MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'assertive'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:56:37 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3298549&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fexplaining-myself-the-very-short-version.html For those of you who have been reading my attempts to explain how I cope with my cancer--originally written for my friend Julie, but also written for all of you--here's the very short version:It's a choice. It really is that simple, but also that hard. I used to get angry, back in the day, when people said things to me like, "I don't know how you do it. I could never cope like you do." And my answer was always, "What other choice do I have?" The truth was, being me, I didn't have another choice. But what gives me strength is knowing that it is always my choice--my choice to fight, my choice to be happy, and my choice to live as well as I can with this ugly disease. Here's the long version: Helping Julie: My Long An... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3298549 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:30:59 +0100 3298549 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3239826&cid=t_249841_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fare-we-o-k-yet-4-tools-to-become-o-k-with-others%2F We are O.K. Principles of Behaviour – Relating to Others People in 12 Step recovery from alcoholism, addiction, co-dependency and compulsive gambling are learning new ways of relating to others. One of the tools that can be used is looking at the outcome of interactions between yourself and others. By using these 4 simple tools ones relationships can improve. Aggressive Behaviour When you act aggressively, you express your own feelings, thoughts and opinions without respect for the rights and needs of other people. The goal of aggressive behaviour is to dominate or win, and the effect is to make others feel humiliated, ignored or overpowered. This can leave you with the feeling: ‘I’m O.K.’ Or: ‘I’m O.K. – Your not O.K.’, and the other person with the feeling: �... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3239826 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:52:55 +0100 3239826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3236043&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fhelping-julie-my-long-answer.html  My friend Julie e-mailed me on Thursday and asked for my help. The subject line on the e-mail kinda said it all. She wrote: "How do you do it?"I've been thinking about Julie's question almost continuously since Thursday. I've written a couple of short posts that, I hope, each contains at least part of my answer, and Julie and I have e-mailed back and forth several times as well. So I know what she wants to know. And I hope I can explain myself in a way that will be helpful to her. Not Just the Good TimesWhen I started writing this blog back in 2006, I made a promise to myself that the blog would be as honest as I could make it. I had no desire to become another one of those "inspirational" cancer patients--the ones who never complain... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3236043 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:25:47 +0100 3236043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208621&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fthe-lady-with-the-cane.html Let me say, first of all, that I just don't see myself as The Lady With the Cane.  Not my self-image.  However, I have been using a cane for a couple of weeks now, because of the pain in my left hip. I need the cane to get out of bed in the morning, and for the first little while after I'm up because I can't put all my weight on that leg. And I need it each and every time I get up from a chair or the couch.  This situation seems likely to continue. I see Dr. Eulau this afternoon to discuss the problem with my left hip, because at this point I don't even know if there is active disease there. Seems like there must be, but I don't know for sure and he doesn't either.  Given this situation, I may have to bow--not gracefully, but with m... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208621 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:17:35 +0100 3208621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934917&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fwriting-as-therapy-1.html Here is a version of the talk I gave yesterday in Omaha, Nebraska.  How many ways can you say scared? Terrified, apprehensive, afraid, nervous, freaked out--just plain scared. For the two months since my breast cancer diagnosis, I've been riding an emotional roller coaster over the prospect of undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy. You know, the treatment where they pump you full of poisons to kill cancer cells and your disease. That treatment. I had a mastectomy about one month ago, and the surgery was not nearly as frightening to me as the thought of chemo. I was most upset by the thought of losing my hair--a billboard that shouts "I have cancer"--and the fatigue. "How fatigued?" I asked endlessly. "Will I be able to work? Play with my kids? Keep thi... