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Northwind's health updates

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The waiting must be agonising. I wish things moved more reassuringly through the channels. It doesn't seem like rocket science to understand a patient's need to KNOW someone is moving their diagnosis/treatment along. Nope - no consolation in assuming all is well, because we all know times when information didn't get sent - or wasn't received - or is sitting on the desk of a person who is on holiday. Seems to me quite reasonable to phone them if they don't phone you. Some people ask "Who will phone? When? May I have that number for my file?"
 
I've worked in hospitals and have met booking people who need attitude adjustments...... of course that is my imagination going overboard. Still it is what it is. Most of the people I've dealt with here have been great.

I'm just reminded of the last booking person I worked with. She's amazing and an excellent juggler. I certainly would not want that job.
 
I find it is helpful for me to know the circumstances of what is going on.

1. Am I an urgent case, and so they are shuffling to fit me in? -- happened with my cone biopsy. Happened on a Saturday. Was told to be there first thing. Sat for hours waiting to go into surgery -- nobody came to prep me, etc. As it turned out, i was there only if there wasn't an emergency to occur. I was marked as a high priority surgery, but not emergency. So, car accident -- ahead of me. Emergency - ahead of me. Nurse basically left me alone all morning, if I remember correctly. Once my slot came up, though, i was in fast.
2. Am I high priority, but, not urgent. What can we shuffle to make this work, is there a reserved spot for such priority
3. Am i normal priority.

As a cancer patient, odds are you are not normal priority, ie, you are ahead of some patients. Dependent on what doctors are looking for, may also make you a different priority, or how long you will be in may introduce scheduling specifics.

I do wish they would explain, or if they do explain, we would hear.

Once you get into the system, I hope you will have what we had at Juravinski, which is a schedule which is laid out for your entire treatment, plus someone to call or pop in to visit if you don't feel "quite right".
 
Thanks so much @Pinga That helps tons. Not knowing circumstances, explanations, etc is what's getting to me. I absolutely understand that prioritizing happens and needs to happen in health care. Simple explanations go a long way.
 
Pinga said:
Happened on a Saturday. Was told to be there first thing. Sat for hours waiting to go into surgery -- nobody came to prep me, etc. As it turned out, i was there only if there wasn't an emergency to occur. I was marked as a high priority surgery, but not emergency. So, car accident -- ahead of me. Emergency - ahead of me. Nurse basically left me alone all morning, if I remember correctly. Once my slot came up, though, i was in fast.
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My neighbour had exactly the same thing happen to him. All turned out well but it was a harrowing wait for the surgery. And little provided in the way of explanation.
 
@Northwind , so I would not sit back & do nothing while you are waiting. You already had one miss. So, be your own advocate. Shouldnt have to be, but, at least you feel like you are doing something.
 
Someone mentioned that. Maybe you should put yourself on a waiting list if there are any cancellations. This worked for us; we live 15 to 20 minutes from the hospital and several medical buildings. Seelerman was a trucker used to driving and all weather and we have an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Several times we were called on a storm day and not in right away rather than waiting several weeks or months. It also brings to the booking's attention that you are anxiously waiting.
Genetic testing – I don't know if it was genetic testing but I do know that near the end of her treatment, Seelergirl was asked to fill in a questionnaire about relatives and cancer. She found it very stressful questioning me about what her grandparents and other relatives had died from. We actually don't have much brest cancer on my side of the family.
 
Seeler said:
Maybe you should put yourself on a waiting list if there are any cancellations.
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Mrs. M and I always do this when we're seeing a specialist, esp. if it is for something that's a particular concern.
 
When I left my message I mentioned it was for breast cancer so I was understandably anxious. I think I forgot to mention I would like to go on the cancellation list. I've let everyone I've met know that our schedule is flexible and that any plans we have can be charged.
 
So the MRI booking department returned my phonecall this morning. They notify people about appointment times through the mail if the appointment is more than two weeks away. I let her know I thought that was incredibly bad practice for people who are anxious. I suggested a phone call acknowledging they've received the referral and letting the person know about the letter would be an improvement. I am on the cancellation and they know I can come at short notice. My appointment as it stands is not until March 24.

I just wanted to say FFS to her. I didn't. I was professional. Barely
 
I agree, with cancer patients it would make more sense to give a call, and follow-up with letter.
It seems a while away.
 
Good news. Progress. And on the cancellation list. Now, you could amuse yourself by doing some looking into cutting edge breast cancer genetic research...or knitting.
 
At the same time, it is likely a good sign that you aren't booked for one for tomorrow -- that would be what a fast growing brain tumour would have. I know that isn't helpful, but, just I was so aware of the differences when I got into treatment.
 
I talked to the woman at the surgeon's office. I must get her name. She took the information and we had a good chat. I told her I've been advocating for others for a long time and that now it was time for me to advocate for myself. She commended me for that and supported that. It was nice to have that support because it would be frustrating if she saw it as a nuisance. She expects the surgeon will send the letter to the coordinating body in Victoria on Friday. She also thought he might be able to expedite the MRI if that is necessary. That information was helpful. I can wait if I know things are happening.
 
So sorry to hear of your understandable anxiety. The delay seems long to me.
I'm not familiar with the Canadian system, but, in your position, I would ring my general practitioner and she would ring for me. Doctors have more clout when it comes to this sort of thing.

Other than that, say f*** a lot - as I've aged- I find it a surprisingly comforting thing to do.
 
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