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dawn2203
dawn2203 Member Posts: 119
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

Hi all,I have just finished doing an interview for our local tv news channel. I am one of 30 women all of whom were treated by the same consultant. In my case she misdiagnosed my cancer, but all the other women underwent surgery. Each and everyone of these women have had to have corrective surgery because the consultant had botched the surgery. Our local hospital suspended the consultant and referred to the General Medical Council. We have recently been informed that the hearing has taken place without any of us being callled to give our account of events and that the consultant has got away with demotion. I personally feel cheated, angry, very tearful and totally confused by the whole procedure. This is not the first time this consultant has been investigated by the GMC she was oart of a team of doctors that misdiagnosed two young ladies, and sadly they have both now passed away. I vowed to fight this disease but this has really knocked the stuffing out of me. I want a retrial, I want to be present at the hearing, I want this consultant to see the damage she has caused both physically and emotionally.     

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  • abbadoodles
    abbadoodles Member Posts: 2,618
    edited October 2008

    What's a consultant?  And what is your question?

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  • dawn2203
    dawn2203 Member Posts: 119
    edited October 2008

    Hi, a consultant is a senior doctor. No question just feeling very low about the verdict that the general medical council passed. If this doctor was qualified in breast surgery then why did she make so many mistakes and why is she still allowed to practice. Sorry if you don't get where i'm coming from i just needed to let my frustrations out.

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  • abbadoodles
    abbadoodles Member Posts: 2,618
    edited October 2008

    No, I am sorry, hon, if I gave that impression.  I do really understand where you are coming from, I just thought you had a question about what to do or something.  As I am in the States, I don't know anything about your medical system.

    I hope you are able to get some satisfaction on this.

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  • dawn2203
    dawn2203 Member Posts: 119
    edited October 2008

    I should have explained it better i forget us bc sisters are from all over the world.thanks 

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  • cmb35
    cmb35 Member Posts: 1,106
    edited October 2008

    I completely understand your frustration and anger. I'm sorry you've had to go through this on top of dealing with the bc. I hope you're able to get some satisfation, and know that we're happy to lend an ear anytime...

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  • NoH8
    NoH8 Member Posts: 2,726
    edited October 2008

    How will your life change for the better if the consultant sees the damages she caused physically and emotionally?

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  • dawn2203
    dawn2203 Member Posts: 119
    edited October 2008

    Its not about changing my life for the better its about her not being able to put other bc sufferers through the pain and suffering she already has caused to so many.

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  • cmb35
    cmb35 Member Posts: 1,106
    edited October 2008

    O4P,

    I really hope you take this in the spirit in which it's intended. Sometimes, particularly when something is raw/fresh, you just need to vent and have someone say, "I understand" or "I'm sorry", and not point out the upside or the next step so to speak. I think you have good intentions, and my first thought was the same (don't waste your time/energy/emotion being angry about something that isn't going to change anything), but you need time before you are able to gain that perspective (or at least most of us do.)

    Sound advice, just a delivery or timing thing I guess. And I hapen to be particularly sensitive to feeling like you are being shut down when you come to what you think is a safe place to vent.

    Again, no offense intended, OK?

    And Dawn, it is good advice to not upset yourself, but I do understand the feelings of anger and frustration, and the desire to make it public in order to help the next woman...

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  • dawn2203
    dawn2203 Member Posts: 119
    edited October 2008

    Thanks cmb35, I do understand what you are saying, at this moment in time I want some answers. One of the women involved in the botched surgery has undergone 7 operations to try and rectify the original mistakes made in surgery. I guess like you say the emotions and anger are still very raw for me and I need to take my time with this. thanks again. dawn   

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  • BMac
    BMac Member Posts: 650
    edited October 2008

    I understand where your frustration is coming from and wanting to have justice.  You were right on about not wanting others to suffer at her hands.  It seems so unfair that a doctor can wreak such havoc on people's lives and then just get a slap on the wrist.

    What about writing a letter to the powers that be expressing your frustration and letting them know the pain and suffering that has been caused by this doctor's actions.