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934917 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:15:03 +0100 2934917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2299214&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fmore-on-brassage.html The Good Morning America piece on the brassage, for which ABC flew me to NYC for an interview, has gotten lots of pick up. Thanks, Teri, for finding these for me. (Teri, the Cheeky Librarian, is a demon researcher.)WebMD: The Brassage for Wellness? Chicago Sun-Times: 'Brassage' pulled from market after 'GMA' report Your Tango: The Brassage Is a Scam Examiner.com: Buyer Beware of the Brassage KSTP.com: A bra that improves your health? WZZM.com: Need a Brassage? Associated Content: The Brassage and Other Medically Dubious Clothing The Inquisitr: The Brassage Bra: Little Support for Self-Massaging Lingerie College News: The Brassage Wow. All this coverage is a good example of the "food chain" theory of journ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2299214 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:47:22 +0100 2299214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2299215&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fthe-brassage-interview-airs.html I'm putting this one under "quacks." Also under "breasts and boobs" and "cancer myths."The interview that I did last December with JuJu Chang at ABC finally aired this morning, and I think it was a good piece. The story was about a product called the "brassage," which I blogged about quite awhile ago. The manufacturers of the bra claimed that it could prevent breast cancer, which of course it can't. When interviewed by JuJu, the woman behind the bra said she didn't claim that, but asked "could it hurt"? Well, that's not good enough, as I said in the piece. Watch it online: Wellness LingerieTo find the video, go to the link above, and then look at the upper right corner where it says "watch video.... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2299215 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:51:24 +0100 2299215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2299219&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F03%2Ffrom-the-email-box.html Teri, the Cheeky Librarian, e-mailed me about Wellsphere last night. Apparently, she got the same e-mail that many of us have received--asking us to let Wellsphere use the entire contents of our blogs: FOR FREE. I declined the offer, and I'm sure Teri will too. For more on Wellsphere, see: Wellsphere: Use the Contents of My Blog for Free? (I Don't Think So...) Health Central Buys Wellsphere: Let the Exploitation Begin! Recycling DrugsEllana, who is a regular reader of my blog, sent me info on a place in Reno that will take unneeded meds and pass them on. It's a clinic that serves the homeless, so it looks like they will take medicines other than just cancer drugs. Here's the link: Health Access Washoe County I'm going to contact them and fi... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2299219 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:34:46 +0100 2299219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2227102&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F02%2F2020-interview-airs-friday.html This is so funny. I taped an interview with ABC's 20/20 in December, and it's finally going to air on Friday night. That's exciting, but before I publicize it, I wish I knew what I was going to say on the air. That may sound funny, but my taped conversation with Juju Chang lasted about half an hour, and I really don't know if 20/20 is going to air just a quick 20-second clip, or a longer, more involved piece. One clue: Once I got back home from NYC, the producer e-mailed and asked me to send them some of my family photos. That makes me think: Longer piece. I don't think I SAID anything that I'll be embarrassed to see on national TV, but I do tend to make faces when I talk, not very flattering faces.What I hope comes through is how I fee... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2227102 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 05:05:16 +0100 2227102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2107632&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fso-much-pain-.html I get e-mails and comments to my blog almost every day from people who are either newly diagnosed with cancer or who have a relative who is newly diagnosed. I am, of course, happy that these people write to me, and I try to do what I can to help. Often, just listening--and maybe telling them that they are NOT crazy--is enough. Sometimes they need more practical help, like the woman who wrote to me yesterday from Kansas whose mother-in-law has cancer but who doesn't have good health insurance. The hospital was refusing her treatment until she came up with some money. (I'll come back to this one.)And then there was the comment posted to my blog today, on my post The Assertive Cancer Patient: Is Not Necessarily a 'Good Patient' She wrote:I know that you wrote this ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2107632 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:05:14 +0100 2107632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2094706&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fcast-of-characters.html New to my blog? Here's the Cast of Characters to help you make sense of it all. JeanneThe author of this blog. An outspoken advocate for the cancer patient’s point of view.   “Even after 10 years living with cancer, I still don’t see myself as a sick person. It’s just not part of who I am.” Read more: About Jeanne Car Guy  Car Guy came into my life because of the Red Corvair. No one should own a car like this 1964 classic without someone like Car Guy for a friend … but that was only the beginning. Read more: Car Guy  Older Son The first glimpse I had of Older Son was a snapshot of him taken when he was just a few months old and living in an orphanage in Kumamoto, Japan. “Do you want this baby?” I was asked. Read ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2094706 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 21:30:16 +0100 2094706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2094707&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fcast-of-characters-car-guy.html Car Guy came into my life because of the Red Corvair. No one should own a car like this 1964 classic without someone like Car Guy for a friend … but that was only the beginning.  Car Guy is incredibly handy. He’s the first one I call when something doesn’t work at my house. We’ve also taken road trips together and watched more episodes of “House” than I care to remember.                       