There is an article from the Wall Street Journal hanging on the wall of my oncologists waiting room that talks about one of the things I like so much about the UCSF Medical Centers Cancer Treatment program: They give the patients lots of choices.
The very first appointment I had with my surgeon, he patiently explained the options I had of either 1) a mastectomy and chemo or 2) chemo-lumpectomy-radiation. I chose option #2 and have been happy with that decision.
All along the way I have been given options. In the infusion center, the nurses would ask me where I wanted my IV. Even the phlebotomists asked which arm I preferred to use for the draw. When I got injections they asked me where I wanted it. I vaguely remember that after surgery they asked me if I wanted a dose of steroids for nausea.
I appreciate this approach because I have learned what works best for me. Although I am always open to suggestions, I know which medications work for me and which are just OK. Being given the choice also helps me feel more of a participant in my treatment.
Recently my radiation oncologist gave me a thorough explanation about radiation therapy, then looked me in the eye and asked me, "after listening to what I just said, do you still want to go through with radiation therapy?". I appreciate that they never assume that I will just jump through the next hoop or do the next thing. Its always my choice. (and obviously nothing is done without consent)
Last week I met with my regular oncologist and we discussed the fact that I will need hormone therapy (so that the cancer does not come back) for the next 5-10 years. She went through some options with me and gave me choices. In this case she also made a recommendation, but a choice was involved. Have I mentioned how much I like that?
This week I received three requests to be on clinical trials programs, two of those came as a result of getting care at UCSF and all three have the potential to improve my treatment or quality of life. They all require a little extra effort on my part, so I am studying them to see if they are going to work out for me. Its exciting to be a part of an effort that will impact treatment of breast cancer in the future. I'll be posting on some of these studies later.
There is still so much they are learning about how to treat breast cancer. It is not an exact science and treatments are constantly evolving. In light of that, I think its great that patients can make some decisions. On the other hand, I understand that some people would not want to make these choices. But this works for me.
How about you? Do you like being given choices in your medical treatment? Or would you prefer that your doctor decide most things for you?
10 responses to this post:
I like you like choices. And my doctor whenever I have to go always gives them to me and makes and lets me decide. It's my life and my body so that's the way it should be done :)
I think it's important when your life is so out of control that you are still being given choices. It sounds like you have a such a wonderful medical team on your side. :)
You never realize how many choices you are given in the American health care system until you try to fit into one in a developing country! Talk about shocking!
Although I don´t really like to have too many choices, I think I would want to choose in health matters. It´s great to read how positivly you have been treated and that there are so many people who treat you with respect. I´m not sure that would be the case here.
I hope you continue your way to good health!!
If ever I have to face what you're facing, UCSF is where I will head---I am so impressed w/ how you've been treated. I had a dr. appt. the other day and fell in love w/ my doctor b/c she remembered who I was and that I was headed to Paraguay last time I saw her! She actually talked w/ me and wanted to know how I was!
Lisa
I think giving you choices shows me that your health care providers are patient and thoughtful and really care. It's so impressive. I'm glad you're using UCSF, I think they're fabulous.
Thanks for sharing all this great information. I know others will find it so helpful. Best wishes as you continue on your path to wellness.
Many blessings!
I don't think I'd ever trust someone that much; nor do I think it's their job....I'd choose.
Love that pic :)
What a blessing it has been for you to get such good care from people who seem to really listen to your needs. I wanted to thank my doctor for calling me with the results of some tests even though he was supposed to be on vacation. So as we were finishing up, I said, "And enjoy your vacation." Poor distracted man, he replied, "You too."
Hi Brenda,
Blimey what a difference to treatment here - you take what you get! and like it ! (a bit of an exaggeration but not much). The only time I have been asked in regard to drugs was when I had a terrible throat infection and couldn't talk and my Doctor asked whether or not I wanted antibiotics.. The thought occurred
- who is the doctor here ???
The problem here is that there are so many folk using the National Health Service that 'choice' is an unknown extra !!
Cheers Kate.
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