In a message dated 4/1/00 9:32:58 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< Suing comes
from a sense of powerlessness - it's an attempt to regain control that was
lost to someone else.  ("She told me I had to use gentian violet.  I didn't
know there were other options.")  By making sure that the mother retains all
the control in our consultations - that we act as *consultants* offering
ideas - we not only honor her, we protect ourselves.  I wonder what would
happen to medical lawsuits if more doctors did the same. >>

Diane,
I absolutely loved and appreciated your post! I have two close family members
who were diagnosed with cancer in January. It so happens that both are seeing
different oncologists in the same practice. I did extensive research on both
forms of cancer (ovarian and colon) and became educated about mainstream and
holistic treatments. I provided all info I found to both of them and referred
them both to an herbalist, nutritionist and naturopath. One has already be
seeing a homeopath for over ten years. Now, the oncologist told the woman
with ovarian cancer that *all* natural therapies with the exception of
nutrition would likely interfere with the chemotherapy. (Actually, she said
the patient could eat "anything she wants", but that it would be *okay* to
modify her diet if she wanted to! Anyone with any knowledge knows you cannot
eat "anything you want" and heal from cancer). This patient was provided with
extensive documentation about the safety and efficacy of these treatments and
the oncologist provided no documentation about her narrow beliefs.
    The other oncologist said that he was comfortable with all treatments
overseen by trained practitioners, so long as he was kept apprised of them.
He has been in contact with the homeopath and the herbalist and they are
working as a team. When asked about whether this would be acceptable, in his
opinion, for the other patient as well, he said absolutely--that it would be
desirable.
    My point in all of this is that the ignorance of the one oncologist could
cost this patient her life, yet she is not liable b/c she is practicing w/in
accepted standards. When I asked this patient's husband why he was opposed to
doing all that was possible to heal the ovarian cancer, he said, "We do
exactly what the doctor says, b/c the doctor has malpractice insurance".
    It is just as you said, Diane. Doctors give orders, so people feel
disempowered. We give information, options, suggestions, so people feel in
control. But when we feel disempowered, we also feel the right to blame
others. When we feel in control, we know we are responsible for ourselves.
    I personally do not ever want to be expected to adhere to standards of
practice which are so limiting. I prefer to be a "consultant".
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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