Deseret News | Reader comments: Parker just 'normal' kid, dad says

Reader comments
Parker just 'normal' kid, dad says

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Grandma Anne | 4:59 a.m. May 14, 2008

I hope all turns out well for the Jensens. They have suffered the most agregious interference into their role as parents. I can't image what it would be like to have the State and the doctors decide that you were incompetant to make decisions for your child. Parker sure seems to be doing better than all the doctors said he would.

Steve | 6:58 a.m. May 14, 2008

Beyond the "he said, she said" differing stories, obviously Parker did not need emergency chemotherapy. The medical and legal bureaucracy was out of control. Giving government that much authority over our lives is a mistake.

Anonymous | 7:49 a.m. May 14, 2008

So did Parker ever need any kind of chemotherapy or was it just a matter of removing the lump surgically. If thats the case the state and doctor owe these people money.

I know of a women who was diagnosed with a later stage of Breast cancer, she said that chemotherapy would not be an option. She went on a raw food diet and eliminated her cancer. This was in 2000 and she has been healty since.

Every person I know that has had cancer that used radiation and chemotherapy and have died. It had prolonged their suffering and made them very ill.

Comments continue below

Nan B. White | 8:00 a.m. May 14, 2008

Enter comment
I know the Jensens well, and I heard much of their story from them. They were victims of a crazy scenario, which I too believe was fueled by power hunger, over zealous "social services" and prestige driven medical people.
In the midst of all this, they catered a reception for a family member, and several attendees told me it was the best food they'd had at such an event! The Jensens needed to earn money for family survival.

JWK | 8:30 a.m. May 14, 2008

Under the banner of 'protecting the children' our government has intruded on parental rights and continue to do so through the education system and by laws that make it harder to raise our children.

The problem going to continue to intensify as more and more calls to 'protect the children' come and legislatures, fearing public backlash, simply go along with the crowd without proper due diligence.

Birdman | 8:33 a.m. May 14, 2008

There's enough evidence coming out in support of "alternative" medicine lately, that conforming completely and unquestioningly to "conventional" drug therapy medicine might be more harmful than good. I applaud the Jensens for seeking other opinions and informing themselves about Parker's condition and treatment, rather than just accepting the insistant remedy offered by a single doctor.

Bob | 8:40 a.m. May 14, 2008

A wake up call to medical and government egos.

Time has proven them wrong. Congratulations to courageous parents who prevailed. Time for the medical and governmental egos to pay up.

Applause | 8:53 a.m. May 14, 2008

I applaud the Jensens for standing up for parental rights and parental choice. I hope they prove that we CAN fight city hall!

Steve's right | 8:55 a.m. May 14, 2008

Whatever the state or PCMC or the doctors say, one thing is true: Their court filing that claimed Parker would die within a year if he didn't get immediate chemotherapy has been proven completely false.

Parker's continued good health is all the proof one needs that the DCFS lied in this case.

WHAOOOO for the Jensens! | 11:13 a.m. May 14, 2008

I also applaud the Jensens for their efforts to strengthen the parental rights of this state and I am excited that they will get their day in court - Whaooo for them!

It makes me happy to see that we can turn the dictator fifedom back so that we as parents can have the rights to take care of our own families.

Doc's | 11:19 a.m. May 14, 2008

It is easy to pile on the Doctors, I was in a situation where we were given two options for surgery on our child, one at PCMC and one out of state. We elected for the one in state, the physicians strong armed us and sent us out of state for a better surgery. The reason we didn't want to go out of state was over concern that our child would not make the trip physically. Still the lesson learned was the Doc's did know best and in our case their ego's got the job done. We were thrilled with the results, but we were lied to about our options initially. The problem is that it is usually the decision of one or two, parents should seek multiple opinions.

Justin | 11:25 a.m. May 14, 2008

I find it far more plausible that a doctor would try to force a patient into treatment for the sake of a study to be published on the suspected condition, than a parent would deny genuine needed care for a children.

Chet | 11:36 a.m. May 14, 2008

Are the Jensen's able to take donation's to help fund
their legal fight, I as a parent am very interested in seeing them win something. If its only an apology.
I also hope they can recoup their legal fees that they have as wel, at the very least their son is alive,and doing well. Way to be a great parents should be the name of the book.

pediatric nurse | 11:43 a.m. May 14, 2008

I have worked with kids where parents have not gotten them the medical care they have needed and it is sad to watch. I have also seen MANY times when a parent can tell things are not right just because they are the parent and the doctors have not listened to the parents because they are not medically trained. I think there is a line here that was crossed by the medical profession. That doesn't mean that there isn't a case down the line where the safety of a child needs to be seriously looked at because a parent is unable to make an educated decision for one reason or another. I am not sure what in the world happened here but I feel very sorry for this family that they did not receive the respect that all good parents deserve for knowing their child best, and of course wanting what is best for their son. No one wanted their son to live as much as they do.

