Hello, my dad is going through his cancer treatment at the VA Hospital. They are good, when he can get in to see them. He can only talk to his doctor at the appointment. If he calls he gets a computer. So he can't ask questions about anything until the appointment- two weeks later. This seems like a long wait for someone who needs emergency treatment. He just had two surgeries there and is trying to set up for radiation and chemo and HBO. His doctors are contemplating on the next plan of action. His doc says one thing and his Rad says another.So we wait. What I want to know is will this be the only hospital or facility that will treat him without insurance. He is a retired veteran with no insurance and no chance to get any .(while this going on in his life) It's not that we are not pleased with the VA but we would like more options. If we had a private doctor working with us they would let us talk to the doctors more, they'd call us back, could they get him into treatment faster? I'm not sure if it really makes a difference- or does it?
Would your dad qualify for medicare? This would give you options if he does. Also, does he have TRI-Care, he would need to pay c0-pays. There may be times during treatment that you will not be able to wait 2 weeks. When my husband was having radiation and chemo there was some weeks that I would be on the phone with the MD 2-3 times a week and we had weekly visits.I know this is not the care with all.
Hi Karen,
It's not uncommon for the RAD Onc and the Med Onc not to talk to each other. But you must communicate what each says to the other. I found that to be my responsibility while in treatment. Does the VA have a patient advocate. I know they do in Durham where my wife works. That may be one place to start.
Steve
Steve,
I have to disagree with you on this one. This was not my experience at all, nor would it have been acceptable to me. A multidisciplnary team is essential. I had every one of them except plastic surgery, opthomology, speech and swallowing therapy and nuerosurgery.
The following is from the TEAM1 page of the NCCN Oncology Practice Guidelines:
"Team Approach
Head and Neck Cancers
MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM
The management of patients with head and neck cancers is complex. All patients need access to the full range of specialists and support services for optimal treatment and follow-up. with expertise in the management of patients with head and neck cancer:
Head and neck surgery
Radiation oncology
Medical oncology
Plastic and reconstructive surgery
Specialized nursing care
Dentistry/prosthodontics
Physical medicine and
rehabilitation
Speech and swallowing therapy
Clinical Social work
Nutrition support
Pathology
Diagnostic radiology
Adjunctive services
Neurosurgery
Ophthalmology
Psychiatry
Addiction Services
SUPPORT AND SERVICES
Follow-up should be performed by a physician with expertise in the management and prevention of treatment sequelae. It should include a comprehensive head and neck exam. The management of head and neck cancer patients may involve the following:
Pain and symptom management
Nutritional support
Enteral feeding
-Dental care for RT effects
-Oral supplements
Xerostomia management
Smoking cessation
Tracheotomy care
Social work and Case management
Supportive Care"
Karen, I have no experience with VA hospitals, but I have lots of experience with "the squeaky wheel gets the oil". Get the names and numbers of nurses you can call. Tell his Docs [during his next appt.] that you need a way to talk to a person-not a computer if he is in trouble- Does his hospital have an ER? I have gotten some direct phone #'s by being insistant. Put your boots on and march! Amy
P.S. Send your above post to your Senator, Congressman and Govenor.
P.S My dad just applied for medicare. So, we'll see. Also I am going to Atlanta next week to meet doctors and help my dad for a little bit so I'll see what is going on first hand.
My mother just got thru with Tonsil cancer and radiation. She has no ins. and on medicare and needs dental implants/ a prosthesis and teeth. Does anyone know of an Oral Prosthodontic dr that will take payments????? She lives by Portland Oregon.
thanks
SEE IF YOU HAVE A SCHOOL OF DENISTRY WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE? ALSO CHECK WITH THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN YOUR AREA. MEDICAID PAYS FOR SOME DENTAL PROCEDURES. GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS!!!!