An Unexpected Procedural Change and Corresponding Concern

For the sake of emphasis and because of its relevance, I am including the following passage from my previous journal entry:

"When undergoing radiation for cancer, minor deviances produce major concerns. For a non-participant, it may be difficult to fully appreciate, but each unanticipated blip becomes a quality of life issue."

As the technologist escorted me to the dressing room one day last week, she advised me: "Today's treatment will take a little longer than usual, because of an adjustment to the beam aperture." "Less of the tissue surrounding the prostate will be radiated." What triggered this modification, I wondered? Had something shown up in the monitoring mechanisms that necessitated a change? Did the intestinal flareups indicate a need for a more focused approach? Had there been an error in the initial treatment plan that needed correcting? The technologist assured me (1)this was a preplanned change which occurs in about fifty percent of the patients she radiates and (2)the less collateral damage the better. Good reassuring information to be sure, but in my estimation ill-timed. I made a mental note to discuss this conundrum with Dr. Gud E. Nuff.

In my weekly discussion with the gud doctor I expressed my concern. To my surprise (dismay?) the doctor seemed unmoved. "It is a matter," he responded, "which the technologists are perfectly capable of handling." Perhaps so, I thought, but from my (patient's) perspective, there is room for improvement. In my humble opinion, the planned procedural change provides a golden opportunity for a meaningful doctor-patient dialog, preferably, early in the treatment process. I intend to address this issue in my exit interview.