Last time I got called I was on treatment and I really really didn't want to go. Then I realized I could sleep a little bit later so I figured what the heck might as well get over it. I still didn't want to go though.
I sat down towards the back and waited. All of a sudden a guy came in and sat next to me. When I looked over it was Mike Myers. Of course I never expected to serve on jury duty with Austin Powers but thought that in the end it would be pretty cool.
Of course, the judge saw him and said "I'm sure you have better things to do like go to Hollywood rather than sit here in court" and he dismissed us. I was rather bummed at that point, it sounded like it might be interesting to be sequestered with an international spy.
Go figure, you can never tell what's going to happen in life, it could turn out to be a great adventure. Just try to do it and get it over with cause it will certainly roll around next year too!
You would have fried him? What ever happened to him?
This is my first time being called to a federal court. This will be downtown Chicago so God only knows what it could be! I find it all very interesting and if I didn't live paycheck to paycheck I'd probably be more excited.......
Denise
i luv reading your comments!
JD you are probably right about the average panel.
Deb & Willy - I sure would like my GI to experience tx!
Meakea - I will call my PCP tomorrow, I just didn't want to bother. But, I'm home tomorrow doing my taxes.
I have heard so many lame excuses from potential jurors. Actually, it's the most entertaining part. I hate to ask to be excused after I'm there. I didn't want to become one of the entertainers.
IF you can't get deferred and you really don't believe you are physically able to serve, bring this up during voir dire. I've selected a few juries and I'm betting you have at least as much on the ball as anybody on the average panel.
Wow! I can't believe your doc is denying you the medical excuse. Do you have another doc (PCP) that you can ask? I am a legal assistant and I sit through many trials and I most certainly would never want someone on our jury who is on this treatment! It's too much of a hardship for the juror and also we want people on our juries that have all their wits about them. (I am on TX so I know what it does)
Also...if you're like me on treatment, you'll need to use the bathroom more often that the number of breaks the court takes.
Try another doc or try your GI again!
From my expereince, when the pool is assembled in the morining there is generally the opportunity for potential jurors to give additional reason why they should be excused. Could probably achieve the same outcome by showing up with a syringe or a gun.
If the letter can't be obtained. Which fingers crossed it is, when they go to choose a jury explain to Judge and attorneys how sick you are. That you will unable to be function.
You know I think all Gis should have to endure txt, for at least 6 months. I am all for justice, But dang,
Take a copy of your labs also and ask GI if he knows the sides og low HGB.
Good luck
I have jury duty on Monday. I would not want to be on duty if on TX or have my fate determined by one on TX; at least some that I've met while on TX.
TELL your doctor to write a note saying that you are on chemotherapy. Include a list of the sides from the black box warnings. I might mention to the doctor that other Drs have done it for their patients but if that they refuse to ask or recommend that they can simply state that you are indeed on chemotherapy.
In addition to the very good examples you have already offered many people are light headed, suffer from vertigo, nausea, I've read a number who have passed out (and were hurt) due to anemia.
Due to low WBC you are also more susceptible to infection and might also do well to avoid crowds.
People on TX are noted for brain fog and an inability to focus or perform cognitive tasks.
If I were a judge or either side, plaintiff or defendant I would not want a compromised person on the jury. Just tell em you nod off at any given moment. ; )
Ask for a 1 year deferral.
I think I would have a mild bone to pick with the GI but oh well......
Best,
Willy
Don't usually mind serving been doing it for years. I just think jurors should be at there best when you have someone's life in your hands. Like I posted earlier, I wouldn't want me as a juror right now. But, I'll go.
I'm back to jury pool on the 30th again too. A bad day on jury duty is better than a good day at work!
I was called last year when I was on treatment and my hepatologist got me excused....for 1 year. Almost 1 year to the day I received notice again. I start jury duty for 2 weeks starting the 30th.
Denise
I think a healthy amount of riba rage is a good thing for the criminal justice system. I was called to duty while on tx (glad to do it) and sat on a criminal trial. As the case unfolded I got angrier and angrier about the dirtball accused. If it was up to me the SOB would have fried. As it turned out, I was the alternate and was dismissed before deliberation. Hey, if you can work you can be a juror. Embrace the opportunity, not avoid it.
thanks. I'm seeing a GI and it was him I asked. I've been working for 20+ years same place and my co-workers are very understanding. So, I can leave take breaks whenever I want as long as I'm honest with my hours, etc.
I just feel that I may be very uncomfortable if I'm put on a jury panel and would have preferred to post-pone it a year. Not to mention, after parking you have to walk uphills a long way to the courthouse. I'll probably pass out when I get to the courthouse with my hb so low - hahaha
I can't figure out what is up with this GI. He told my husband "you just get a little tired" while on tx. BTW I changed doctors to him under a recommendation because my first GI had never treated a hcv patient. Needless to say, I don't care for him much but I am UND at 12 wks and except for my Hb level, seemed to have leveled out as far as feeling better.
Can't remember the exact length, but I got around a two-year deferral from Jury Duty based on a doctor's letter. Can't remember exactly what was in the letter but it was quite convincing probably talking about anemia and the rigors of treatment which was actually an understatement in my individual case. Are you seeing a liver specialist (hepatologist) or a GI? Hard to believe a liver specialist wouldn't support someone under their care with a letter as long as the patient was having difficulties with treatment, which is very common. You say you're working, which puts you ahead of the condition I was in, but if you really think it's important for your well being to delay jury duty then I would petition your doctor again, and if not successful, consider seeing another doctor.
Did you ask your primary care physician or your specialist? Your PCP may not be aware of tx side effects.
It's true that to fulfill your duties, you need to concentrate and stay put for a reasonable time. Imagine if you call a recess everytime you p-ee, which can be every minute some days. The jury members will rise up against you for endlessly dragging out the deliberations!
I found it quite hard to concentrate on jury duty even without tx meds, so I can definitely see a case to claim an inability on tx to make an informed decision. That could be unfair to the defendant. Or so I would say.
On the other hand, I really enjoyed jury duty and you may, also. I fought quite hard to turn the tide.