Wednesday, October 25, 2006

That old squeaky wheel...

I gave my letter to the doctor yesterday. I ended up seeing a different doctor (they work closely and my doctor was right there... they just were very busy) and gave the letter to her. But, we ended up talking about the events and what happened. She was VERY apologetic and said that never should have happened. She then gave me a number where I could have her paged directly if I wasn't getting a good response from the team. She then obviously gave the letter to the head nurse as she came and apologized to me as well. THEN... the letter made the rounds with the oncology nurses and they apologized as well (although it would have been a bit more tactful to wait until I was out of the room before distributing the letter!! LOL). The nurse who treated me also gave me her direct phone number so that I could call her if I was feeling terrible or had some questions. THEN... this morning I received a call from the head nurse checking in to see how I was feeling. I have a feeling I'll be getting great "service" now!! And I'm glad I received the response I did... at least I feel they "heard" what I was saying.

On another note...
hopefully my Mom will be coming home from the hospital today. She is getting quite anxious to come home, and I don't blame her. She's getting frustrated with laying in a hospital bed (you know they don't buy Sealy mattresses there) and the noise that generally occurs. We're thrilled she's able to come home so soon.

Now, I'm off for my afternoon nap. This chemo business makes one tired!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Annette - I am so happy to read that they took this seriously... I agree they could have waited till you left, but who cares? It got their attention and you absolutely deserve all that and more! I am happy to read that your mom is coming home. I am sure you must both be somewhat relieved!

Hope you are resting well and drinking lots of fluids!!! Hope this round is a little easier on you as well!!!

Sending lots of hugs and healing vibes and prayers to you Annette!!! And of course lots of mean Lily looks to keep you feisty!

Love,

Lisa

Anonymous said...

Hi Annette - I don't look at your letter as a complaint, just a letter to help your "team" do a better job for you and others in your situation. The apologies are very nice, however I'm sure your letter will inspire them to give better and more caring help, after all isn't that what they are there to do? Sometimes we have to speak up for those that do not have the ability to do so for themselves. Keep up the great work!
We hope that the fluids will relieve the nausea. Sending our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Jennifer and Alan

Anonymous said...

Way to go, girl! Have a restful, fluid-filled week!
Love, Alice

Anonymous said...

Good for you, Annette! I'm so glad that you'll be treated as you deserve to be this time around. Take good care of yourself,
smooches from Nana!

Anonymous said...

Good going Annette!!!
Glad your mom came home, hope to see her sometime soon. My hat is off to all of you for it must have been a difficult week for all.
Get some rest and fluids, hope you won't feel so bad this time around.
God bless, our prayer are with you all. love P&S

Anonymous said...

Hey Annette, take it easy hon and I hope your Mom does get out of the slammer..I mean hospital. I was lucky to get probably the one comfy hospital bed the last time but then I was so god-awful tired I'd have taken anything LOL.

Hang in there hon and glad you stuck up for yourself. Praying for you all the time. Give those two kiddies a kiss for me and hug the hubs from us all too.

Kitty (T21)

Jan Steck Huffman said...

Hi Kiddo- just peeking in to see how you are faring this round, and to let you know that you should be so proud of yourself for self-advocating! Way to go!

All of Nash's friends his age are losing their teeth except him!

I am praying for your mom too, and many hugs for you.....

Anonymous said...

Praying for you Annette! I love the letter concept. You go girl! I hope this round is gentle for you. Hugs!
Stephanie & Katie