[Andrea Barnett Budin]

First let me say I'm confused. I have been getting ECHOs since '98 on a reg basis and I have never had contrast. One MUGA in '95 at initial dx yes. So, I don't understand ECHO and contrast. CT SCAN -- contrast yes. Brain MRI -- CONTRAST yes. Not w/ECHO ever.

Now Chrisy -- that tech should be placed under arrest for assault! I'm not kidding. I know I've gotten griping over the difficulty one has when the patient has a tram flap reconstruction, but in a good natured, Now this is a real challenge kind of way. One tech was motor mouth *bitching* all the while. I never heard such a negative attitude, and relentless at that, w/ a nurse, tech, even receptionist. I never returned to that facility.

The last tech told me -- It's not really a challenge if you know what you're doing. She was a 20 yr vet and the loveliest woman. Intelligent, sensitive and efficient.

The If I ever had ca comment, Chrisy deserves a letter as Sandy suggests. You want to save another ca patient from ever having to be affronted by such a hideoously insensitive inhumane being! I am seriously appalled. A letter is in order. I've done it (pre bc, when in hosp in Huntington, Long Island).

AND, I wrote a letter of commendation about a tech who was so extraordinarily caring that she blew Paul and me away. (I'd just come to Fla full time, had my 1st CT scans here, had my 1st different drink to drink. I went home, waiting for results. I go 1st appt so I can get a SAME DAY REPORT. They called me around 3: and said I needed to come back in. They couldn't read the scans. So I went back in. And drank another drink. And waited. And they still could not read the scans. Bowel loops or something. Keep in mind, I get major diarrhea from the 1st drink for 3 days. More to drink. More waiting. No can read. It's now 5: THEY CLOSE. Every one was leaving. You need to come back tmrrw. NO. I CAN'T DO THAT. THE ANXIETY WAS PALPABLE for both Paul and me. I said, I don't understand. I've never had a problem before. I've been doing this for a yr in NY. But I drink a different drink. What do you drink. Oral Hypaque. Wait here. She goes and comes back. There was no O.H. at the Pavilion, but she'd called and checked and the Hospital had, and she was going to walk over (5 min.) and get it. She also checked w/the radiologist who agreed to stay late. And it all turned out great. Except for the diarrhea of course... So I wrote a letter to let them know how extraordinarily wonderful this tech was. But it works both ways. When you get an offensive nasty cold-hearted and cruel person -- it is your responsibility to report them. To save others from being faced w/such a dismal and crushing person.
Andi