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Posted 9/17/2008 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
I'm really not one to over-react to things, but since diagnosed with PCa I'm a little sensitive about medical communication errors.  I received a telephone call from my Radiology Oncologist this morning.  He said that he spoke to my cardiologist and that I could stop my plavix.  I asked him to repeat his name, and then asked for clarification of the patient he was talking about.  It was in fact my Radiology Oncologist, and the patient he identified was me.

Problem is, I don't have a cardiologist and have never been on Plavix or any other heart medication for that matter.

When I told him, there was silence for a few moments, he couldn't explain the miscommunication, apologized and said that I would get a call telling me when to come in for the marker placement.  I am feeling a little uncomfortable with this group now (major cancer center) and am second guessing my choice.  Also, they use IMRT equipment manufactured by Siemens, does anyone know if there is anything significantly different about Siemens and Variant's Triology system?

Posted 9/17/2008 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
Tony...unfortunately miscommunication is going to happen...and it can happen with any doctor at any facility...even the doctor you have been with all your life. When I was having knee surgery, the nurse and the doctor came in and discussed the surgery procedure to be done on my right knee, while he marked a big X on my left leg and the nurse proceeded to shave and prep the left knee. Excuse me...it's the other knee. It happens, just take charge of your own health care.

As far as the equipment for your treatment...sorry don't have a clue.
Posted 9/17/2008 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
Make No Mistake: Medical Errors Can Be Deadly Serious.....You have to keep on top of things skull
Posted 9/17/2008 7:39 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Tony 1951,

I guess I would be a little concerned about the record keeping in the office based on your comments. Both at your oncologist's and the cadiologist's office. Could be patients with similar names but disimilar medical histories. You might want to talk with them again and make sure everything is straight.

You can do a web search on Siemens IMRT and Varian (no "t") and you will get a good explanation of each of the machines used along with information on the treatment. They are very similar. My IMRT/IGRT was done with the Varian Smartbeam. Trilogy is an add on for treating other cancers in addition to prostate. My treatment was at a center that only treats prostate cancer so not muc chance they would treat another part.

Good luck with your treatment.

Don

Posted 9/17/2008 11:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tony 1951

When I was being prepped for my surgery the anthesia Dr. came to my bed and told me I need to talk with you about something. At this point horrible things raced through my mind. So I told her to go ahead and give me the bad news. She said she would like me to consider an epidural to help me deal with my pain, and after I told her I was not pregnant she broke down and we both had a good laugh. A lot of people think because my first name is Mika they think I am a female, they thing it is pronounced Meeka which most people would think is female. So I did not have a C-Section and I am pretty sure I don't have my prostate anymore.

Take care

Mika
Posted 9/18/2008 12:46 PM (GMT 0)
Tony 1951,
When I was going through the early hassle of visiting several doctors for opinions I had several PSA tests. One of those test (which was 2 weeks on either side of others) showed a PSA of 8.3. The tests on either side were 5.1. My final urologist says that a rise or difference like that is impossible. I have no idea what happened, but it is a reminder that people make mistakes. Those that are on this forum dealing with tiny fractions regarding PSA to determine additional treatments need to particularly be aware of the possibility of mistakes. The tough thing about it is that decisions are being made based on information.

All of this is a good reminder of having backup information and double checking / making everything murphy law proof - at least as much is humanly possible.
RB

Age 61
Original data - pre-operation
PSA: 5.1
T1C clinical diagnosis, Needle biopsy - 10 cores, Gleason 7 = 3+4 in 1 core (40%), 7 cores Gleason 6 = 3+3 ranging from 5% to 12%
All scans negative
Lupron administered 4/9/2008 for 4 months (with idea I would undergo external beam radiation followed by seed implants - then I changed my mind).
Robotic DiVinci surgery - Dr. Fagin (Austin) May 19th
Post operative - pathology
pT2c NX MX
Gleason 3+4
Margins - negative
Extraprostatic extension - negative
seminal vesicle invasion - uninvolved
1st Post PSA .04
Posted 9/18/2008 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
Tony,

I guess I count myself fortune in this regards. I had two surgery in two different hospitals last year. In both cases as each stop along with way (admitting, presurgury, and just before surgery) they hospital staff went over my complete medical history and the procedure that was scheduled.

Roger
Posted 9/18/2008 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
Tony
I know how you feel. It is completely unnerving to be faced with a mistake like that. I recently had to have a shot in my right eye. The doctor came into the room in a big rush, after being swamped with many patients and after preparing the numbing shot, she spun around and almost gave me the shot in the wrong eye. I had to stop her from injecting into the wrong eye. It shook me up and I still think about it all the time. Mistakes will happen but its a real wake up call to be on guard. As much as we can.
Posted 9/19/2008 8:24 PM (GMT 0)

RBinCountry said...
Tony 1951,
When I was going through the early hassle of visiting several doctors for opinions I had several PSA tests. One of those test (which was 2 weeks on either side of others) showed a PSA of 8.3. The tests on either side were 5.1. My final urologist says that a rise or difference like that is impossible. I have no idea what happened, but it is a reminder that people make mistakes. Those that are on this forum dealing with tiny fractions regarding PSA to determine additional treatments need to particularly be aware of the possibility of mistakes. The tough thing about it is that decisions are being made based on information.

All of this is a good reminder of having backup information and double checking / making everything murphy law proof - at least as much is humanly possible.
RB

 Very good point RB.
Posted 9/20/2008 11:19 AM (GMT 0)
I work in the medical industry and by habit question almost everything I hear concerning the health and well being of my family just because no one cares more than the patient and family, we are our own best advocate. Mistakes happen every day in every industry, and the medical art is no different. Ultimately, we as the patient pay the price, good or bad. Don't be skeptical, just concerned, and arm yourself with the most knowledge you can to make any decision.

Randy
Posted 9/20/2008 2:02 PM (GMT 0)

  While still in the hospital after my surgery and finally getting that wonderful bowl of Jello or whatever it was the gal came in and said my name. It was my name but she was using my middle name as my first. I questioned this....it turned out down on the other end of the floor there was another fella' with my last name, and his first name was my middle name!!!  I pointed that out to my nurse......they flagged our charts real quick....

  Just like Lungman said, Don't be skeptical, just concerned and aware....

Posted 9/20/2008 4:20 PM (GMT 0)

Bluenose said...

  While still in the hospital after my surgery and finally getting that wonderful bowl of Jello or whatever it was the gal came in and said my name. It was my name but she was using my middle name as my first. I questioned this....it turned out down on the other end of the floor there was another fella' with my last name, and his first name was my middle name!!!  I pointed that out to my nurse......they flagged our charts real quick....

  Just like Lungman said, Don't be skeptical, just concerned and aware....

Now that would REALLY cause concern!
Posted 9/20/2008 4:24 PM (GMT 0)

don826 said...

Hi Tony 1951,

I guess I would be a little concerned about the record keeping in the office based on your comments. Both at your oncologist's and the cadiologist's office.

Don

Don, that was one of the problems - I have never had a cardiologist.

 

O'Tony  (the other Tony)


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