[Chelee]

Astrid, I just recently asked for all my lab work results which they did give me. Except I noticed they left out all the lab work that reflects my Glucose, Creatinine, Potassium, AST, ALT, Protein, etc. I wonder WHY they kept those from me? I know I was mad at my onc once when I kept mentioning a pain I had over where my liver was. I flat out asked if my liver function was ok since she NEVER mentions anything to me. She had no choice and said "Well, its been high, but I am keeping an eye on it."

I thought, gee thanks for telling me!!! I would of NEVER known had I NOT asked myself. I know she is the doctor and knows what is ok and whats not...but I feel its my right to know when my labs are showing things out of range. But she seems to feel its none of my business...or thats how I feel anyway.

Everything I read says to STAY involved in your treatment plan and care. To ask GOOD questions. Keep track of your labs, etc. So I just do whats expected of just about any patient...and they act like I have no right to know...or like I am questioning them. (I could NOT be any nicer if I tried..so I don't know why its like pulling teeth all the time to find anything out about myself?)

I got upset with the first onc I had for this same thing...plus he did NOT listen to me. So I changed to a new onc...and at first I really liked her. She was great. Now she has turned out to be worse then my first one. She won't check out things I am concerned about on my body. Such as a node I showed her that looked like it was getting bigger. She just said for me to keep an eye on it. (SAY WHAT!)



I have a second opinion coming up next week at a well known cancer center. I hope they can tell me something? I wish it were closer...but I will make the drive once to get their opinion on whats been done to me so far..and what hasn't been! I have been gathering ALL my paper work and then some for this place I am going. So far I have the report from my surgeon, and all the reports from when they landed me in the hospital...and all my labs with the exception of the ones that show my liver, glucose, creatinine, etc like I first mentioned to you. So I will have it all at the latest by next Monday.

It seems like you and everyone I run into on these boards don't have any of the problems I do. I am fighting for my life and this place thinks its a joke it seems. I am sure glad the majority of people don't have to go through what I have to get their lab work, questions answered, etc.

Anyway, that is a really good idea for you to keep all your medical history & a journal for your sister just in case. But thank goodness you guys are ahead of the game now so that she shouldn't have to go through this. She can make sure she gets checked more often. But maybe she will be the one it totally skips. But either way...its GOOD to keep records like your doing. You are thinking ahead...thats for sure.

Thanks for your reply...and hang in there.

Chelee