Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Cancer, Cancer Everywhere

Okay, I'm pissed.

Here's the thing: for the past few years (YEARS) we have been taking Mama to the doctor every three or four months. EVERY. She has not gone more than six months without seeing a doctor.

So when the oncologist tells me that Mama has breast cancer that spread UNDETECTED for several YEARS I get pissed.

Mama is not in any condition to give herself self-exams. Any and all doctors that we have taken her to see in the past few years have known that. Would have to know that.

And how many doctors, you ask? Four that I can count. There may be more. See, we used to take her to a "doc in the box" that was associated with her daycare. Good in a pinch but not the best.

And not ONE of the four did a full examination.

Of course, then we took her to a very reputable doctor in Manhattan. Who also did not do a full exam.

My mother in law is going to die because none of these doctors did a full exam.

(Just in case you were thinking medical incompetence ended at IF treatment).

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

That sucks, I'm pissed with you. I smell malpractice... especially when dealing with the elderly and someone in her mental state.

Esperanza said...

I completely sympathize. A similar thing happened to T's grandmother. She was taken to the hospital on a different matter - they found countless tumors on her back.

It is unfortunate, but I do believe that doctors who deal with the elderly are so focused on the "usual" ailments that miss things that are happening.

I am so sorry Nica. And I hope that Mama doesn't physically suffer - she has suffered enough mentally.

Wishing you and yours well.

Dresden said...

oh wow. That just makes me so angry on behalf of your family. Like you guys we take my Grandmother to a doctor every 3-5 months. And now that you mention it I don't recall anyone giving her a full exam. Do people just glaze over when it comes to the care of geriatrics??
I am just so effing sorry for you guys.

K @ ourboxofrain said...

That completely and totally sucks. I am so sorry that you and your family are having to deal with this, especially due to incompetence.

Waiting Amy said...

Nica, I'm so sorry you are facing this. I hope that you get good help now. Thinking of you.

C said...

Damn, pissed over here for you as well. That is so absolutely ridiculous. I'm sorry.

Samantha said...

I'm so sorry Nica. Doctors seem to have no idea how to work with elderly patients.

TeamWinks said...

I am so so sorry. All I can do is shake my head. It's just so wrong.

Bea said...

I'm so sorry, Nica. This is terrible news.

Bea