Guest bean_si (Not Active) Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 Why don't you just ask for a copy of all reports. It is your record and you have a right to them. Then you don't have to try and "sneek " and peek. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhutch1366 Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 Cat, Regardless of what the other doctor said, FIND ANOTHER ONCOLOGIST. This guy is a first class flake. Glad you're doing alright in spite of his best efforts to practice medicine. Geesh. Unbelievable. XOXOXOX MaryAnn Prayers always Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bean_si (Not Active) Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 Clearly your confidence is this guy is non-existent at this point! I agree that you should ask for a copy of everything in your file. It's YOUR records and you have a right to them. Once you have them...if there is no report there from US Labs last December....then you've got something concrete to confront him with. If it went OUT to US Labs for a 2nd opinion at that time, and he based treatment on that report....well then, where IS the report? One thing I've done too, is have copies of everything sent to my primary doc. His nurse is copying everything for me so I can have a file at home. It makes me feel like I have more control over my own care....as I can read the various reports and ask questions based upon the facts as I know them. I don't have to rely on my memory of what I've been told....I have it all right there in black and white! I just go by my primary doc's office every couple of weeks or so, and pick up the latest batch of copies! You have to find yourself a doctor you trust in, Cat. I think it's so important. But first, you need the FACTS and that means you need copies of what is in your file....so you can look thru and make some logical sense of all this as it relates to your memory AND what you're finding out from other places. Today...when you see the onc, I'd simply say...."Okay, if you got a report back from US Labs back in December, may I please see a copy of it?" Just ask him. If it's in your file...you've got a right to see it! Can you do that and NOT lose your cool if he cannot produce it? And if he doesn't produce it....then what do you do next? What are your options? Can your primary recommend another onc? (Forgive me, as I can't recall all the particulars of your situation...so don't know if there are other oncs close to where you live.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bean_si (Not Active) Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hebbie Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 They also have me as having a rectal adenocarcinoma. I read this in my file. (believe me I do take every effort to keep my records correct.) I told one of the nurses that this was wrong. She replied, "Oh the history - it doesn't real matter." That alone would be enough to send me running in another direction. I urge you to find another oncologist QUICKLY! Preferably a specialist in Lung Cancer at a Comprehensive Cancer Center! No one should have to endure this type of treatment! (((((HUGS))))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pecola Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 No, Cat, you are not being paranoid. I would be cautious as well. Where are you in Florida? I live in Seminole County and my Mother had an oncologist that we really trust who serves the Seminole/Volusia county area. I think your idea about your congressman is an excellent idea after you have documented and confirmed the Dr.'s misinformation. Don't forget to file a complaint with the hospital/hospitals that he has privileges with. Possibly the hospitals will look into the matter (quietly of course) or at least find you another Dr. to save themselves any potential legal ramifications. {{{{Cat}}}}, I know it has to be exhausting you to not only have to fight this disease but have to fight to get adequate care and attention at the the same time. I'm so sorry that you have this added pain and aggravation. Gina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bean_si (Not Active) Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 Thanks Hebbie. Part of the problem was I was scared and NOT well informed. I didn't find this group until after the treatment had ended. I just took it for granted I was getting the right treatment and that at a fairly good hospital, albeit small, the results would be accurate. I'm seeing my therapist tomorrow. Information is such an important factor in this equation. You know, it's kinda funny, maybe coincidental. I joined a group of prayer warriors in early May and asked for prayers - and of course prayed for them too. A few days later, I got the itch to send the slides off to MD Anderson. Cat P.S. I wish, wish, wish I had found this group when I first started "treatment". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 Cat, Just two words - tape recorder. It is not just what is in the reports, but what the doctors tell you. And if either you don't trust them or are afraid you might be too emotional to remember everything, then a tape recorder can help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bean_si (Not Active) Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 When I contact my congressman's office, I will be telling them about this place and what a difference it has made - a life and death difference. It is the truth. Maybe that will be a way to motivate them to give us some type of funding. After all my political activism and contacts with his office, he best listen to me! Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 Cat Sorry late posting to this. You know most of us want you to leave this Dr and not look back. One thing to remember, however, is that your tumor has shrunk and has not spread, so for that you can be thankful. So what really matters is what you decide to do in the future. love elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bean_si (Not Active) Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 Cat So what really matters is what you decide to do in the future. To draw attention to the victims of lung cancer. To let our government know how doctors can give (far) less than quality care because too many think in terms of terminal not cure. That there are people in our country who have worked their lives and contributed to the functioning of this government and who not can not get care because they can't afford hospital insurance. That support and accurate information for these victims comes from boards like this, run by people such as Rick and Katie who are devoting their own time and money because we have no where else to turn. I've seen too many stories here of horrible care that some have received. Yes, maybe it's only a few but every single one of them count and every single one of them deserve quality care. The government is failing us but it's not failing to collect our taxes. This is not acceptable. And that's not my final word on this. Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 I am not suggesting that you not contact your congressperson or a lawyer or anything else. I just meant that the first thing you need to do is to decide what to do about your future treatment. elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bean_si (Not Active) Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 I just meant that the first thing you need to do is to decide what to do about your future treatment.elaine No, no. I understood. I was just thinking how much I would like to make a difference. What did Margaret Mead say? Something like Never doubt a small group of thoughtful people can change the world. In fact, that is the only thing that ever has. One hour, 15 minutes before D-Day although I probably won't get seen until 5 p.m. Lord, give me the strength to hold my tongue even now that he's got my Irish up. Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 Cat Count me in your small group--I am armed and ready! Also be sure to let us know what happens. Do you have a tape recorder. I think that was good advice, that you might consider. You can get those small ones and he won't even know. Most states it's legal. elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 Cat, I would take my records and find another onc. You need to be treated by someone you trust and have open communication with. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 Cat, Good answers all around, I did take a tape recorder at one oncologist appointment and had a field day. I had to change oncologist after HE refused to see me any more as I was taping the conversations, Now I see a human oncologist and we get along well. Good luck and keep us posted. I now only take a small pad and write down the results of the tests. Hugs J.C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MayFrog Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 Wow, Cat!! Not too much I can add to all the wonderful advice you've been given about this unacceptable situation. Thank goodness the days of viewing doctors as omnipotent supreme beings is OVER!! This is YOUR life and kudos to you for taking control of it!! Also, I think having your "Irish" up can only be a good thing!! Hope all turns out well, I'll be looking forward to seeing what transpired. Sending good thoughts your way........Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berisa Posted June 29, 2004 Share Posted June 29, 2004 Sorry that I am quite confused on the final diagnosis. Is it now confirmed that the type is Combination of Small Cell & Large Cell? I know there is one type of LC is combination of these two cells characters. Anyway, if you do not feel comfortable about your current onc. that you do not really and fully trust him, then find another one. You still have choices and your life is still on your hand. Do what is good to yourself... I know how angry you are !!! I totally understand...... For myself, complaint is not an important issue now. Solutions instead is the immediate to-do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bean_si (Not Active) Posted June 29, 2004 Share Posted June 29, 2004 .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awpoint Posted June 29, 2004 Share Posted June 29, 2004 We did take a small tape recorder to Onc office. It is too hard to remember every thing they say. Not one Doctor ever objected. It is even recommened in some of the "How to prepare for Dr visit advice" My main reason for doing this is that we have 4 children and they all wanted to know every thing. One would go with us to Dr and the others could listen to the tape. Maybe you could borrow one if you don't have one. I certainly hope your congressman can help you. If he will he can certainly get things done. May be even see that you get a different doctor. I am praying that things will get better for you. Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paddy Posted June 29, 2004 Share Posted June 29, 2004 Prayers coming your way Cat! I asked Dave's Onc if I could record everything, (as my memory lets me down sometimes.....(sometimes? ,) and he was quite agreeable. Paddy [/i] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bean_si (Not Active) Posted June 29, 2004 Share Posted June 29, 2004 Thanks. I did take a tape recorder. It's used with lectures & meetings. I didn't advertise the fact as he had appeared so angry the last time & I didn't want to set him off. It was stressful enough. The truth is under all that stress I do know I can miss a point here and there. I didn't need that happening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jana_W Posted June 29, 2004 Share Posted June 29, 2004 Cat Sending you heartfelt wishes and positive thoughts to help you through this difficult time. I can see why you are so mightily confused. Doesn't make sense to me about the lab not knowing about the slides?!?!?! Take care sweetie Jana xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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