From my very first appointment in November, I found this oncologist to be confusing, dismissive, arrogant and lacking of any empathy. Of course, I thought I could “just get through it” because I don’t like to complain and I didn’t want to delay treatment any longer. I want to beat this disease, and although our meetings were uncomfortable and awkward at times, I needed someone who could help me–so I kept the complaints to myself… and to my husband.
My husband gives me plenty of credit for being strong and has watched me be cut apart by surgeons and poisoned now five times with chemo - after which I’ll usually say I’m fine or something along those lines.
I remember what a technician once said to me during a medical procedure. It required four needle sticks to my breast while awake and with no numbing medication—and then four more sticks when the first procedure didn’t work. She said, “You don’t complain much, do you?”
Well I complained about my doctor. With the help of my sister, I navigated the Patient Advocacy system at the hospital. I gave the person my specific examples of this doctor’s confusing and dismissive comments.
So now I have a new doctor starting on Monday.
What I’ve learned from all of this is straightforward
• I’m the boss
• I need to feel confident in my healthcare team
• My priorities should be known and respected
I hope you remember those tips. It’s okay to complain sometimes. And maybe if we all complain about the right things, the wrong people will not stand in our way—especially when it comes to our well-being.
My husband gives me plenty of credit for being strong and has watched me be cut apart by surgeons and poisoned now five times with chemo - after which I’ll usually say I’m fine or something along those lines.
I remember what a technician once said to me during a medical procedure. It required four needle sticks to my breast while awake and with no numbing medication—and then four more sticks when the first procedure didn’t work. She said, “You don’t complain much, do you?”
Well I complained about my doctor. With the help of my sister, I navigated the Patient Advocacy system at the hospital. I gave the person my specific examples of this doctor’s confusing and dismissive comments.
So now I have a new doctor starting on Monday.
What I’ve learned from all of this is straightforward
• I’m the boss
• I need to feel confident in my healthcare team
• My priorities should be known and respected
I hope you remember those tips. It’s okay to complain sometimes. And maybe if we all complain about the right things, the wrong people will not stand in our way—especially when it comes to our well-being.