Today I got some interesting info though from the Oncologist's assistant or whoever she was. I had put in a request to find out the results of Oakley's biopsy on his lymphnodes because they hadn't gotten back to me. It turns out that everything is okay; the cancer has not spread. However, I then find out from her that the extra "node" they are using the radiation therapy on is his actual lymph node!! I thought that "node" in this case meant "area". The office girl I talked to last week, when we were questioning the cost of the therapy, indicated that the "node" was the area above the right eye, or that is at least how I took it. So, since starting, he has been getting his nasal/eye area treated and also underneath his right chin where the lymph node is. Now, I think I remember asking her why this needed to be done if there was no cancer, but to be honest, I don't have a clue what she said. I was so surprised that I just didn't register the info. She apologized that no one had called us to explain what was going on and thought someone would have explained all this to us...hmm, they are going to leave this type of info to an office assistant to relay (which obviously she got wrong to begin with or couldn't relay it correctly)?
My husband is quite angry about this whole situation for several reasons:
1.) They never explained exactly what areas they were going to treat once the radiologist came up with their plan of action; no one mentioned anything about treating the lymphnode just as a precaution. We were basically not given a choice as to whether we wanted to include the lymphnode in the treatment. Apparently, they just made the decision to do it "just in case". Of course, I probably would have been for it because I want to do whatever I can for Oakley. But, my husband is upset that we didn't hear about any of this upfront before treatment began; they did not present it to us an additional course of action.
2.) They originally misquoted us and didn't explain in detail every line item on the estimate (although, I blame myself somewhat for not asking someone to clarify the estimate line items).
3.) They failed to call us 2 days in a row to tell us that Oakley was ready to be picked up and to give us a general summary of how Oakley did each day.
4.) They also failed to explain that Oakley will need to receive 2 treatments in 1 day for his last treatment, so that his 20th dose can end on a Friday. Apparently, they always end a full course on a Friday. We thought them starting us on a Tuesday was odd because to get his 20th dose, he would have to go back in after a weekend of rest to finish on a Monday. John was angry about this because he saw no sense in doing this treatment and was questioning the validity of it. The office assistant I talked to today (before I talked to the doctor's asst) was like "Oh, no one talked to you about doing the 2 treatments in one day?" For crying out loud, NO. No one apparently tells us anything.
So, I put a call back into the office explaining that John is expecting to meet with the Oncologist and/or her assistant first thing in the morning upon drop off, or when he goes to pick him up for the day, to discuss all of our concerns and our complaints, especially where misinformation and lack of communication are concerned.
This is such a scary thing for us, not to mention a very expensive one, and to not have them keep us fully aware at all times and be readily available to talk, is definitely unacceptable. I don't doubt they are giving Oakley very good care, but it's just they are absolutely terrible about staying in constant contact and I feel like we are being mislead to try and go through the most expensive treatment as possible. I do remember the assistant telling me that chemotherapy probably wasn't necessary since they didn't find anything in the lymphnode, but I am surprised they didn't push that on is as well.
I really hope they are not trying to make us go through unnecessary and expensive treatment because this is a teaching hospital. I bet they like to do useless treatment and tests on animals in order for their students to get some experience. I hate to be cynical, but I can't help but think that way. We'll see what happens after my husband talks to them. I told him he needs to do that, as they can easily take advantage of me by playing on my emotions, and no doubt will encourage me to see the necessity of everything they are doing.
Anyway, that is my rant for today. My boy is doing good, but he is pooped out and is totally passed out under my computer desk. He needs the rest though - 3 more days til the weekend! On a positive note, Susan (the office asst gal) claims that Oakley is apparently acting happy to be there and playing with the workers, and other dogs. So, I guess that's good unless they are just telling me that to make me feel better - who knows at this point.
Here is a cute pic of Oakley from this afternoon:
His horizontal markings are getting more pronounced - I guess this is where he is starting to lose his hair or something. I'm wondering what kind of side effects will occur with him getting his lymph node treated. I also need to ask that. I hope that his throat doesn't get sore and painful...another question to try and find out. I was able to save some money by getting my regular vet to fill his Piroxicam prescription at Target though - only $15 versus the $40 it would have cost me at the U. How do vets get away with these outrageous costs, anyway?!
Okay, now I'm done with my rant. :)
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