IT'S A PISSER...

Yesterday, I received a letter from the University of TN Medical Center -  Radiology Department to notify me that Dr. Kelley was leaving and that my care was being place in the hands of another doctor and the quality of care would not change...  as a form of reassurance, I suppose...  My first comment was, "the care might not change but the intelligence might..."           

Dr. Kelley was the ONLY DOCTOR at UT in my 13 years of experience there that gave me the impression that not only did he care about my health as my doctor but he looked at the care of my health through MY EYES and not just his eyes.   And, believe me that makes a big difference.  He was able to advise based upon my concerns not just what Medical Science suggested that he do.

My Oncologist also cared about my well being but after the Melanoma was surgically removed from my foot and according to Medical Science Protocols no further treatment was prescribed.  So, for the next 4 years I was just treated for my Lymphoma and was advised to live life and not worry...  HOWEVER, four and a half years later, my Melanoma returned with a vengeance to my groin and since surgery was out of the question, radiation was prescribed and I came into contact with Dr. Kelley...  who informed me that despite what Medical Science Protocols recommended that it would have been prudent to perform a PET or CT scan with a Melanoma focus every 6 months as a preventative measure even though my INSURANCE COMPANY might have resisted paying.

My Oncologist never mentioned that CT Melanoma Focus to me and my wife and I believe that he dropped the ball.

It was also this RADIOLOGIST who suggested that I be scanned every 3 months with alternating CT and PET scans because the insurance companies saw the 2 scans as different and allowed each every 6 months.  And, I am sure that there are other doctors like Kelley who could have advised me similarly but I was not put in touch with anyone except him...  so, it is only he that I have to be grateful in his approach and treatment of me.

ANOTHER REASON WHY ONLY YOU MANAGE YOUR HEALTHCARE...  NOT JUST THE DOCTORS...  DO YOU OWN RESEARCH...  COME TO THE APPOINTMENTS PREPARED...