Sure, but... | 11:47 a.m. May 14, 2008

I am happy for this family and that their choice appears to have been inspired. I think the doctor may have meant well, but the state's ability to interfere in this case was excessive.

However, I hope no one takes this as a blanket license to ignore the advice of physicians. In general, they know what they're doing. You should have a very good reason, such as inspiration or a second opinion, to reject a doctor's advice.

KJBinSTL | 11:54 a.m. May 14, 2008

Justin, you haven't met many parents.

KJBinSTL | 11:58 a.m. May 14, 2008

to "Steve's right": I would argue with your statement that "Their court filing that claimed Parker would die within a year if he didn't get immediate chemotherapy has been proven completely false."

I suspect what they actually said was that the overwhelming majority of people with Ewing's sarcoma die in a year if untreated.

I see your point but it is a little like a kid's playing Russian roulette, then telling his parents that they were silly to worry about him since he lived through it.

Hmmmmm | 12:08 p.m. May 14, 2008

Recommendations for medical treatments are based on medical case histories and studies, influenced by risks and rates of survival. Homeopathic treatments are based on testimonials of successful results.

I know the father. I applaud the boy's continued health, but wonder about the motive and character of the father, especially when it comes to the money being saught.

Anonymous | 12:24 p.m. May 14, 2008

To Grandma Anne,
Unfortunately, some parents are incompetent and can't make the correct decisions for their child. Sometimes the doctor really does know best. (I don't include the Jensen family in this category.)

Anonymous | 12:40 p.m. May 14, 2008

Unfortunately, doctors think they are god themselves, the omnipotence personified, they put themselves in altar and the rest of the poor human beings, well, we just have to accept and adore them. I do believe this doctor gave that diagnostic just because his own convenience/profit/whatever. When my kid was a todler, he ate crayolas and got a very bad allergic reaction. I knew he needed anti-allergics soon and tried to tell that to the doctors. They ran x-rays, tests, etc to find out why my kid couldn't breath while I was telling them it was an allergic reaction. Finally, I got mad, talked to the chief of ER and told him he BETTER give those shots to my kid. He's going to turn 18 this month.

After that experience, I always look for another opinion AND without telling anything to the other doctor. I also found that IHC is a network of cover-my-back doctors too.

A Parent | 12:47 p.m. May 14, 2008

We don't live in Utah. We live in Nevada. We have a handicapped daughter with a seizure disorder. We used to travel to Utah for her to see her doctor though. She went through every seizure medication possible several times, but none helped her seizures. All gave her horrible side effects. Finally her doctor at Primary Children's hospital (a wonderful man by the way) took her off of all the seizure meds because they weren't helping but they were hurting her. Once we had to take her to the hospital emergency room in Las Vegas. When they found she had seizures but was not on seizure medication they were horrified. We told them she was under doctors care and it was the doctors decision. All of the sudden we were treated like the scum of the earth. The doctor there informed us she would be on seizure meds before she left the hospital or they would take action against us and take her away. They refused to contact our doctor in Utah. We know what it's like to be at their mercy! It took our doctor a month to wean her off of the meds again! To much power!!!!

Anonymous | 12:50 p.m. May 14, 2008

....later they found the Dr. involved needed enough people to do a study. All the patients had to have been on Chemo....

Drs. cannot always be trusted and any Dr. who hesitaites about second opinions needs to be questioned.

Spencer | 12:55 p.m. May 14, 2008

It is hard to think of the doctor's motivation for forcing a boy into chemotherapy. Why would he risk a malpractice lawsuit?

He wouldn't. He may be arrogant but he cannot be that stupid. Do you really think he would risk his license just so he could force a boy into participating in a medical study? Are you guys crazy!!

The parents sound pretty irrational. They knew nothing about medicine and they refused to treat their son's condition? That is crazy. 99% of the time their son would have died. They just got lucky.

Do you think all doctors are in some sort of conspiracy to force your son into treatment that he didn't need?

The state needs to intervene in these circumstances. There are always those nutcases that think that some holistic treatment will heal their son's cancer so they do not allow their kids to have surgury or medicine. Too many kids die from that each year. Kids should not die for their parents stupidity.

