credit: Kerekes János Csongor
This last month has really flown by. Everything stressful was crammed into 1 month.
My mom finally had her Oncology appointment on December 23rd. They told her that she for sure has stage IV cancer, they just need to determine the type of cancer. She had a biopsy done by the Interventional radiology team when she was impatient, but the sample size was too small. So they scheduled an appointment for her to see the surgery department.
I took her to that appointment today and they scheduled her for another biopsy in the morning. The surgeon told us that her CA 125 levels were elevated, which usually indicates ovarian cancer. She has a total hysterectomy 11 years ago for a 7 pound tumor that was attached to her ovary so this is really no surprise.
My experience of actually being a patient’s family member at the hospital where I work has been a roller coaster of emotions. I felt very safe and taken care of with some staff and very betrayed by others. My mother’s attending doctor was vile, I seriously wanted to punch his pretty eyebrows off his face. This ass hat came into the room without introducing himself and told her “You have stage IV cancer and you should be ready to discharge today with hospice”. I was very confused and asked who he was since she had not had her biopsy. He got mad that I asked him that and loudly declared that he was the attending and any questions should be directed to him. I asked so many questions and he proceeded to lie and say that we did not have inpatient oncology or radiation therapy at our hospital. I quickly interjected letting him know that I knew otherwise as I have worked there for more than 7 years. It pretty much came down to me telling him, I don’t know who you think you are, but you sir are a moron.
I was able to get oncology to see her prior to discharge, that is how we ended up with her oncology appointment. Otherwise it would have taken another month to get a primary care doctor who takes uninsured patients. My Mom should not have to wait that long, hell no one should have to wait that long. I can finally understand the frustration of some patients that call my department begging for help.
Throughout this month I have had clerks roll their eyes at me, scoff at the idea of actually working, and seeing the 360 of their attitude once I flashed my badge. It’s ridiculous. BUT at the same time, people have helped me beyond their job duties without knowing I work there. I mean if you don’t like to help/serve people don’t work in PUBLIC SERVICE.
Her biopsy is tomorrow and I will post and update soon.
Ana, I’m so sorry to hear your mother has received this diagnosis, no doubt made worse by an unfeeling, arrogant doctor.
Your mother is fortunate to have you. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Last spring, my mother was very ill. She required a 10 day hospital stay and surgery but she is well now. I hope your mother recovers fully.
It does baffle me that so many medical practitioners do not treat people with due courtesy and respect. The medical profession is the one most needful of compassionate practitioners.
God bless you and your family. I hope you managed to enjoy some of the holidays nonetheless. It must have been difficult.