Questionthis may be more of a mental health question, but I'll start here.
I have a friend who I've just discovered has had lump(s)/hardened breast for quite some time and now also has a weeping hole in her chest. Even though she has medical insurance, she refuses to see a doctor; (her responses to why: she's waited too long already; if she goes into a hospital, she'll never come out; people she knows who have had cancer have been diagnosed, treated and died since the onset of her condition - she figures she's already lived longer than she would've if she had sought treatment.)
My biggest 'push' is to at least get her to see a DR to be diagnosed and perhaps manage her pain; she doesn't have to accept any course of treatment. How / what can I do to help her ? Are there any resources in the medical community that could help ?
Thanks for your time, Jen
AnswerDear Jennifer, Unfortunately, if your friend does NOT want to see a doctor or get a proper diagnosis, let alone treatment, there is nothing that you can probably say or do to force her to do this.... She has this right and no one can make her or force her to do anything else.... The only other thing is that you could contact her parents and other relatives and let them know about this medical situation and since they are family, there may be something they can do, but that would be about all.....
As far as medical resources in the community, medical people and places do NOT get involved in this type of matter..... They only get involved once the person becomes their patient and starts some type of treatment or surgery....
thank you, karen
