Donna in Hollywoodland

More Lies from the Doctor

My appointment was later in the day. And when I arrived at the scheduled time, the Radiation Doctor was still on the freeway. He was a half hour late.

I waited for him. Of course, I could never expect a doctor to wait for me.

I refused to change until he got there. I was not going to sit around in a little hospital gown, freezing to death, waiting for the doctor. I changed once he got there.

I went into the exam room.
He looked at me "So what can I do for you today?" - like he had never even talked to the Nurse.

I showed him my left side, under my armpit, where I have a huge radiation burn.
He said we are going to stop the regular radiation for now. And move on to the "boost" portion.
During the boost, they only radiate the section of the breast that had the tumor. Not the entire breast.
This will give the skin under my arm time to heal.

I said "You said it is a minimum of 5 boost treatments. But you want me to do 8."
He said "Thats right."
I said "You are only getting the minimum of 5. I'm not doing any more than that."

He stuttered and stammered, not really knowing what to say.

Then I held up my swollen left hand. "And what are you going to do about this?"

The stupid doctor and his idiot nurse, denied the swelling in my left hand.
Once again it was all my fault.
"Are you exercising it?"
"I think you over-used it"
"Is it sprained .It looks injured."
And the most ridiculous thing I have heard yet "It might be carpal tunnel syndrome".

These two liars were completely denying that I had edema in my hand. Or lymphodema.
They might as well deny that I am having any Radiation at all.
They just pull the veil over their eyes, and pretend its all not happening.
I can't get a decent answer.

Finally The Doctor said "If we rest it for a few days, and move over to the Boost radiation, it will help your hand recover."

I said "What happens after the Boost?"

He said "We move back to the regular radiation treatment."

I said "Not if my hand looks like this. I won't finish"

His answer "I think you should finish."

My reply "Then send me to a physical therapist, so I can Get the swelling in my hand down."

The doctor "I don't think you need a physical therapist."

"But I want to see one."

"Physical Therapists don't understand Radiation."

I replied "My hand needs to go back to normal. If my hand does not go back to normal, I won't complete the rest of the radiation."

"I think you need to finish the radiation."

"Then send me to a Physical therapist so the swelling in my hand will go down."

Doctor: You don't need a physical therapist.

Me: After the boost treatments are over, if the hand is no longer swollen, I will continue the regular treatments.

He was happy about that.

Me: "If the hand is still swollen, I need to see a physical therapist before I will continue on with the treatments. If the hand is still swollen, I won't continue on."

He looked at the floor, and stuttered and stammered.

Then we moved into the Radiation Room.
They had me lay on the table in a different posture. With a wedge underneath me, so I was almost on my side.

The technicians drew on my left breast with Magic Markers. And made diagrams.

The radiation machine is setup differently. It looks more like a camera now. With the lens pointed directly on my breast.
I asked "How do you know the radiation won't go directly to my heart?"
The answer was "The Doctor Will be figuring out the measurements."

I didn't ask to many questions. They were to busy. And the few I asked, were answered in such a brushed-off manner that I didn't care.

I did hear him schedule the treatment for 7 fractions. Not the 8 like he told me.
I think he figures on me leaving after the 5th one. But maybe he can manipulate me, and get me to finish all 7.

No radition for me today ! Yeah ! just diagrams.

As I left I got into another discussion with the doctor.
This conversation was the same run-around I had gotten before.

Twice, I specifically asked for a prescription to see the Physical Therapist.
Twice, the doctor answered with "I don't think you need it."

If you want me to respect your opinion, You need to earn it. So far, this doctor, hasn't earned it.