oncotypedx.com
A good reminder of who is in charge of treatment decisions. We rely on the best advice of our oncologists, hematologists and other members of the medical team, but in the end it is our choice and our life (even if, in the example cited, patient priorities seem a bit ‘silly’). Quote:
Perhaps one of the hardest lessons for an oncologist is to acknowledge that despite the best evidence, we cannot dictate treatments. What we can do is provide information, give advice, guide the formation of a treatment plan, and then monitor and care for those we are aiming to help.
Cancer takes away much from the person living with it. It forces our patients to change, to accommodate it and its therapies. Because of this, I have a deep respect for maintaining the ability of our patients to choose. In our mission to provide comfort and hope, we must accept the autonomy of patients and the informed choices our patients make, without judgment.
Despite the best evidence, oncologists cannot dictate treatment.
