Updated 03/14/2019 In my first year of oncology fellowship, our program director asked us an eye-opening question: what percentage of people with cancer survived 5 years or more? At that time, in 2003, the little-known answer was 60%. Fewer than half of us fellows, physicians in a subspecialty training program to devote our careers to…
Comments closedpost updated 3/15/19 Adjuvant chemotherapy, what is it? This comprehensive post will break it down for you, with an easy to understand example included. One of the most common questions I hear as a medical oncologist from my patients at an initial visit is: “My surgeon told me she got all the cancer. So why…
Comments closedPost updated 1/20/19 Fighting insurance company denial of prior authorizations Greetings Readers. I thought I would try something new and start somewhat of a series. If you didn’t see my original post on prior authorizations, this link will take you right to it. Last week I found myself on the phone, yet again arguing on…
2 Comments“My mom is a doctor, my dad is a dad.” So stated one of our children in their autobiography assignment for school. I read on, curious what would come next. “My dad usually stays home and cleans up, and takes care of the pets.” I thought for a moment. “That’s very good, honey, but do…
Comments closedThe Art of Oncology I am pleased to share the link to my newest published narrative essay, entitled The Puzzle Table, published online 10/2/17 in the Art of Oncology section of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Update March 2018: Now listen to the podcast on the JCO Art of Oncology Cancer Stories page. find links…
Comments closedRecently, I was enjoying a “mom day” running errands with the kids. You know, the usual essentials — groceries, school supplies, and espresso coffee drive-through. At this last stop, the barista made small talk and, seeing the kids in the back seat, joked about school starting soon and how I must be looking forward to…
2 Commentsupdated 3/15/19 I am not the first physician blogger to write about the difficulties of insurance prior authorization denials and appeals. But recent occurrences in my own practice have been so convoluted that I feel they must be shared. The nonsensical denials would almost cause one to laugh, if not for the reality that each…
Comments closedRelay for Life superhero theme 2017 The following post is an edited transcript of my speech given on 7/8/17 at the Relay for Life 2017, Clatsop County, OR. I am very excited by this year’s Relay for Life theme, “Who is your superhero?” I am excited because I get to work with real-life superheroes every…
Comments closedMy smile freezes on my face as my patient says to me, “I’m so glad you’re back – that I get to see Mrs. Lycette today!” He has been my patient for several years, and I’m perplexed to hear him address me as “Mrs.” rather than “Doctor.” At the same time, I really don’t think…
1 CommentI read a great post by oncologist Dr. Stephanie Graff on the experience of blame, from self and others, that people with cancer are subjected to. The talk about risk factors and early detection makes us think we can achieve perfection, and that cancer is somehow a personal fault…let us stop making accusations and blaming persons…
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