Getting the message out
In their messages blog readers have again emphasized to Betsy and me that lymphoma patients are not being appropriately advised about the role of radioimmunotherap (RIT) as a potential treatment.
This is more than disheartening to me; I am truly upset for I do believe that many lymphoma patients are being denied the effective RIT therapy. I do not offer a simple expression as a patient; my attitude is supported by many prominent oncologists.
I return to the bottom line and repeat my earlier declaration: "Power to the Patient". When a lymphoma patient is advised of potential therapy options, the patient must insist, indeed demand, a consultation with a physician who is experienced in administering RIT. Do not accept dismissive comments such as, "RIT is new" or "I'd like to see more data on RIT". RIT is not new; there is considerable and powerful data on the efficacy of RIT.
Dear fellow patient---you must be your own strongest advocate. The stakes are high; the benefit of your strong posiiton in demanding the RIT consultation will hopefully result in the same glorious result that I now enjoy.
Mort