The Long-Lasting Effects of Unnecessary Chemotherapy
A Triad North Carolina hospital has recently begun notifying a number of breast cancer patients that they were incorrectly diagnosed as having “HER2-positive” cancer when they actually had “HER2-negative” cancer. These errors in diagnosis were not a recent occurrence but have been ongoing for years, with some cases dating back to 2019. Many patients have only been informed of these mistakes during 2024, leading to profound implications for their treatment and overall well-being.
The misdiagnosis of HER2 status is critical because it directly influences the treatment approach. Patients wrongly identified as HER2-positive may have undergone unnecessary treatments such as targeted chemotherapy. These treatments, while effective for HER2-positive cancer, can expose patients to unnecessary side effects, including an increased risk of cardiac toxicity, without providing the intended therapeutic benefits. Moreover, these patients might have missed out on the appropriate treatments for HER2-negative breast cancer, such as hormone therapy or other targeted therapies, which could have better managed their condition.
The emotional and physical toll of receiving the wrong diagnosis and treatment is enormous. Patients who went through chemotherapy, believing it was necessary to combat their cancer, are now faced with the harsh reality that they may have undergone these treatments in vain. This not only involves the physical side effects of such treatments but also the psychological impact of knowing that their actual cancer may not have been treated correctly, potentially leading to disease progression or metastasis.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy, commonly referred to as “chemo,” involves the use of drugs to treat cancer by targeting and destroying cancer cells throughout the body. Unlike localized treatments such as surgery and radiation, chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that can reach cancer cells that have metastasized to distant parts of the body. The primary goals of chemotherapy are to cure the cancer, control its spread, or alleviate symptoms to improve quality of life. Chemotherapy can be administered alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery, radiation, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy. The choice of drugs, dosages, and treatment schedules is determined by various factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and previous treatments. Adjustments to the treatment plan may be necessary to balance effectiveness with managing side effects.
What Are the Side Effects of Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy causes side effects because it targets fast-growing cells, which include both cancerous and healthy cells. Healthy cells most likely to be affected are those in the bone marrow, hair follicles, mouth, digestive tract, and reproductive system. Some chemo drugs can also damage organs like the heart, kidneys, and lungs. Doctors aim to balance effective cancer treatment with minimizing side effects, which vary greatly among individuals. Common side effects include:
- Nausea: upset stomach
- Fatigue: intense exhaustion
- Hair loss: loss of hair on the scalp and other parts of the body
- Neuropathy: nerve damage that causes tingling, burning, weakness or numbness in the hands and/or feet
- Diarrhea and/or constipation: disruptions or changes to bowel functions
- Low blood count: A low red blood cell count can put you at risk for conditions like anemia and infections
- “Chemobrain”: difficulty remembering or processing information
Chemotherapy’s side effects tend to be at their worst the day after treatment is given. While many side effects resolve after treatment, some may persist long-term or even permanently.
This treatment is such a grueling process for those who need it, but can you imagine having to go through it when you don’t even need it? This is a reality for many who were misdiagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer. Outside of still having HER2-negative breast cancer that needs to be treated, they could have lingering side effects from chemo given in error.
How Ward Black Law Can Help
Our experienced attorneys are ready to even the odds against the hospital for you by:
- Managing your case, which includes taking care of complicated documentation and adhering to critical deadlines.
- Offering guidance and maintaining open lines of communication during these challenging times.
- Defending your rights by standing up against the influential hospital for you.
- Constructing a robust case to ensure you receive comprehensive compensation.
- Proceeding to trial with your case if it becomes necessary.
Talk to our Experienced North Carolina Medical Malpractice Lawyers Today
Ward Black Law is one of the largest woman-owned law firms in North Carolina. With over 30 years of experience representing individuals with cancer in North Carolina, the compassionate attorneys and staff are uniquely qualified to assist people with cancer. Our firm has been named one of the Best Law Firms® by Best Lawyers since 2008. We have a track record of successfully settling cancer claims for North Carolinians for more than three decades.
If you or a loved one has been misdiagnosed by a North Carolina hospital, we highly advise you to consult with a lawyer. We can assess your case, clarify your rights, and talk about any compensation you may deserve. The initial case review is both free and confidential.