? about chemo nurse care..

My husband just finished his 5 weeks of chemo with picc line. They gave him 8 days supply so that he would never have to worry on the 7th day of running out. Seems pretty sad that you even have to worry about any of this. Hope things get better.

kerry said:

Audrey,

Listen to SpongeBob he is right on target! If you are not comfortable with the care you are receiving you need to change. I did and I am so thankful, but believe me, I wouldn't hesitate to change again if I thought I wasn't getting the best care possible.

Takea care.

Kerry

Dear Audrey,
I certainly understand your frustration, But, you know, it is very easy to cry "change"; but sometimes, it isn't always the immediate answer. Why not voice your concerns and make your needs known to the staff in a pleasant but straightforward manner - letting them know what your expectations are for future appointments and asking if they can meet your expectations....it won't hurt and it will let you know if you are truly running into a wall.
In my case, I live in an area with only two chemo centers linked to the medical group and hospitals (oncologist's offices with staff set-up for infusions as well). The docs can be (and I think are) excellent as the area is well known (in between Stanford medical center and UCSF); but like anything else, my doc's background check meant nothing if he wasn't taking the time to read my bloodwork. But, more importantly, it simply was not prudent for me to move centers and risk having any sort of emergency situation and not be within close driving distance to my doc or hospital; I just knew that I needed to let them know that I wasn't just another bowling pin being set-up for chemo.....my doctors take me very seriously, in part because they know that I take my care seriously as well.
I am in no way asking you to back down (or to read an incredibly long post!); I would just urge you to talk to first speak with the nurse in charge, your doc, or even the receptionist. There may be a team of great nurses there which you can access; and the effort of asserting yourself will let them know that you are an active participant in your own care. It is important to weigh all of the pieces, and then make a decision to change docs or chemo centers because it can impact your entire regime (surgeon, gastro, etc.). It could be as simple a phone call reinforcing to the staff there that you need a really high level of care - and that their present level is worrying you.....Believe me, no one likes to hear comments like that and I would bet that people will take you a lot more seriously. And if nothing else, you will know that you have given them a chance to wake up to your needs; if positive changes don't happen immediately, then I would start a search - because then you will know that your communication went off into space...not what we want at all! In the meantime, I hope you are tolerating your chemo and that your year is starting off well. All the best to you - Maura

jenalynet said:

I want to thank everyone for their replies. My husband and I meet with the oncologist today and I will speak my mind about my care etc. I need to take charge but I am always afraid of hurting feelings which is something I need to put aside when it comes to my health and my life. Thank you for your help...Audrey

Really glad that you are meeting with your onc. Speaking your mind doesn't mean anger or drama. Call it thinking out loud, how's that? I am sure that you and your onc will be better for it. Take care - Maura