Most people on this board sound like Tom Cruise bashing psychology and promoting scientology.

Eric | 12:55 p.m. May 14, 2008

Now why does this sound so familiar ??

OH yes, the Texas CPS works the same way. LIE,CHEAT, DO WHATEVER IS NEEDED to beat the parents.
This re-enforces the need for controlling the power of these organizations.

Bad Parents | 1:06 p.m. May 14, 2008

And are you guys defending the parents who "prayed" for their young daughter with diabetes until she died?

Nice alternative medicine.

saltlakegal | 1:19 p.m. May 14, 2008

It is true that doctors can't always be trusted. They are human, allegations to the contrary aside. I do respect the rights of parents. Having said that, I recall the father in this case sounding pretty manipulative on television. I do not trust what this man has to say. I am glad that Parker is doing well. There are times when parents do not do their jobs. There are also times when treatment can have unintended consequences, which is what is happening now with my mother. She is suffering side effects from cancer treatment she received in 1965. They did not try to hurt her; they were trying to save the life of a young woman with six children under the age of nine.
Bottom line-- explore every option, get more than one opinion, and remember no one is perfect-- including Gail Ruzicka, who got plenty of mileage out of the Parker Jensen case.

Jud | 1:22 p.m. May 14, 2008

I read Parker's story with great relief. I'm glad Parker dodged a bullet, but I'm also glad his parents are not mine. To this day I don't understand why his parents refused to take seriously the opinion of competent medical professionals. And the notion that they "couldn't" get a second opinion sounds bogus to me. Sorry, but I'm with DCFS on this one.

advocate | 1:22 p.m. May 14, 2008

Itï¿½s important to seek an independent second opinion and not divulge the details of the first. Otherwise, you canï¿½t be completely sure that the opinions are independent. A good doctor wonï¿½t even ask about the diagnosis and recommended course of treatment that you received from other doctors, unless you are dragging your entire medical file in with you.

This whole thing was crazy and PCMC was to blame. At no time were the Jensenï¿½s NOT seeking medical treatment for their son. He was being tested, he was under the care of an oncologist, and the parents were actively seeking other opinions. He had several test results that came back indicating that he did NOT have Ewings Sarcoma, yet doctors at PCMC continued to push their aggressive agenda and brought in DCFS.

Parents need to be advocates, not only for your children, but yourselves. I had a surgeon try to schedule me for major surgery without any concern for a second opinion or conduct any other tests that should have been performed. It all boils down to money. We should all make sure that we are very comfortable with the treatment options that have been offered before proceeding.

Spike | 1:37 p.m. May 14, 2008

The poor Jenesens didn't realize, Parker is not their child. He is the State's child.

There are no "parental rights"! Not in this country, and certainly not in this State. Not anymore!

Orwell would have said, "I told you so!"

Cerebus | 1:40 p.m. May 14, 2008

Parker Jensen is still alive?

My, but that is a bit, well, akward, isn't it?

Common Sense | 1:43 p.m. May 14, 2008

Any doctor that would resist a parent obtaining a second, third or even forth opinion is either trying to hide something or has an alterior motive. Why be afraid of another doctor's opinion? It could only serve to enlighten and perhaps even optomize the treatment of the patient.
Any single doctor that tells a parent to "conform to the treatment I prescribe or I'll take your child away," is stepping way over the line, letting his ego get in the way of appropriate treatment. It is just as unwise for DCFS workers to accept only one opinion. Diagnosis is most often a game of probability, and additional opinions can only help lower the odds.
The Jensens obviously have a case here. I hope they win it.

A Provider | 2:02 p.m. May 14, 2008

The Jensens have EVERY right to sue AND get compensation from the state of Utah and possibly from the Dr. to cover ANY and ALL legal expenses they incurred to defend their position! This probably had an impact on the Jensen's ability to provide for their family during this time as well-requiring a larger reward from the suit.

This is a major thing wrong with America-that ANYONE can take you to court for ANYTHING and you have to pay for your own defense even if you are innocent or the charges are untrue!

We need to be like other countries where the loser pays court costs and we would cut unneccesary legal suits dramatically!

