Questioning Authority
From the time we’re little, we’re taught to respect authority – and that lesson almost always serves us well. To most of us, doctors are authority figures, and it is hard for many of us question them. That’s understandable, but sometimes we have to step over that comfortable, invisible line that separates us from finding all the answers to accepting what we’re told. It isn’t easy to question anyone whom we think has more knowledge than we do, no matter who they are, but it’s sometimes in our own best interest.
We simply must be our own best advocates by researching and asking hard questions, and in no way does that mean we should be disrespectful to anyone. I truly believe that doctors have their patients’ best interests at heart, but I question how it would be humanly possible for any general oncologist to know everything there is to know about each particular type of cancer. There is too much information coming out all the time for any single doctor to read everything and still have time to treat patients. There are only 24 hours in any given day!
Recently, the Associated Press had a great article about a study that was done on getting second opinions. Coincidentally, the study was done right here in my hometown of Ann Arbor, but I’d never heard about it until I read it on AP’s website. While it mostly talks about breast cancer, it does make a point that second opinions are worthwhile. Here’s the link for anyone who’s interested:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/H/HEALTHBEAT_SECOND_OPINIONS?SITE=NCWIN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
In the case of NHL, you may have to cross that invisible comfort line in order to find a doctor who specializes in radioimmunotherapy, but that line is worth crossing. Mort and I are living proof – and I’ll share a couple more stories of others who are also living proof very soon!
Betsy