Photo: Car Guy in a tight spot at Mesa Verde, Colorado. We’re planning to launch the Car Guy Blog soon, stay tuned for that. (Car Guy has his own fan base on my blog, so it’s time he had one of his own.) See also: The Lavender Festival: One Perfect Day Postcard From Utah: Or, WHERE Did The... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2094707 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 20:52:33 +0100 2094707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2094708&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fcast-of-characters-older-son.html The first glimpse I had of Older Son was a snapshot of him taken when he was just a few months old and living in an orphanage in Kumamoto, Japan. “Do you want this baby?” I was asked. Of course, there was no question in my mind that he was my child from that day forward, although my then-husband and I had to wait several months before we could take Older Son home with us.  Fast-forward 24 years, and Older Son is a college graduate with a degree in business from the University of Washington. He’s working and living at home again, helping me pay the mortgage. But that doesn’t begin to describe the person my older son has become—extremely popular (he has dozens of friends), tough (try negotiating with him sometime), sweet (he’s been known to prepare a Valentine’s Day picn... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2094708 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 20:29:09 +0100 2094708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2094709&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fcast-of-characters-younger-son.html Artist, musician, history nut. Skilled debater of political and social topics, including religion (He’s an atheist at a Jesuit college).  I was never happier in my life than during the nine months I was pregnant with Younger Son. And I gave birth to a mellow, happy, go-along kind of child (He’s made up for that since) whose first word was “Look!” Younger Son and I love to travel together, and I’ve taken him to Gettysburg, Washington D.C., Charleston, and Japan. Also Hawaii and a great cross-country train trip just last spring. He plans to become a high school history teacher. More about Younger Son: Surviving the Holidays: Christmas Music The Dog Has Died Younger Son's Letter to Seattle Prep Home Again, Home Again @ Jeanne Sather 2009.  (Source: Th... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2094709 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 20:19:41 +0100 2094709 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2078688&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fthe-best-of-the-assertive-cancer-patient.html I've been writing this blog for a little longer than two years. That's a total of 1,062 posts, and 3,026 comments.Among them are a handful that I consider my best:Cancermatch.com?  My search for a Canadian husband brought me more press coverage than any other post on this blog: Six solid weeks of interviews, resulting in page one stories in the Toronto Star and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and interviews with several Canadian radio programs and two Seattle TV stations. Also lots of very polite hate mail from Canadians.Boycott October I'm best known in the cancer world for my opposition to pink-ribbon cause marketing, which I call the Boycott of October or the Battle for October. I've written plenty of anti-pink-ribbon rants, of which my favorite is the one about&#01... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2078688 Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:42:05 +0100 2078688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1542960&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fthis-weeks-prev.html I'm running behind on pretty much all fronts, so if you are waiting to hear from me, please ping me again. As always, e-mail is the best way to reach me. I keep my home phone turned off, and only about a half dozen people have my cell number. I don't like to talk on the phone ... unless it's late at night, and I'm talking to Car Guy, but that's another story. I'm so far behind on posts to this blog that I suspect many of the stories will never see the light of day. That's too bad, because I have some really interesting research from ASCO that I'd like to get up, but I also need to move on to the planning for the First Annual Cancer Bloggers Reunion, which is now less than a month away. So, here's what I expect to get up this week: Big Mistake at the UW I talked to a woman yesterday ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1542960 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:46:17 +0100 1542960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1497324&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fe-mail-from-kom.html I found this e-mail in my gmail account this morning: On 6/5/08, Julie Hurvitz wrote: Hi Jeanne, I’m contacting you today on behalf of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world's largest breast cancer organization. Cynthia Nixon has recently joined Komen for the Cure as an Ambassador for the organization. The award-winning actress, currently on the big screen as ‘Miranda’ in Sex and the City: The Movie, is not only the daughter of a two-time breast cancer survivor, but also a breast cancer survivor herself. Cynthia knows that whether through a personal diagnosis or that of a friend or family member, breast cancer is a disease that many of us know all too well. That’s why she recently recorded a series of exclusive video PSAs with Komen for the Cure. Cynthia’s messages... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1497324 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:43:29 +0100 1497324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1497325&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fif-youre-trying.html If you're trying to reach me, the best way right now (and normally, too) is to e-mail me at jeanne.sather@gmail.com. It took me two days to get home from ASCO on USAirways (which was having a VERY BAD couple of days getting its passengers where they wanted to go) for various reasons and I'm pretty exhausted. So I need to take it easy as I slowly get back up to speed--answering voice mail, paying bills, sorting out all sorts of paperwork, doing laundry, catching up with my dog, who isn't home yet, and then writing lots more about ASCO. And of course I haven't seen either of my two sons yet, although Younger Son and I talked on the phone yesterday. Older Son is not returning my calls, for reasons yet to be determined. And I need to catch up with Car Guy. I'm making him an ice cream sunda... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1497325 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:04:01 +0100 1497325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1480559&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fasco-arrived-in.html I arrived here at the Hyatt Rosemont in Chicago last night after almost a three-hour delay leaving Seattle. None of us at Gate D-6 were complaining about the delay, however, not when we heard the reason--thundershowers, hail, and tornado warnings (or watches, I forget which) in the Chicago area, which would have made it tricky to land. By the time we did fly, everything went smoothly, but I watched the TV news last night at the hotel (while eating a room service dinner of Cobb salad and garlic mashed potatoes--yum! comfort food) and heard mention of 13 tornados and hail stones the size of grapefruit! That tickled my funny bone, because it's usually tumors that are compared to fruit, including grapefruit. See: Cancerous Fruit Jet lag kept me in bed until 9 a.m. (7 a.m. back home in S... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1480559 Sat, 31 May 2008 14:51:14 +0100 1480559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1465960&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fcnn-interview.html I did a quick interview with Elizabeth Cohen of CNN while I was in Oregon, and the story has driven traffic to my blog, despite the fact that I only got a mention at the end. Elizabeth's column is a quick-hit to-do list of what to do when you've been diagnosed with cancer, and I think she covers all the bases pretty well, although I would have liked to see stronger cautions about the downside of doing Web research when you are newly diagnosed. She found me because she talked to Shelley Lewis, author of a new book on breast cancer, who interviewed me, and also Jacqueline, for the book. I've been carrying it around, but haven't read it yet. Will do that soon. Here's the one graf: While you're looking for information, don't forget Web sites that can inspire you. Shelley Lewis, author of... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1465960 Fri, 23 May 2008 15:53:28 +0100 1465960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1458403&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fcorvallis-tuesd.html The Assertive Cancer Patient Talks About: The (High) Cost of Cancer Drugs, Drug Repositories, Her Search for a Canadian Husband, Boycotting October, Breast Cancer Barbie (and Friends), and More! May 20, 2008, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Waldo Hall 201A More reading, from my blog: Death Death Health & Happiness Cancer Bloggers Join Forces Again: Health and Happiness Health Insurance Why We Need Government Health Insurance Medical Billing/Insurance Woes My Search for a Canadian Husband CancerMatch.com? How to marry a Canadian The High Cost of Cancer Drugs Why Is Herceptin So Expensive in the U.S.? The (High) Cost of Cancer Treatment: I The (High) Cost of Cancer Treatment: 2 Errors in Medical Bills Medical Bills: Errors, Padded Bills, and General Craziness Drug Repositories Don't Dump Those... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1458403 Tue, 20 May 2008 19:24:13 +0100 1458403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1370663&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fthe-assertive-c.html This is a chapter from the book I'm working on, called 'The Assertive Cancer Patient: A Troublemaker’s Guide to Getting the Best Cancer Treatment Possible.' I hope to have the book done by the end of 2008, but who knows? This blog takes up most of my time. Jeanne I call them “MIA doctors”—doctors who go missing in action when their patients are dying. Cancer patients do not expect the doctor who has cared for them throughout their illness to turn and walk away once they are terminally ill. But that is what happens more often than not. The doctor hands them off to hospice for palliative care or sends them home to die, and that’s it: These dying patients never see or hear from their doctors again. Often, during their last appointment oncologists don’t even say goodbye or ac... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1370663 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:59:58 +0100 1370663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1305277&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2008%2F03%2Frerun-the-ass-1.html I originally posted this in August of 2006, one of the first posts to this blog. As I reread it, I realize how true it has been for me. There are a number of clichés in the English language that link the words “healthy” and “happy.” We say, “As long as my children are healthy and happy …” Or, “As long as I have my health …” The underlying assumption is that you can’t be very happy if you have a serious illness. Well, that has not been my experience. The years I have been living with cancer have certainly included some of the worse moments in my life, but they have also included some of the best. I don’t think I would have experienced life during the past few years with the same degree of intensity and joy if I had not been diagnosed with cancer. I am not alone i... