----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, December 30, 2000 11:58
PM
Subject: Re: [MOL] Denise/ REPLY
Disorientation can happen from any number of things.
Chemo can be a cause of it, along with many medications. Radiation,
brain tumors, depression, anti-depressant drugs, mental illness, fatigue,
and the list goes on and on. Only a qualified Doctor could say what is
the root cause of the disorientation and the doctor should be
notified.
How can you tell if you have the right doctor? Now
that is a tricky one. You want to know how many cases of this
perticular cancer the doctor has treated and the success rate of the
treatments he prescribed. You want to know that the doctor will
explain everything in lay terms and never put off a question you may
have. You want to make sure the doctor is hearing what you are saying
and not waiting a certain length of time to take over the
conversation. You want to check with people who have used this doctor
and how they felt about he/she. You want to know their patient skills
and make sure they are in keeping with you. Meaning, if a doctor is
very direct and you would prefer sugar coating, is this the right doctor for
you? You want to have trust in your doctor; but you do not want to be
lead blindly. You want to know that he is at all times honest, and that
if he does not know something, he will find out and get back with you.
This is only fair; as there are so many new medications and therapies
becoming available that on one person could keep up with it all. You
want to know that he/she will treat the cancer aggressively; however at
the same time keeping in mind as to not take too much of a toll on the
body. I am sure there are other factors; but one of the main thing is
when you have made the qualifying decision, never look back. Do not
play the what if game and do maintain hope.
I have friends with both cancers.
Warmly, lillian