Sickening | 3:38 p.m. May 14, 2008

I am sure that Primary's does many nice things for many people. But unfortunately the case of Parker Jensen is just one of many where the egotistical medical personnel at Primary's put themselves and their egos before their patients' health. Several different people I know have had doctors threaten them with state action if they inquired about other medical options for a child's condition.
According to the Doctor's at Primary, they know all. Their option is the only option. Anything else is abuse.
Unfortunately, Primary's is too much like a dictatorship. The naive posters above think they would be charged with medical malpractice "if they had really done anything wrong?" How laughable. They are the expert authority on pediatric practice for the region and have widespread influence. How could anyone provide expert testimony against them?Open your eyes people.
Parker Jensen wasn't "lucky he survived," as some have said here - He was lucky he had parents who thought for themselves and wouldn't be bullied. The only bullet he dodged "Jud," was that his parents didn't follow the "competent medical professional" like dumb sheep. Doctors can make mistakes. Everyone knows that - except for the doctors at Primary's.

Chemo is legal murder? | 4:33 p.m. May 14, 2008

It's my opinion Chemotherapy and radiation treatments are legalized murder! What works: Read the China Study, The Cure for All Advanced Cancers, and watch, Cancer doesn't scare me anymore. Three witnessess! People undergoing cancer treatments arenï¿½t in "remission" for very long. Their cancer always returns. Marie Curie died of Radiation poisoning! A neighbor's child died! My friendï¿½s sister died. My sister-in-law died, with 99% of cancer patients like her dying within the first year. Thatï¿½s not doctoring, thatï¿½s quackery! Going through all these treatments for what? To empty the families pocket books, to increase insurance costs, to deform, agonize and embarrass the individual. Cancer survivors I've talked to virtually eliminated their intake of red meat. Quit eating red meat, simple carbs, sugar, artificial colors and flavors. Stop barbecuing and otherwise poisoning yourselves. Learn to eat right. Don't go to quack doctors who just enrich themselves by charging a mint for these unproven methods. Find out what their survival rate is. I've yet to see a cure for cancer. I don't believe there will be because cancer makes too much money! If given the chance, Iï¿½d do a study, but if I succeeded youï¿½d never find my body! What'd Parker do?

El Jefe | 4:36 p.m. May 14, 2008

It's nice to see that it's the taxpayers who get hammered in this. I want to see the Jensen win but that just means it comes out of my back pocket because of idiot gov't workers. It's a lose-lose situation.

Anon | 4:36 p.m. May 14, 2008

My six year old son died due to a surgical error while under the care of the exceedingly competent medical staff at primary. I miss him every day. I also wonder if he really needed the recommended surgery.

Good grief | 4:47 p.m. May 14, 2008

I've got to agree with what just about everyone else is saying, that the state went too far. I don't think the doctor made up a diagnosis, but the whole reason for second opinions is that a diagnosis can be wrong, like this one was. Even if the doctor assumed it was right, he shouldn't have turned the Jensens in just for wanting to confirm it.

Anonymous | 5:43 p.m. May 14, 2008

Did the boy have a say in the decision, he is his own person. Maybe adults don't think much of a teenagers opinion.

Anon | 6:00 p.m. May 14, 2008

First-I believe Dr's are trying their best to find a cure for cancer. Yes, many cancer patients that go through chemotherapy and radiation do die in the end, but there are also many that live. Each case is different and it's down right stupid to put a blanket statement on what treatments do and do not work. Every case is different and I believe the vast majority of the time the Dr's are giving you advice that they would give their own child. And PCMC is a great hospital with caring Doctors and staff.

That being said, DCFS overstepped their boundaries in this case-as they do in several cases. I am saddened by how much control the government tries to have over parents and families. Yes, there are parents that don't care about their children and probably should not have control of their well-being. But, a vast majority of parents are good parents and will always try to do what is best for their children.

I am very glad that Parker is okay. I hope he continues to be healthy.

Anonymous | 6:03 p.m. May 14, 2008

I think that the whole Parker Jensen thing is a whole corp out, I followed that story the day it broke, I have to really Disagree with the parents, on their part, If you have a son /Daughter that is fighting any Diease, I think that you should get Imeadeitally DR. help ASAP I think where the parents declined to see professional help that is their problem, but how is a child going to get well if they do not seek Medical ATTN:. I think that is is all the parents fault, not dealing with their son in the right way,

Wishing the Jensen's well! | 6:27 p.m. May 14, 2008

>I think that is is all the parents fault, not dealing with their son in the right way, <

So Mr./Ms. Anonymous - you think it is all the parent's fault that their son Parker is alive and doing well? I couldn't agree with you more...

People who side with the state in this case remind me of mindless lemmings who lack the ability to see facts and think for themselves...