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1305277 Sat, 15 Mar 2008 17:04:54 +0100 1305277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1303139&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2008%2F03%2Frerun-the-asser.html I wrote this post back in October of 2006, in the early days of my blog. I think that I cope with my cancer quite well. I weather the ups and downs of treatment, I face the fears that surround each round of new tests, I even deal pretty well with the recurrences, when my cancer pops up yet again. And through it all I have a mostly happy life—mothering my two sons, writing, gardening, caring for a menagerie of pets, and spending time with a group of supportive friends. But I am not a superhero. I can’t tell you how many times someone has said to me, “I don’t know how you do it. I certainly couldn’t.” I know that these comments are meant to be compliments, but they are annoying, partly because they set up the expectation that I will always be brave and strong. They are al... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1303139 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:06:37 +0100 1303139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1177609&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2008%2F01%2Ftheres-obnoxiou.html CNN has an article Are you an obnoxious patient? that at first glance would get my dander up--doctors firing patients for being assertive. But on closer reading, I agree with most of what the author has to say. HOWEVER, one thing I would add: What seems assertive to one person may be obnoxious to another. So choose a doctor who you are comfortable discussing your care with, who has time for you, and who doesn't dismiss your concerns. Even if you do bring in a stack of printouts off the Web ... Full disclosure: Have I ever been "fired" by a doctor? The answer is yes, but I would have fired her if she hadn't fired me first. Choosing the right doctor isn't about blame--although that doctor made a number of mistakes in my care, including writing the wrong orders for my chemo--It's ab... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1177609 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:08:13 +0100 1177609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1084125&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fthe-assertive-c.html Last week, my radiation oncologist, Dr. Eulau, refused to give me an antibiotic for my bronchitis/upper respiratory infection/whatever it is that is making me spit up green globs of slime and feel like shit. Dr. E said that I would have to have this infection for THREE WHOLE WEEKS, before he would give me an antibiotic. Well, sorry, Dr. E, but you're wrong on this one. I've now had this lovely infection for going on two weeks, and it's worse, not better. I also am battling the infection on top of anemia (caused by radiation and chemo), constant pain (broken bones and bone mets), and a host of other problems that I ranted about yesterday. (Read yesterday's rant.) So today, when I see him after my radiation therapy treatment, I'm going to ask again for antibiotics. If he tells me ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1084125 Mon, 10 Dec 2007 19:05:58 +0100 1084125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=917869&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fwhile-i-have-yo.html While I have all this media attention, for 15 minutes, anyway, I want to put the word out that I am looking for a book publisher. The book is an in-your-face handbook on surviving with cancer, a companion to this blog, "The Assertive Cancer Patient: Living with cancer—and an attitude." Heavy on attitude and humor, but also full of useful strategies for negotiating the cancer world, which is a world like no other. The Assertive Cancer Patient Handbook Chapters include: How to Marry a Canadian The ad that started it all: CancerMatch.com? The rest of the posts: Dating How to Avoid Medical Mistakes (the hottest topic on my blog, most weeks) Medical Mistakes How to Keep From Going Insane in October, Whether You Have Breast Cancer or Not Boycott October How to Handle Medical Bi... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=917869 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:55:56 +0100 917869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=908673&cid=t_249841_140_f&fid=35438&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwrithesafely.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F09%2F27%2Fthe-pedagogy-of-the-oppressed%2F I’m back from the SHAC. My first impression is that the consumers are infantilized, they didn’t want to engage the medical director, they wanted to squabble with each other about soda and pizza. Not much dialogue, lots more when is the pizza coming? God! One consumer asked if there could be MORE [...] (Source: Writhe Safely) Writhe Safely blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=908673 Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:29:08 +0100 908673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=894279&cid=t_249841_140_f&fid=35438&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwrithesafely.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F09%2F23%2Fwhat-i-spurned-on-my-summer-vacation%2F For the last few years I’ve been holding off on buying Nick Cave’s double-CD Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus until I do something sufficiently awful that I don’t have to but probably should if I’m to get along with my better self. I’ve met my share of challenges since the CD came out, and each [...] (Source: Writhe Safely) Writhe Safely blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=894279 Sun, 23 Sep 2007 22:41:21 +0100 894279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=658522&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2007%2F06%2Fwho_or_what_is_.html These are questions I kick around every day of my life with cancer, especially since I began writing this blog back in September and officially identified myself as “The Assertive Cancer Patient.” Of course, I think I was an assertive cancer patient before the birth of the blog, but that was my coming out of the closet, so to speak. I think there are at least three good reasons to be an assertive cancer patient:
