ANNARCHY - Latest Comments in A Toast to Cancer

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Janet Petrine — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:19:46 -0000

You need to write something long and edible. Your voice is excellent, compelling. Write us a book.

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Jen DelMonaco — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:03:54 -0000

YIKES can't believe I missed this! Glad you and your mug will survive!!

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Gill — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:04:22 -0000

I can relate to what you went through in terms of discovering an uninvited squatter in the body or in your case on the body. Glad it was low grade.
I kind of like the postcard approach in the absence of a medical system with the luxury of time to call you in for an appointment and tell you your test results. At least know what the answer is rather than having to hassle to get the results and then wait for ever for an appointment (at least here in Montreal its like that).
Glad too that you have a sense of humour - I kind of think its the only way to go on things like this.

Long may you be free of uninvted guests !

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Robin Ogden — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:50:19 -0000

Ann,

Love! your writing style - hard to believe that I could be lol while reading about the sorry state of our health care system and such a down right 'cold' way to inform someone of cancer.

I too get postcards and emails regarding my health care visits, but cannot believe that this is the way one would be informed about something as scary as cancer! What were they thinking?

Glad you're ok and also glad I found your blog because I really enjoy your writing style.

Thanks,
Robin Ogden
http://www.firedupcareers.com

Re: A Toast to Cancer

C.B. Whittemore — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:30:02 -0000

I like your son's comment. Glad you issued your cancer a pink slip!

There's so much room and need for humanity to return to our institutions. We are the only ones who can make it happen b/c the institutions don't know how. I'm hoping that this election will set the stage for more power to the people - via social media... or postcards.

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Amber Naslund — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:46:25 -0000

Ok, everyone else has said most of everything, so I'm just going to sum up my thoughts with:

a) Thanks again for sharing your stories in such an eloquent, hilarious, and touching manner.

b) WTF is wrong with people?

So glad all is well, but seriously. What a bunch of clownpunchers.

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Julie — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:42:32 -0000

Ann, how did the respackling of your nose go? I had one removed when I was 28 -- couldn't believe how much skin they take. It's always fun to walk around with stitches on your face too, lets you work in those domestic violence jokes.

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Michael Goodman — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:30:25 -0000

I've been enjoying your blog very much. You're a great writer and have interesting insights on a wide range of topics. Glad your cancer scare is under control and that you're able to put the whole thing in perspective. Thanks for sharing what's on your mind.

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Deb — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:23:44 -0000

Just a quick one (like the actual amount of time the dr actually spends with you during your exam) to let you know my business uses postcards but in a positive way...every customer gets at least one thanking them for their business. I dont think anything personal like health issues should come on one. Some mail carriers are very gossipy so I give them something nice to think about.
Deb

Re: A Toast to Cancer

rickey gold — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:58:33 -0000

The good news is that you're ok! The postcard notification is pathetic. We're losing those
elements that make us caring, social human beings.
Except for bloggers that is!

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Marcia Harris — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:22:40 -0000

Ann,
I loved your presentation of your situation and being in the business of health care, I am appalled by both the privacy issue and the insensitivity.
Many of the comments center around this issue being primarily insurance and administratively driven. I would be remiss not to say that frivolous litigation has damaged the health care system in more ways than either of the above. If only we had a cap on what trial lawyers could make, the need to see more and more patients and the increased paperwork burning out providers would be greatly reduced.

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Renee Fellows — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:48:18 -0000

Ann - so glad that you're going to be OK! How scary and the story you tell is all too real. I think the doctors forget that they are looking at a living, breathing person in front of them (which may make me feel a little better about my OB/GYN appointments). I'm sure we all have our fair share of physician horror stories, but that postcard has GOT to be a HIPPA violation. Honestly, they worry about what line you stand in to check into the practice so you can't be 'overheard,' but they share your deepest test results with Kevin the Mailman?
Oh, I'm feeling another political pundit coming on...
Renee

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Martha Retallick — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:52:17 -0000

Oh, does this story get me going.

This past Monday, I went to see my dermatologist for an annual exam. He removed a mole and sent it out for lab tests. He didn't sound too concerned about it, but you can bet that I am.

But he said that I'd be called if the news was bad and sent a letter if they news was good.

Before I left the exam room, I noticed that the bill said that the fee would be $93. I'm a self-employed person with one of those high-deductible policies that requires that you burn through thousands of dollars before it kicks in. (And that's another rant.)

When I arrived at the front desk to settle the bill, I was told that I would have to pay a $250 deposit. I was floored. I told them that I wasn't anticipating that the bill would be that high.

I've been waiting for an out-of-state check to reimburse me for an airline reservation that I'd made earlier in the month. And the check hadn't arrived yet. I told them about the wait for the check, and asked if they could bill me so I could settle up next week.

"We. Don't. Bill." the lady said. And she put special emphasis on the word "bill." Like it was one of *those* four-letter words.

I pleaded my cause further. I noted that I'd been seeing this particular doctor for 16 years, and couldn't we work something out? I mean, come on. Giving me the opportunity to settle this bill after the check came would have been very nice.

Nope.

They got my credit card, and, after several tries, they dinged it for $100. (Most of what's on that card right now is the payment for that airfare.)

In addition to Monday's encounter, something else has been troubling me about that doctor's practice. Over the years, it has taken on more of a cosmetic orientation.

