There is just nothing right about the health care system in the U.S. Not a single thing. In his treatment program (and I use the term loosely), my uncle has:
- A primary care physician
- Neurosurgeon
- A surgeon
- An infectious diseases specialist
- An oncologist
- A radiologist-oncologist
And not a single fucking one of them talks to any of the rest of them.
He had a CAT scan yesterday. We find out from the ICU nurse that that the surgeon looked at it and said it looked the way they expected; no tumor regrowth since the surgery, and that the radiologist-oncologist plans to start radiation treatment next week. Today the infectious diseases Dr. says that it doesn’t look good but they don’t think they’re going to operate.
Does that sound as fucked up when it’s read back as it did when my aunt told me that? And is it any wonder that she’s worn down and frustrated?
Monday I get to go with her to the “family consultation” with these jokers where I’m going to ask a lot of really pointed questions. It will take every ounce of self-control I have not to start with “Can any one in this room besides me and her find their ass with both hands?”
I swear, they tell me later in life that I have a brain tumor I’m gonna have a really nice party and when it’s done take a handful of pills because I never want to have to deal with this kind of bullshit ever again.
Darling…Having been through this with both of my parents..I can honestly say…I know EXACTLY what you are going through. You are going to have to lose it and lose it a million times..but don’t give up and don’t take any SHIT from these bozos. Franky it is all about the money anyway. They don’t talk to each other because they all have that lovely syndrome…”I’M GOD.”
My sister and I found out that the Doctors were doing double duty. Each one would order x-rays because God forbid they would read my mother’s chart and find out that the x-ray they wanted had been done the day before. We had to fight and we did and they didn’t like us and we DIDN’T CARE.
I’m thinking of you.
BTW
Brokeback is novella length and it is WONDERFUL. I read it about four years ago…totally by chance…and was amazed by the power. Enjoy it. Oh…and it is coming here next weekend!
Thinking good thoughts as you go to battle with the Docs because that is what it will be!
STB
Definitely thinking of you in the midst of all the stuff you’re dealing with. It’s probably a really good thing for your aunt that you’ll be at the “consultation” and can ask the hard questions and make them explain their answers ’til they’re understandable. My thoughts are with you and yours.
Make them talk to you. I know this because we just went through it with my step father. They don’t talk to each other, those who need to know things are so upset they forget what they want to ask. My sister and I kept a running notebook with questions for everyone that was dealing with my step father from the guy who brought his meals to the head doc. We would write what they would tell us down so that when we spoke to the next doc we could tell him will dr. so and so told us this at this date and time, here are our new questions. Being a little separated (not much I know) think of the questions, write them down, and help remember to ask them. I wish you nothing but good thoughts and peace for your family during this time. I know first hand that it is not easy.