 • You will get better care. 
 • You will probably live longer. 
 • You will feel better about yourself and your illness. Here are some more characteristics of an assertive cancer patient: The Assertive Cancer Patient: Is Not a Superhero The Assertive Cancer Patient: Feels Surprisingly Happy The Assertive Cancer Patient: Chooses the Right Doctor The Asse... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=658522 Tue, 05 Jun 2007 06:04:03 +0100 658522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=556572&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fthe_assertive_c.html The minute you were told that you had cancer, your first thought most likely was, “I am going to die.” I don’t know anyone with cancer who didn’t respond this way. Then, once you have survived your first bout with cancer, you live with the fear that your cancer will return. You count off the months and days to the five-year cancer-free mark, when, for most cancers, you are considered cured. And you probably assume, as I did, that if your cancer metastasizes, it certainly will kill you soon. If you are reading this blog and you have had one bout with cancer, my hope and prayer for you is that your cancer will never return and you will continue to be healthy. But, for many of us, it is time to redefine cancer. In the old days, when cancer treatments were cruder, the disease wa... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=556572 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:35:56 +0100 556572 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=515338&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fthe_best_of_the.html To celebrate the eight-month anniversary of my blog, I decided to put together a roundup of “the best of The Assertive Cancer Patient.” These are the stories that pop up whenever I check my stats—stories that people are finding through Google searches or through links from other blogs. And one or two are here because they are the ones that I’m most proud of. Breast Cancer Barbie Cancer Movies Don’t Write Me Off Jeanne’s Diary Jeanne’s Soapboxes Medical Mistakes Stories I haven’t gotten to yet, include: More on Medical Mistakes, The Truth About Charity Care, Coping, and What THIS Cancer Patient Wants. Coming soon to a blog near you ... Jeanne (Source: The Assertive Cancer Patient) The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=515338 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 18:22:39 +0100 515338 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=507897&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fhow_to_get_what_1.html I've been in cancer treatment for a long time, and when my long-time oncologist moved to Arizona and I had to look around for a new doctor, one of the most important issues for me was that I would have the same nurse every time I went in for treatment. (Except when she's out sick or on vacation, of course.) This helps me feel safe in the treatment center, and also helps prevent mistakes. Once I chose a new doctor, I had to change cancer centers, but my new doctor told me I could choose a regular nurse to give me my treatment. But it turned out not to be that easy. The treatment center balked at my request. After discussing this problem with my doctor a couple of times, I experienced the Afternoon From Hell at the treatment center. Here is the e-mail I sent my doctor afterward: The ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=507897 Wed, 28 Mar 2007 22:34:25 +0100 507897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=505216&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fhow_to_get_what.html When you have cancer, how do you get what you need from the doctors, nurses, technicians, and others who hold your life in their hands? The answer is remarkably simple: You ask. You ask politely, but persistently, and you keep asking until you are satisfied. It really is just that simple, but that doesn't mean that it is all that easy for many of us to do. It becomes easier once you have trained yourself out of the habit of being a "good patient." Good patients do what the doctor (or nurse or pharmacist or whomever in a white coat) tells them to. But being a good patient can leave you angry, frustrated, anxious, depressed ... and with no outlet for these feelings (other than the friends and family who may listen to you rant, but THEY can't fix things). Bottled up negative emotions c... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=505216 Wed, 28 Mar 2007 02:53:25 +0100 505216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=492121&cid=t_249841_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fa_sample_from_m.html I love blogging, and this is why: Other people understand what I'm writing and why I'm writing it. And they tell me so, in ways that make me feel that my words are valuable. Here's one e-mail that came in today, from a Seattle doctor: "Thank you for the work and energy you've put into helping those living with illness to find their voice. I'm a family physician living with chronic kidney failure for the past ten years. I've been writing about the experience, but haven't published most of it. I totally agree with your premise that assertive patients live longer, fuller and happier lives. "We need universal health care in Washington state. I'm working to improve access to care, but see it as a long term goal until more people get it on their radar. "Keep up the wonderful blogging. I hop... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=492121 Wed, 21 Mar 2007 05:31:00 +0100 492121