Patient Empowerment

July 2008 – Update on Randy Pausch

(The post below was put online this morning at 8:15 EDT. An update at 10 AM — Randy Pausch died this morning. My prayers are with his family.) ………………………………………………….. Because so many of you, my readers, have checked here to learn more about Randy Pausch, I bring to your attention a comment made by Claudia, […]

July 2008 – Update on Randy Pausch Read More »

Peter Jennings, Healthcare Reform, Asking the Tough Questions

As more and more questions are being asked about how we Americans can possibly continue to pay for our healthcare, a documentary has surfaced that will help us citizens better understand why the American Healthcare System is on the ropes, and ready to implode. A new website called Snagfilms is now offering documentaries, independent films,

Peter Jennings, Healthcare Reform, Asking the Tough Questions Read More »

Patient Safety Day, “Independence” Takes on a New Meaning

Sometimes the best way to accomplish the most is to get good heads together for conversation, brainstorming and more.  Some of those names we hear over and over again in the patient safety world were able to join forces at a picnic in Aiken, South Carolina, on July 4th. Organized by Dianne Parker, the group

Patient Safety Day, “Independence” Takes on a New Meaning Read More »

Heather, SPTCL, the Next Chapter – Hang on to Your Hat!

[To catch up on previous chapters of Heather’s story, link here (post #1) and here (post#2.)] Heather had her first oncology appointment today.  She was lucky to get in so quickly after her primary care physician ditched her (that still makes me shudder) and she was prepared.  Last week, after my post about her diagnosis

Heather, SPTCL, the Next Chapter – Hang on to Your Hat! Read More »

CNN’s Heroes of Patient Empowerment. A Humble Thank You.

There aren’t many times that I am left speechless, but this is one of them. If you are a regular reader of CNN’s Empowered Patient, offered each week by Elizabeth Cohen, then you know there have been any number of outstanding advocates featured. People who work tirelessly to improve our safety, access and navigation through

CNN’s Heroes of Patient Empowerment. A Humble Thank You. Read More »

Heather, SPTCL, Another Misdiagnosis and Doctors Who Should Not Practice Medicine

Here’s the good news:  Heather does not have SPTCL. Here’s the bad news:  Heather does have another type of T-cell lymphoma called CGD-TCL, cutaneous gamma-delta t-cell lymphoma.  Also written with Greek letters:  cutaneous ?/? T-cell lymphoma To say that both Heather and I were shocked is an understatement.  If you read my post a few

Heather, SPTCL, Another Misdiagnosis and Doctors Who Should Not Practice Medicine Read More »

Misdiagnosis, a Visit to the Lab and One Last Point

For those of you who have read my misdiagnosis story, you know that one of the ultimate heroes was the pathologist (I’ll call him Dr. H.) who helped me understand how the misdiagnosis happened.  Even though he was one of the doctors responsible for getting it wrong, in the end, he didn’t turn away or

Misdiagnosis, a Visit to the Lab and One Last Point Read More »

What Tim Russert Has Taught Us About Healthcare and a Healthy Life

Like so many of you, my heart breaks at the loss of Tim Russert. On so many levels, we felt a kinship to him. Anyone who has tried to understand American politics or politicians during the past 20 years has gotten to know Tim Russert, as if he were the trusted friend and neighbor who

What Tim Russert Has Taught Us About Healthcare and a Healthy Life Read More »

Trisha Torrey
Scroll to Top