Kim,
you DO have an uncanny way of offending me.

I have personally seen people die from blood transfusions, so what I said still stands. All I said (or implied) was question the doctor to make, in your words, an "informed choice". It seemed pretty clear to me. I didn't think I needed to go into "Sometimes, with oncology patients who are in for a long haul, there are expected drops in counts, call nadir points, which occur at predictable intervals. If a downward trend in counts in seen, a transfusion may be recommended prophylactically to rally the counts before they bottom out." which is way over the head of most visitors here.

Although I am impressed with your knowledge (as I am sure you are also) could you explain to me what the semantic difference is between "Make sure he really needs one" and "...you can make an informed choice".

We all know that sometimes doctors will order tests and procedures that MAY be of marginal benefit, hence my statement to question it. It's all about risk/benefit.

And your wonderfully detailed explanation about blood cultures is the same. I said bacterial (NOT viral) and mentioned in MY experience, I never had a blood culture, which are both truths.

About your statement (and obvious implication) "...I am especially sensitive to making sure the posts that offer medical explanations are accurate." would you care to elaborate which part of my experience was not accurate or true? I didn't sign off with "Dr." after all.

Are you the official OCF "medical police" now? Maybe Brian will offer a letter of introduction.

I merely share my medical experience, strength, and hope as do many other patients on this site (although most of the others are able to escape your personal scrutinization).

The underlying tone of my posts has always been either "question the doctors and be be your own advocate" or "your experience is not that much different from mine" -period.

Since I have personally actually BEEN through the treatment I think a little more respect is in order. You are singlehandly the reason why I choose to take breaks from posting here and sadly that IS a truth.

This is a public forum and people come here not looking for medical advice as much as trying to figure out, from a laymans perspective, what is happening to them or their loved one. Or, as in Diana's experience with her dad, what is a "normal" experience (please note the attempt to stay "on topic").

That was the biggest benefit to me personally throughout my cancer journey - knowing what was a "normal" parameter (and I will forever be in debt to Brian and various OCF members for sharing their experience, strength and hope with me, hence de-mystifying the process). The so called medical advice (that I received often) merely served as a springboard to open a dialog with the doctors to have a better understanding of the treatment process, potential complications, areas to be diligent about and making an "informed choice" as it related to me.

Gary (I AM NOT A DOCTOR) A.