If you’ve read this blog for awhile, then you know 2008 was the year of SPTCL misdiagnoses. SPTCL, subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, was the rare and deadly lymphoma that kick-started my work as Every Patient’s Advocate. I was told I had it. In fact, I was told by two labs and an oncologist that I […]
An End Of the Year Revisit — SPTCL and Misdiagnosis Read More »
Seven out of ten of the people who read this post will nod their heads in understanding. You’re sick, or you hurt. You need to see your primary care doctor as soon as possible. You call to make an appointment, in hopes you’ll be seen within the next few hours — but NO. Not gonna
Need a Same Day Doctor Appointment? Can’t Make It Happen? Read More »
When I received my cancer diagnosis in 2004, and proved I didn’t really have cancer at all, it was the first time I had ever heard or known about that form of misdiagnosis. It’s backwards from those we hear about more frequently. Most of the time we hear about a “missed diagnosis” — meaning someone
Have You Been Diagnosed with Cancer? Are You Sure the Diagnosis is Correct? Read More »
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted. In that time I’ve been the Gramma-sitter for my two little grandsons while their new baby sister arrived (welcome Kyla Shay!), buried my ex-husband’s cremains (he died last April), spoken to two groups of patients, recorded two radio shows and finished my book proposal. Enough excuses, you say! But
Daniel Was Misdiagnosed with SPTCL, Too Read More »
When I was (mis)diagnosed with SPTCL (subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lyphoma) in 2004, I was handed a book, published in July 2004, that stated that “fewer than 100 cases have been reported in the last decade.” Yeah — really, really rare. Because that’s a book used by oncologists all over the world. Then, from Fall 2004
Daniel’s SPTCL Diagnosis is Suspect, Too Read More »
I had lunch today with a long-time friend, Mindy. (No, of course that’s not her real name…) It’s been at least a year since we saw each other, and probably two since we had a long conversation. My heart broke as I learned that her daughter, Lindsay (not her real name either) has, for lack
Ulterior Motives for Eating Disorders, Too Read More »
Last January I posted three stories I had been told, all within a few days of each other, about patients who had acquired MRSA in the hospital and had been revictimized by the system that would not treat them, listen to them, or help them get well. Over the next several days, I was condemned,
MRSA: Patients Ignored, Left to Die – Redux Read More »
I’ve added another guest post this morning — one that will break your heart, too. John T. James, PhD, a dad — and now a fixer — posted about his son Alex, a seemingly healthy 19-year-old college runner who one day collapsed, was hospitalized, and died a few weeks later. The problem is, of course,
A Sea of Broken Hearts – Dad Posts About the Loss of Alex Read More »
