Edwards Announcement

byalip · #1 03-23-2007, 05:06 PM

I had breast cancer and speak from this experience--one of the surgeon's f'ed up REALLY badly. Not only did I have to go through that strange, frightening experience, but then the almighty doc claimed that he really "couldn't see any problem." I won't go into specifics, but it was horrifying and humiliating.

THANK GOD for the pit bull of a lawyer who represented me. The doc was caught in a lie on the witness stand...if I didn't have my day in court and someone to crusade for me, I'd be just another poor schmo up against the Almighty Doctor.

Believe me, malpractice lawyers are sorely needed. Don't get caught up in the knee-jerk belief that they are simply ambulance chasers and people who bring law suits are out for a quick buck.

Grits · #2 03-23-2007, 05:38 PM

Byalip, I'm so sorry that you had to go through, not only the frightening experience of breast cancer, but too, the more horrifying, nightmarish, experience of a medical malpractice lawsuit.

And you are correct, not all attorneys are ambulance chasing dogs, nor are all doctors without error in judgement. There are those that do suffer from The God Syndrome. And that's unfortunate.

I hope that you are well, and will continue to remain cancer free--forever.

Quote:

Originally Posted by byalip

I had breast cancer and speak from this experience--one of the surgeon's f'ed up REALLY badly. Not only did I have to go through that strange, frightening experience, but then the almighty doc claimed that he really "couldn't see any problem." I won't go into specifics, but it was horrifying and humiliating.

THANK GOD for the pit bull of a lawyer who represented me. The doc was caught in a lie on the witness stand...if I didn't have my day in court and someone to crusade for me, I'd be just another poor schmo up against the Almighty Doctor.

Believe me, malpractice lawyers are sorely needed. Don't get caught up in the knee-jerk belief that they are simply ambulance chasers and people who bring law suits are out for a quick buck.

byalip · #3 03-23-2007, 10:56 PM

Grits--
The good news is that as of the first day of spring, I celebrated my 7 year anniversary. I was extremely lucky--it was caught on a routine mammogram so it was VERY early--Stage Zero. Let this be a warning to everyone--get the recommended checkups every year. NO ONE in my family had a history and I was the one who was always exercising and eating well. So much for "profiles"....LOL

The better news is, that to get my mind off all the stuff I had to deal with, I decided to go to the library and look up an entirely new subject...and learn about it...something that was totally off my radar screen. I happened upon a book by Andy Beyer and another about how to read a Daily Racing Form. I was HOOKED and became a rabid fan. So....this love affair with horse racing and race horses, I owe it all to breast cancer!!! Truth is stranger than fiction, huh?

Grits · #4 03-23-2007, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byalip

Grits--
The good news is that as of the first day of spring, I celebrated my 7 year anniversary. I was extremely lucky--it was caught on a routine mammogram so it was VERY early--Stage Zero. Let this be a warning to everyone--get the recommended checkups every year. NO ONE in my family had a history and I was the one who was always exercising and eating well. So much for "profiles"....LOL

The better news is, that to get my mind off all the stuff I had to deal with, I decided to go to the library and look up an entirely new subject...and learn about it...something that was totally off my radar screen. I happened upon a book by Andy Beyer and another about how to read a Daily Racing Form. I was HOOKED and became a rabid fan. So....this love affair with horse racing and race horses, I owe it all to breast cancer!!! Truth is stranger than fiction, huh?

Indeed, truth is stranger than fiction, and its a joy to read that you are doing great. I bet the fig maker himself, Beyer, would be pleased to know that he promoted your recovery and garnered a lifetime fan to the sport through his writing.

And it IS a love affair, but a torrid one. I love it one minute, and cuss it the next.

GenuineRisk · #5 03-24-2007, 09:18 AM

Byalip, I'm glad all has gone well for you.

My parents wound up not suing- my dad wanted to, but my mother asked him not to- her health declined so rapidly she didn't feel up to the stress of a malpractice suit, I guess. I can only hope the first two idiots who saw my mother took other ostensibly low-risk women who came in with lumps more seriously the next time, but I'll never know.

I agree, most doctors are very competent- my point was, the majority of errors are done by a small number of doctors- so why isn't it easier to get them out of the profession?

Though, I've also read that medical malpractice suits in the end, do not add that much cost to doing medicine; they're just used as an excuse by the insurance companies to justify the money they demand from doctors and patients.

In any event, here's an interesting explainer-type article about the specifics of Elizabeth Edwards' diagnosis:

http://www.slate.com/id/2162548?nav=tap3

byalip · #6 03-24-2007, 09:57 AM

GR--Everything you said, IMHO--is right on target. Also, INMO, your mother made the right decision. Going through the malpractice suit was far worse than the cancer treatment--even the mastectomy part.

You are essentially on trial and it's terrifying and you feel like you're being thrown to the wolves. I don't think I've ever been as mentally tested in my life--nothing even comes close. And the only coaching/prep you get is "just be yourself".

We were the "little guys" going up against a huge law firm. I can only liken it to watching Xtra Heat at the Breeder's Cup...only I held on. LOL

Yeah, I'm doing great and because of being overly aggressive, pro-active AND EXTREMELY LUCKY, it's history. And I'll always love Beyer for digging me out of a dark place.

Mortimer · #7 03-24-2007, 10:08 AM

Aunty Cooby is the best.

I mean it's close.

Very close.

Very,very,very close.

Maybe she's not THE best.

It could be a tie.

I'm just saying ....

....I seem to have myself in a pickle.

Oh no.

Aunty Cooby LOVES pickled Callaworthy's!!

I am in huge trouble if not on the menu.

You know what I mean ,Aunty Cooby.

=:>

mclem10011 · #8 03-24-2007, 10:38 AM

Blue Hell are you talkin bout?

byalip · #9 03-24-2007, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mortimerdexterfoxworthy

Aunty Cooby is the best.

I mean it's close.

Very close.

Very,very,very close.

Maybe she's not THE best.

It could be a tie.

I'm just saying ....

....I seem to have myself in a pickle.

Oh no.

Aunty Cooby LOVES pickled Callaworthy's!!

I am in huge trouble if not on the menu.

You know what I mean ,Aunty Cooby.

=:>

You are a very sensitive soul, Morté. I've noticed you never beg to see my boobies....Greatly appreciated!