Yes, Tammy. Inconsistencies really hurt. I was lucky when I had ovarian cancer back in 96 that Waikato Hospital provided Taxol while Auckland didn't.

Trouble with the prostho is that he gave up hours of his time after my surgery to make me a temporary plate so I could go to my son's wedding and smile. He is universally loved by his patients but he's a bit of a gadfly and so hard to pin down. I can see some of his staff showing exasperation in spite of his charm and humour. He will be dancing on the head of a pin balancing his private practice with his hospital work in an overstretched system so how does one dare to complain? My latest plan is to write him a letter saying how I feel and giving it to him when I see him next. I've emailed before but he reads it just as he checks my notes and sort of skims over it. Either that or I take someone with me.

Thanks for sharing frustrations:)

1996, ovarian cancer surgery + cisplatin and taxol.
September, 2007, SCC of left lateral tongue. Excision.
October, 2009 recurrence in scar tissue, T1NOMO. Free flap surgery from left wrist - neck dissection. 63 year old New Zealander. No chemo, no RT.
February, 2014. New primary in left buccal mucosa. Marginal mandibulectomy, neck dissection, right arm free forearm flap. T1N0M0 but third occurrence and some areas of concern: RT started 8 April and finished 19 May.