Follow
Share

Today my significant other took my Mom for her yearly Oncology appointment. The doctor said everything looked great and told my S/O there is no reason for her to keep coming back year after year.... and at 96 if she didn't get a blood disorder by now, chances are she won't.

Mom also has yearly mammograms... it's very difficult for her as she is frail, and it takes two techs to help her with the mammogram. I can understand Mom's concern as she had a sister who died from breast cancer, but that was 50 years ago and her other 4 sisters never got it, neither did her mother.

Mom insist on going for these yearly appointments.... maybe it's a reinforcement that everything is ok. I know if my doctor said no more mammograms I would be doing cartwheels :)

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.

5 Answers

Most
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
You tell her it is a waste of money, that's about all she understands. Then ask yourself if this is her way of getting YOUR attention, perhaps a little manipulation?
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
1. If I live to be 96, I might be worried about what could happen too, and seek as many assurances as I could get by going to doctors and getting diagnostic tests.

At that age, you need to catch problems as soon as possible lest they become more serious.

2. Perhaps she enjoys the attention she gets at doctors' offices. Some medical staff really fuss over their older patients. It's like a social even for the patients.

3. It gets her out of the house.

4. I can understand the cancer concern. I'm the only one in my paternal family who hasn't had it, and the possibility is always in the back of my mind.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
I get it, but not everyone does. My late mom was a real pita about many things, but she was realistic about things like this.

Since you can't fool her with a forgotten appointment, tell her what the doctor said "Mom, the doctor says you don't have to come in every year anymore. It is very unlikely you will have any problem." If she is very respectful of her doctor, this may work.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
A little deception goes a long way. Does your Mom make the appointments as she finishes this year's appointment? Push it out for 'that isn't a good time for you'. Who keeps record of the next appointment? My Mom always kept them on her calendar. Can you just erase the notation (and cancel the appointment? ) By 96 there is often some level of forgetfulness. What makes her remember/keep the appointment. That is where you have to change things. She can make the appointment and you can cancel or push it forward. Good luck
Helpful Answer (0)
Report
Geewiz, can't fool Mom.... you can ask her out of the blue when did she have her last flu shot.... she will give you the date and time. She even remembers all of Dad's appointments and when he had his last flu shot. She's a walking calendar.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.

Recent Questions


Popular Questions


Related Questions

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter