[Jackie07]

Tricia,

Yours is such a familiar story. My life-long brain tumor was not diagnosed until I was 30. And even with the huge headaches I was experiencing, the diagnosis was still delayed for more than 8 months. I switched my family doctor and then 'forced' the new one to give me referrals. Still, I had to tell him what doctors I needed to see. (A library volunteer who's a retired pathologist was the one pushing me to get things checked out. She not only saved my sanity, she saved my life.)

Even after two brain surgeries and two breast cancer surgeries and chemotherpies, my family doctor still wants to send me to psychiatrist whenever I makes complaints. But my oncologist who's known me for 8 years reacts differently. He knows how tough I am.

Doctors are trained to maintain a good patient-doctor relationship. Whenever there's glitches, they will 'dump' the patient (or encourage the patient to dump them)because it hinders effective communication and can do harm to both parties.

It's a shame that we can not completely trust all the doctors. I guess that's why we have support groups where we can share information and equip us with better knowlege and support.

Sending you good vibes.