I am astounde by the level of information that patients in the United States get to know about and share with their Doctors.In the Uk unless you persistantly ask for information it is not forthcoming.No ne has mentioned to Rob and i anything about his radiotherapy dosage or the level of his tumour or the stage of his disease.Most of the stuff i find out is persistant questions and sneaking looks at his notes which spend more time lost than with the Doctors.If it wasnt for you guys we wouldnt know anything about skin care and diet and he hasnt even been offered a PEG.Scans are like a trade secret that no one else is allowed in on,the most comment you get about them is "oh nothing to worry about" and that is only if you ask.Robin and i had his cancer diagnosis confirmed during a pre op exam by the Registrar when he went for his tongue biopsy because i asked if they had any results of the needle aspiration of his jaw tumour. The doctor seemed surprised that i asked and even more amazed when both Robin and i welled up with tears when he casually said "oh yes there were a number of cells that were confirmed as cancerous" then when he saw me sniffing and clutching Robs hand he asked if the news had come as a shock.
You seem to have great insight and knowledge about the course of your disease David and i am sorry that this slip up caused you and your wife some distress.Unfortunately for us across th pond it tends to be the rule that the right doesnt know the left hand exists rather than the exception.