Re:Anon | 4:36 p.m. | 6:34 p.m. May 14, 2008

My heart goes out to you for your loss. Though it was a medical error, I hope you take comfort in knowing that you as a parent did what you felt was best for your child. Peace.

around the world | 6:35 p.m. May 14, 2008

In Europe alternative treatments are being used successfully for all sorts of conditions. It scares me to see how this country is hooked to heavy pain killers and antibiotics. Often the cause of pain is a vitamin or mineral deficiency but doctors here are quick to prescribe pain killers without finding the source. Same with cancer, the harder the better without finding the source of stress that can cause cancer. Holistic medicine is working all over the world, just not in America. Not sure if the people are build different or the doctors have more influence in the pharmaceutical companies. (shareholders?)

Earl | 6:36 p.m. May 14, 2008

You people are missing the point here!!
At NO TIME was health care denied to this child. The diagnosis was questioned cause chemo without a cancer is a death sentence. The growth in his mouth WAS removed and found to be non-cancerous. Now what is the problem with you people??
The diagnosis was completely wrong, the cure (surgical removal) was the correct choice.

Dear | 7:24 p.m. May 14, 2008

I don't believe in no treatment, but have seen before one doctors oppinion effecting a second oppinion. Chemo is needed in many cases for the people to live, however it's a very strong and effective treatment for some cancers, it is a very invasive, aggressive and toxic treatment that harms the immune system and other cells besides the cancer cells, and sometimes there are other options. I think parents have a responsiblility to make sure they know about all treatments possible, and to ensure the treatment is needed, and not worse than the disease. Informed Treatment is important, sometimes parents or patients do actually know best, sometimes they don't, but it seems to have not been needed, in his case. This isn't the first or last case a Doctor has thought a treatment was needed that the child either lived fine without, or were harmed by the forced treatment. Sometimes it seems there are cases that wouldn't require court intervention. If the Doctors could work with the families as some manage, as a team, and let both find out what they need, the children would be better off, reguardless of what is decided, and used.

Anonymous...duh | 8:44 p.m. May 14, 2008

To Anonymous,
If you are diagnosed with a desease, the first question the comes to my mind is "How bad is it?". Thats what the Jensen's asked as they went to PCMC for help...duh. That doesnt tell me they declined a Drs. help. You sound like the type of person that takes your car in for an oil change, the mechanic says you need new brakes and an overhaul and you just write a check and go sit in the waiting room complimenting the mechanic for saving your life while he laughs all the way to the bank.

Educate yourself | 9:08 p.m. May 14, 2008

If you want to read the facts about the Jensen Story you can get their filing that was submitted to the Federal Court and read it yourself. It is posted on the website of Christensen&Jensen under the News tab.

Re: Spencer | 9:08 p.m. May 14, 2008

Once you get someone on chemo what evidence do you have to show that there is cancer there in the frist place?

Orwell's Nemesis | 11:53 p.m. May 14, 2008

The progress made in the treatment and cure (yes, CURE) of a number of cancers over the past several decades has been astounding. Parents such as the Jensens, who use religious fanaticism as grounds for denying the best health treatments science has to offer are ABUSIVE parents.

Granted, medical science is not perfect, and neither are the people who practice in that profession. what I find amazing is how LDS apologists (whom I consider to be relgious fanatics by definition) blame the "medical industry" and "doctors" in general, and "the government" for conspiring to take away their freedoms and money; but then these same people DEFEND their obviously flawed and error-prone Church leaders and their Church by saying "the Church is true, but the people aren't". Why can't you have that same attitude about medical science? That is, "medical science is true and good, but sometimes one or two doctors are NOT true and good." Or "the U.S. Government is true and good (having been established by inspiration from God), but sometimes one or two politicians are NOT true and good"??? I guess it all depends on what direction the rinse cycle spun when your brain was washed.

Dr.s are not the only cure. | 11:59 p.m. May 14, 2008

I personally go to the Dr.s for my medical care, but I also believe in the value of alternative medicine. I have in years past, had about three experiences in Utah, where there was a positive alternative medical treatment, that was working, but the Dr.s chased them away. I don't know if homeopathic Dr.s are able to practice now in Utah, but the Dr.s don't like them. We once took my husband to and allergist that used the homeopathic techniques, my husband was hitting his head on things from sneezing, he was disabled, but I don't think he hardly sneezed again after the homeopathic treatment. Face it Doctor's, you are not perfect, and with the internet, people can find other options, I have been able to find out what is happening to me and tell my Dr, such as Reynoulds disease, it is where the fingers go white in the cold, kind of freaky, but the Dr had no clue, the internet did. I just wish that we could all co-exist and respect what each source has to offer.

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