While I was in the waiting room on Monday, I couldn't miss seeing the promotional pieces touting some procedure that would soften those wrinkles before that all-important Holiday Party Season.

As someone who has to see a dermatologist for health reasons, I find this focus more than a little offensive. But it explains why I was treated so coldly at the checkout desk. I'm obviously not part of this practice's target market.

And once I settle the rest of this doctor's bill, I'm taking my business elsewhere.

Re: A Toast to Cancer

@TheGirlPie — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:16:32 -0000

Glad to find your great writing via Chris Brogan, and LOVED the tale and what it raises. DON'T love the privacy issue being ignored by your Doctor's Office -- for shame! Your poor mailman must be worrying too!

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Jane Chin — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:00:37 -0000

Physician bedside manners have been an issue long before healthcare became the transactional business it has become, although the current environment certainly exacerbates poor physician-patient communication.

I thought it was ludicrous to send you a postcard about your biopsy results, and I bet there's a case for HIPAA here. I can't even stand in the same area as another pharmacy customer lest I hear about what meds they're getting.

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Ann Handley — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:39:21 -0000

Thanks for all the feedback here, all. Interestingly -- I didn't think about whether it violates HIPPA. But in theory the US Postal Service (or at least my mail carrier) knew before I did. Which is kinda weird.

And JeffreySass : I love "Annarchists." Must. Print. T-Shirts: "Are you an Annarchist?" What do you think?

Re: A Toast to Cancer

David Reich — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 23:19:34 -0000

Glad you're ok Ann. But I can't believe that doctor sends a postcard with that news. What if you had questions or you didn't know basel cell is relatively not so bad.

I'd switch doctors right away, for starters.

Re: A Toast to Cancer

vickivanv — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:09:54 -0000

Gad, I'm sorry you're having to go through this, even if it's the pipsqueak variety! I hope they at least actually call a patient if they suspect something serious!

I've been pretty lucky with my doctors so far--their systems seem to have some level of caring and personal attention built in. This is a good reminder to never take those factors for granted. Slather on that sunscreen and take care of yourself, girl!

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Larissa Gaston — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:25:46 -0000

Ann, glad your cancer was ‘the good kind to have’, but I think cancer, no matter how non-aggressive, deserves more than a postcard. The comfort we find telling ourselves that “our doctor must not think this is any big deal, I’ll be fine” is a ruse. It’s just a coping mechanism for dealing with the un-dealable. I guarantee the doctor didn’t think two seconds about how sending the postcard would make you feel.

A friend of mine was just telling me yesterday how he went to see a doctor who didn’t take his hand off the doorknob for the entire visit, then left abruptly before my friend was able to get a word out. My friend went to find the doctor and told him, “before you continue with the rest of your day, I just want you to envision yourself holding on to the doorknob the entire time you’re with a patient and what that signals to them.” The doctor proceeded to rant about the stress he’s under, insurance costs, how he’s making less money this year, has to fit in more patients to pay for private school, etc. Not sure he got the point. We’re all under stress – if you’re a doctor, your job requires human interaction – so be human.

Re: A Toast to Cancer

sass — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:37:06 -0000

Ann, very glad you are well. More glad you continue to write and share with the rest of us A N N A R C H I S T S ! ;-) You touch on so many important issues here, and healthcare is just the tip of the iceberg. I am old enough to remember the doctor COMING TO OUR HOUSE (Queens Apartment) if I was "under the weather" as a child. Dr. Reiman (I even can recall his name) had an office down the block and around the corner and would regularly make house calls in our apartment building. He was accountable to US, and he knew every kid in the neighborhood by name, as we were all his patients. Imagine that today...the makings of fiction. LOL. Stay well!
-Jeff

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Bdot — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:33:16 -0000

Back in the late 80's I was getting some blood work done, and asked the doctor while you're at it could you check for VD.....I got a postcard, stating the VD results were normal......to this day I wondered if it was normal for a 30 something guy to have it or not......still wondering.

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Samer Forzley — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:56:31 -0000

Wow Ann a post card. I thought my friends story took the cake, but this one is up there. My friend went in for scheduled back surgery, went under, actually went under, and then got bumped last minute because of an emergency operation (which is understandable). When he woke up in recovery, he was told that the operation was not complete because of the emergency and the doctors shift was over and went home. Can you believe that, sorry my shift is over, i am outta here.

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Kristen Hamilton — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:40:42 -0000

I had the same reaction as Jessica - that has to be a major HIPPA violation.
As always your post was insightful, entertaining, and thought provoking. Keep up the great work!

Re: A Toast to Cancer

Karen Swim — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:31:35 -0000

Ann, I am so glad that it was not melanoma and that you are okay. However, as you said when it happens to you....I worked in healthcare for more than two decades and grew up in a house with a mom who was a nurse. I have spent more time in hospitals and doctor's offices than in my own home. I am appalled at the postcard system. While in medical terms, it was good news have we forgotten that patients are people and that same diagnosis efficiently dispatched by mail may have sent another person over the edge.

Re: A Toast to Cancer

The Franchise King — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:10:42 -0000

Ann,
I, too, am glad to hear that your pimple like object is a mini form of Cancer.
But a postcard? Tacky!
Joel Libava