Indirectly forcing treatment

RunswithScissors

Indirectly forcing treatment

RunswithScissors

This is an ethics issue that is bugging me.

We all know that competent patients  have the right to refuse treatment.

With breast cancer, many times  the treatments we are offered are  high risk, with low or even questionable benefits. 

YET, because the medical establishment follows "standard protocols", if you refuse the "standard" because of  what you view as excess risk, you are often not allowed to pursue an alternative.

Sometimes it's just the docs attitude - a "my way or the highway" rigidity.    Sometimes the drugs/treatments are only offered after completion of the big 3 -  surgery, chemo, and rads. 

That policy effectively forces us to do what they say, in the order they say, because there is no option to  pursue something you feel more comfortable with if you don't.  

Physicians are required to get our informed concent before tests or treatment. Informed consent is supposed to be voluntary,  without coercion or duress. Withholding options is coercive.

(I am in the US by the way, so  I'm unsure if other nations have this obnoxious policy? ) 

I hate the healthcare system, and the FDA, and I hate the drug companies.  I hate my doctors. I hate the treatments I'm getting, I hate the side effects.  I hate breast cancer and pink ribbons and this mood I'm in. 

 OK, rant over. Sorry. 

AlaskaAngel

Shepard,

No apologies regardless for any posts that are polite and patient-based (i.e., not an advertisement!)

As a health care worker with many years experience, as well as a 7-year breast cancer patient, I believe there is truth in your comments and frustration. Many things need to change for there to be genuine informed consent for breast cancer patients. Any ideas where to start?

leaf

That's OK Shepherd.  You didn't ask to get breast cancer - it was quite out of your control. You didn't ask for all the ways this disease has changed your life.

Some doctors are much more rigid than others.   Some people don't have the option of seeking out other docs, and some do.  

Thinking of you.

lynnie_g

I am facing this exact thing right now.  After my first chemo attempt was a disaster ... it stopped my breathing.... now they want to infuse me with one of the ones that may cause cancer somewhere else years after my treatment is over, and may also damage my heart.  Needless to say, I do not want this drug unless there is no other option.  The doctors I am dealing with do not seem to be able to think outside the box or the "standard protocols", and I am completely frustrated, angry and, yes, terrified that they really don't know what they're doing.  I need to feel confident in my team, but I don't.  I'm an emotional mess right now.

RunswithScissors

So sorry to hear that is happening to you, lynnie g. I've been there and it was so hard to accept that  had to go along with them or go home untreated.  

Although... I have found that in some cases, when I flat out said no, they would sometimes compromise a little. 

Best wishes to you in your decisions...

<<<HUGS>>>>