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  • crazy4carrots
    crazy4carrots Member Posts: 5,324
    edited October 2008

    Hi Dawn:

    We've had some similar problems here in Ontario, Canada.  The governing body here is called the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons, and it is responsible for licencing/reprimanding/de-licencing all docs in the province.  The OCPS had been in the habit of protecting their colleagues when complaints came in about certain surgeons or physicians.  Not until there was a very public outcry (newspaper stories, TV interviews etc.) by the patients of one particular surgeon was the OCPS taken to task and exposed for its bias.

    It isn't an easy thing to do, but my suggestion would be to get in touch with your local MP (doesn't the GMC get its legitimacy from government?), and also try to scare up some media attention.  But first consult an attorney/solicitor to ensure that you are not held liable for any remarks you may make publicly about your consultant (here we call them specialists, by the way).

    Wishing you justice (or at least, peace of mind!)

    Linda

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  • justanna
    justanna Member Posts: 90
    edited October 2008

    cmb35:

    I absolutely respect and  understand why you want to prevent even more people from being mistreated by this person.  I think we have to think beyond our own selves and look out for the welfare of others and it feels good ultimately if it works.  Personally, I think being proactive does help.

     Anna

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited October 2008

    Sounds like your local TV with interviewing you and others harmed by this outragous action are going to make some of the waves recommended above.

    You have been forthcomming with your poor outcomes and hopefully, it will be before the public and further action can be taken. 

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  • dawn2203
    dawn2203 Member Posts: 119
    edited October 2008

    Hi to all of you bc sisters. Thank you so much for all your words of wisdom and support. I have contacted the gmc explaining the disappointment felt by the decision they made. I have asked them if they have a procedure for us patients to appeal against the decision made and I am now waiting for them to reply. May I just say, these boards have been such a comfort to me over the last few months. I do not join in very much but I read the boards everyday. They are amazing, I have laughed and cryed at some of the topics I have read, but above all,the the support each and everyone of you give to others is mind blowing . I feel like I have a whole new family out there willing to listen and give advice when ever I feel lost and alone with this disease. Thank you all so much. Dawn.x  

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  • BMac
    BMac Member Posts: 650
    edited October 2008

    Good luck to you Dawn.  You're a very brave lady.

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  • gemsa
    gemsa Member Posts: 75
    edited October 2008

    You might want to get your own attorney if you were misdiagnosed. Looks like this happened 2 years ago, so you should research the statute of limitations in your state. I went through a misdiagnosis as well, so feel free to PM me if you have any questions. You might also want to read my website at www.tinakoral.com.

    Good luck with everything.

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  • OneBadBoob
    OneBadBoob Member Posts: 1,386
    edited October 2008

    How will your life change for the better if the consultant sees the damages she caused physically and emotionally?

    Hi Dawn--I too have had some incorrect medical diagnoses and treatment, from typographical errors in my pathology report to failure to diagnose lymphedema.

    I have made quite a stink about it all and feel that I am emotionally much better that I have gotten it off my chest, and I have made some lemonade out of lemons in that I feel that these people are going to be much more careful in the future, and I have done a service for those who come behind me.

    Do what you must do, vent as much as you want--we are all beside you and understand.

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  • sam52
    sam52 Member Posts: 950
    edited October 2008

    Dawn....I am in UK too and unfortunately I have come across people in your situation before. I consider it outrageous that this so-called surgeon has beasically 'got away with it' after so many misdiagnoses and botched operations.It is important, both for you and for others in the future, that you appeal against the GMC outcome; the only problem is whether you will be strong enough in your situation to have the energy to do it.

    There is someone on a UK site who has taken part in a 'hearing' against another cosultant, with some success; pm me if you want further information.

    Sam x

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  • dawn2203
    dawn2203 Member Posts: 119
    edited October 2008

    Hi Sam, the anger and frustration will carry me through this fight. I have contacted the gmc again and I am still waiting for a reply. Hopefully they might get in touch now that both our local news channels are covering the story. I will wait until after the weekend and if I still have not had a reply I will telephone them. They will get sick of hearing my name because I will not rest until they agree to another hearing. Thanks for letting me know about this other person, if I need any guidance I will post you. Dawn.x  

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