1. Hopefully, one's doctor does a better job of protecting one's life than the "alternative therapy doctor who treats Mr. Cherrix.

His cancer has returned again:
http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2007/06/here_we_go_again_more_radiation_for_star.php#more

Posted at 10:57PM on Jun 21st 2007 by hchcec

2. As to the comment about living in Canada and having to 'take what you can get' as far as physicians go, I'd have to say that is not exactly true. Now, I will concede that there can be shortages depending upon where you live, but for the most part, I believe Canada has an excellent medical system and good to very good access to medical systems. I have worked in the medical field, with cancer patients specifically, for about 20 years now. I am from Canada and have trained and worked in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Now living in the USA, I am a travelling worker and have worked in Michigan, Washington state, California and Soth Carolina. In a nut shell, if I needed treatment for just about anything, I'd head back north of the border! That's what my own personal experience has shown and taught me.
As to having to accept your given oncologist or doctor, that is untrue unless for some reason there is no one else available in your area. You do have the right I believe to travel and see another doctor, but that is up to the patient to decide. As a patient, only you can take care and take charge of your own destiny and your own health, if you choose to do so. These are my own humble opinions and are basely on my own experiences as I have stated. That said, I hope these words will encouarge someone out there to become the master of their own health destiny.

Posted at 1:19AM on Jun 25th 2007 by Richard

3. The fallacy of moderation or why Mr. Cherrix's doctor may be giving him the attention his parents want, but not the attention that will prove to be effective.

from the Cheerful Oncologist:
http://scienceblogs.com/thecheerfuloncologist/2007/06/abraman_cherrix_has_relapsed_a.php

This is why one must see knowledgeable physicians, who have a very good science background, understand evolution and adaptation, and present the facts in a thoughtful and gentle way.

There is simply no substitute for knowledge.

Posted at 11:33AM on Jun 23rd 2007 by hchcec

4. A trusting partnership between doctor and patient that facilitates informed consent is a goal for many proactive patients. Such a partnership requires an understanding of all the factors that lead to a treatment recommendation. In light of the precious little in the way of guidance from clinical trials with respect to best empiric treatment, which is based on medical journal articles, epidemiology and economics, physician's decisions need to be based on personal experience, clinical insights, and medical training.

Posted at 12:41PM on Jun 24th 2007 by Gregory D. Pawelski