It’s nearing the end of February and I am getting very nervous. I’m nervous because after the last day of March, I can no longer pursue any action to try to get at the actual truth about Ruth’s treatment. At that point, all action must legally cease. And I feel no closer than a year ago as far as action is concerned. And the clock is ticking.
Toward the end of January, I was finally able to locate a gastro-intestinal oncologist who would be able to give a medical opinion (for a fee) that might be able to be used in court, if needed. I had consulted a number of physicians (not oncologists) who had opinions that fluctuated every which way. What was needed was an oncologist’s view.
The sad part is– if the oncologist deems that Ruth had less than a year to live anyway, then the situation would prevent this case from moving forward through the courts. Even if the physicians were negligent, and by their negligence, shortened Ruth’s life, the case could not go to court if it is deemed that she would died a little later anyway. One lawyer commented (and I consulted five) that he felt that the California law here is unjust, for it allows physicians to pay less attention to senior/elderly people and still get away with it. Such would be the case with Ruth.
So right now I am still awaiting the report from the oncologist. It’s been almost a month, the oncologist is taking her time, and the clock is ticking. And I feel disheartened.