Thursday, January 21, 2010

Cancer Bitch - On Ice


After a day of tests at Johns Hopkins Wednesday - I waited for the phone call - the one telling me when I would begin chemo, Thursday or Friday. Instead the nurse called and said they don't have the test results in yet - my Bilirubin was above normal last time and they want to wait until they have the labs in before starting chemo. Would Monday do?


I pitched a fit - to no avail - pointing out that both my husband and I have to schedule time off our jobs for this. "Well, I'm sooo sorry for the inconvenience," she said before hanging up the phone. Or did I hang up first. I was too angry. So are my labs bad because I'm not receiving treatment? I have an appointment tomorrow with the Alexandria oncologist. I'm tempted to let him takeover.

I'm also well beyond being a good patient and am angry, sorry for myself, and tired of smiling and keeping a stiff upper lip. F$%^ this!

9 comments:

Unknown said...

You have a right to be angry and everything else you're feeling. Maybe a talk with the Alexandria doc will present some intermediate options?

gena said...

You know what: you did not put out a "Welcome" mat for this. And since there's no doormat, you don't have to act like one. Get angry, relax that stiff lip and let it rip when you need to.

And whatever doctor is boss to Nurse Miss Thing, it's okay to complain to him too.

Mireille said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mireille said...

I am at a complete loss with their lack of urgency!

Who does the nurse report to, and then, who is their boss? Who is chief of the pancreatic center?

Does your insurance company have a patient advocate to serve as an intermediary?

You not only have a right to be angry, you have a right to answers and action.

If you want to divide and conquer, I'll make calls too.

M

Moe said...

Fight the power. It is your life and your health, you have every right to have high expectations. Stay strong!

Happy Clown said...

I agree with GERI,GENA,MIRELLE AND MAUREEN. Tell the nurse to liken what she said to this statement. She can't get her paycheck until the next week cuz the money level in the bank might be to low. How would her dumb azz feel and how angry would she be.

Lynne said...

A "good" patient advocates for herself. Be the best patient ever.

Diane Dimond said...

Ok. Give me a number to call! Now I'm pissed off too!
How about calling that very first doctor from JH who called you and scheduled the original hurry up appointment? I liked his sense of urgency.
Brenda, its good to be angry. Get good and angry! It's way better than being complacent.
As for it being on Monday now. Do you need a ride?

ShenaebytheBay said...

First, if you want to learn how to throw some really good fits, Sonya is the expert...I'll fill you in later (if you need the comedy relief). Next, is it time to call in the Armed Forces already? I've put myself on standby...