I just had an "interesting" experience that I hope you all can learn from. On Friday, I went in for a Faslodex injection. After waiting around, getting the shot and coming home (after a little shopping and having lunch), I got a telephone call from the treatment nurse saying she had accidently only given me half the dose my oncologist wanted me to have.
It seems that recent research has indicated that what had been given as a double (or "loading" ) dose is more effective, so he wanted me to be continued on the double dose. The only problem is that he made the notes in the book and the nurses didn't read the information thoroughly and since he didn't tell me, I didn't question the one shot.
This may seem minor, but it meant that I had to make a second 40 minute trip to the office and I do wonder that since I had only one dose last month if maybe it may make a difference in the outcome...not something I want to think about, although the chances of one "short" dose making that much of a difference is slim.
If I had known exactly what was supposed to be happening with me, then I could have questioned it at the office and avoided a second trip. So, I strongly suggest that you write down or learn exactly what is supposed to be done...it might save you an extra trip at the very least.
Lisa Quintana
We all need to be "empowered patients" - aware of what our treatment involves, and vigilant about seeing that it happens. "The doctor knows best" simply isn't true 100% of the time; everyone makes mistakes, as you've just witnessed. Thanks for reminding us that WE'RE in charge of our bodies, and it's in our own best interest to be smart and alert about treatment. Thanks - PJH