yes, the other responses have been very helpful. Thank you too for sharing you personal experiences. 

I have since talked with my nurse practitioner and she confirmed that the MRI requisition was put through, and she has ordered a pelvic ultrasound. I have decided not to do the xray, I had a CT scan that covered the same area in November 2025, which I know was a few months ago now, but anyways. I have some other care providers (my Physiotherapist, manual lymphatic drainage lady, Dietitian etc) that have been supportive within their scopes of practice. My nurse practitioner is very helpful and empathetic, and she has been helpful when possible, but she is mayne limited in someways versus the oncologist, etc. So I'm getting there, and just need to take one day at a time and remember to relax/breathe. 

@MissERP I'm glad you are getting some forward momentum. The nurse practitioner sounds like she's in your corner. I have tremendous respect for all RNs, RNAs etc. They tend to be the true life lines for so many of us. 

Please keep us posted and yes, take deep breaths. You've got a plan which should hopefully ease some of your concerns.

#Supportandencouragement

Just feeling a little upset and disappointed tonight. 

I was scheduled for a pelvic MRI today, and on Wednesday I was supposed to go for a Lumbar spine MRI. I got to the hospital this morning only to be told they had a scheduling oversight and the radiologist that needed to oversee the pelvic MRI isn't in this week, so I will have to go back next week when they are there. My trip there wasn't in vain though, we were able to go ahead and do the lumbar spine scan today instead. It was a snug fit but I did okay. 

Then, on my way home, the receptionist from my oncologist's office called and said we would have to push back my appointment by a week, to March 18th. 

I'm just frustrated, I feel like every time something starts to go in the right direction then something else pops up and causes things to go awry. 

My nurse practitioner called after all of this to go over results from a breast ultrasound, and she mentioned that one of the gynecologists acknowledged my referral, so it sounds like I might get to see this new gynecologist in 3 to 4 months lol (they still have to call with an appointment). So today wasn't all bad, but really just feeling upset about the oncologist changing my appointment. 

Hi @MissERP ... you clearly have a right to be upset and disappointed. There is nothing more frustrating than when an "oversight error" occurs. I understand that stuff happens however, from our vantage points as patients, these tests, appointments etc. are exceptionally important. Thankfully you were able to get the lumbar spine done and they were able to reschedule you for an upcoming timeslot for the pelvic MRI. 

...and yes, then receiving a call that your oncology appointment has to be moved just adds to the frustration. So stamp your feet and be angry. Then, take a deep breath as you thankfully have a new appointment time a week later (it could have been a month later). Focus your energy now on the future and the positives of that.

Sounds like you also may have a win with a new gynecologist. Hopefully she/she will be able to see you sooner rather than later. 

I remember in December, I showed up for my regular 'labs' at PMH only to be told that the order had not been placed. After two years, that was the first 'blip' that occurred. It was very annoying as my bloodwork was supposed to be done at 8am for my 9am appointment. Since the oncologist's office didn't open until 9am, I had to wait until someone was available to send the order down. Then, it took them two tries to get it sent down. I do give the lab credit as they were all over it and trying to help me. Once they had the order they took me in asap. It did delay my appointment by almost an hour as they had to wait for the results however, I like to believe it was a 'one off' event. In February, I had no issues. I'm betting many Teal Sisters on this site could tell stories!!!

Thankfully things continue to move forward for you however, we are all entitled to our frustrations. I hope things will go smoother over the coming weeks.

#Supportandencouragement

Hi @Alwayslearning, thank you for your words of support. I was still a little grumpy this morning about everything, but have been keeping busy at work today, so that helps take my mind off of everything. 

Yes, I thought that too, at least its just a week and not a whole month or more. My Mom was also wondering that maybe they decided to push it back because the pelvic MRI got delayed...anyways, all will be okay in the end. 

@MissERP ... your Mom is a wise woman! 😁 That could very well be the case and is a good point. You definitely want all your test results for your appointment.