tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741672436160438708.post6386956821252632650..comments2024-03-26T12:50:32.070-07:00Comments on Learning from and about cancer (chronic lymphocytic leukemia or CLL) by Dr. Brian Koffman: "So tired, tired of waiting"" Ray DaviesBrian Koffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13250684684103918493noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741672436160438708.post-25230007322826388672008-07-25T13:50:00.000-07:002008-07-25T13:50:00.000-07:00Hi Brian, As a physician-survivor, too, I have fou...Hi Brian, <BR/>As a physician-survivor, too, I have found this issue challenging: How do patients get the best care when things aren't going smoothly? <BR/><BR/>If patients challenge what is being done, they may be seen as "difficult," which is not a good thing. But if they don't say anything, they may be harmed, which is even worse.<BR/><BR/>I am fortunate to be receiving superb care. On the rare occasions when things aren't going smoothly (usually with staff who are caring for me for the first time and don't know my "case"), I try to sound calm and pleasant while pointing out the problem. If I don't get a good reaction, I ask my primary care nurses and physicians for advice and support. <BR/><BR/>Whenever I am too sick to keep tabs and advocate for myself, I make sure to have a friend or relative with me to advocate for me. <BR/><BR/>Sure, "Oops" happen. Patients can't expect things to be perfect. And things can work out fine, even when things go wrong. So it is good to go with the flow through minor glitches. <BR/><BR/>But patients still deserve optimal care. And optimal care is a team effort. I hope this helps.<BR/><BR/>With hope,<BR/>Wendy<BR/>www.wendyharpham.comWendy S. Harpham, MDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09167276216970598762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741672436160438708.post-20983919264823864892008-07-25T12:36:00.000-07:002008-07-25T12:36:00.000-07:00So sorry to read of the trial at the clinic, but e...So sorry to read of the trial at the clinic, but excited to see G-d continuing to refine a spirit like His of love and compassion in you for the trials you encounter. We confidently continue to place you before Him in prayer looking to the day we will see you back in DB doing the work He created you for and thereby revealing Him to all peoples.<BR/>with love and prayer- Barsamian familyLISAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02420809529521205705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741672436160438708.post-38976211689610931642008-07-25T12:28:00.000-07:002008-07-25T12:28:00.000-07:00Dear Doc Brian;the Barsmian's here. Just catching ...Dear Doc Brian;<BR/>the Barsmian's here. Just catching up and blessed to read of G-d's continued faithfulnessin your life. We continue to pray daily for you and your family, knowing<BR/>G-d continues to lead you to bring glory to Himself. We're looking forward to seeing your life's journey on mission with G-d be revealed.<BR/>With many prayers and love'LISAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02420809529521205705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741672436160438708.post-34809609381055379482008-07-25T09:34:00.000-07:002008-07-25T09:34:00.000-07:00So sorry for your bad experience. Can't say eithe...So sorry for your bad experience. Can't say either of us are surprised. We've both had health issues (as you know)and each hospital visit had a story that makes you feel like "does someone around here know what's going on?" It's the stories old people tell to anyone who will listen. We try to avoid the topic because most people survive hospital "opps." As we did - as you will. A couple times, when dealing with someone that clearly was not on board, it was a very good thing I was very sick. I didn't have the strength to be anything but very "patient" (TeeHee) and polite. There is an admitting nurse at St. Jude in Fullerton that we call "Bloody Mary." We come out of her station black and blue and dripping blood. Like you are doing, you have to stay tuned to the positive and let problems fly off into never-never land. Let me amend, let those problems go AFTER you see a health professional with advanced training!!!!!!!<BR/><BR/>Thinking of you, Bob and Lori MoralesBob & Lorihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10583189492273101530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741672436160438708.post-44194259376501853562008-07-24T19:23:00.000-07:002008-07-24T19:23:00.000-07:00I had a similar experience in January with my Dr. ...I had a similar experience in January with my Dr. That was why I was looking to MDA for a while. But after a calming and reassuring time period, I felt confident that as long as I am diligent and educated in the procedures and processes (of the well known unknown), we can overcome any issues. <BR/><BR/>I know you were a good patient. Keep one eye on your doctors and the other on your health and you be fine. <BR/><BR/>Your CLL Friend,Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07419013972679991358noreply@blogger.com