The picture of a healthier Claudio Sandoval hangs on the refrigerator at his sister Tania’s house. Today, he is too tired and ill to participate himself, but his sister and mother represent him.
Despite all the symptoms, Claudio was told during his medical visits that the problems were probably caused by migraines, which is also stated in his medical record.
– He was in a lot of pain, exploding headaches along with vomiting and diarrhoea. He also lost his sight. He used to say, “I can’t see anything with my right eye,” his sister Tania Sandoval says.
– We believed in it at the beginning, but after a year, two years, three years, you don’t believe that it’s just a migraine. We suspected it was a tumor, but he was never referred for an X-ray, adds mother Blanca Rubilar.
Six visits before results
It took several contacts with the health center and six emergency visits over two years before Claudio was finally granted an X-ray – and then the tumor was discovered.
– It didn’t really feel like we were being listened to. They could say: “You’re big and strong and it’s just a little headache. Now you’ve got morphine and a drip and that makes you feel better,” says Tania.
The mother and sister have written a report to the emergency room in Malmö. The management there says that due to confidentiality they cannot comment on the individual case, but that all letters are investigated and that the investigation will show if any wrongdoing has been committed.
The tumor was removed – but came back
Claudio’s relatives plan to proceed with a report to IVO, depending on the response they receive from the hospital.
His tumor was surgically removed almost a year ago, but has returned malignant and fast-growing.
– Right now we’re just trying to focus on enjoying the time we have left with Claudio in the best possible way, says Tania.
– I feel frustrated by the way Claudio has been treated, but he has a lot of strength and he continues to fight, concludes his mother.