finding an oncologist

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robynz
robynz Member Posts: 7
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
My sister has stage IV colon cancer and is looking for a new oncologist. Her current one is not very supportive or hopeful. She really needs someone who can back her up, give her hope as well as one who is empathic. Her current doctor is at UCDavis and she is near to UCSanFranciso.I guess I am wondering, despite statistics that an oncological team is reputable, how can one find the type she so needs?
Thank SO much!!
Robyn

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  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #2
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    East Coast here
    I'm on the East Coast and have accessibility to Sloan Kettering.
    I would check the internet for specialists with your type/stage of cancer. Then look at where they went to school, what papers and/or clinical trials they have done. That's for starters. Hopefully there is someone on the site who can offer more
    Best of luck to you
    -phil
  • spongebob
    spongebob Member Posts: 2,565 Member
    #3
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    UGH
    Robyn -

    You know, the greatest onc in the world isn't worth a hoot - IMHO - if s/he isn't positive, supportive and possesses a good bedside manner. One thing I ha ve noticed in speaking to a number of various oncologists over the past 8 years or so, is that the younger docs seem to be more positive (maybe it's just idealism or ego?). Whatever the case, I sincerely hope you can find a good doc. I know Katie (usakat) had a great onc in Orange County, CA. Not sure how close to SF you are...

    Remember; your onc works for YOU (well, in your sister's case, HER onc works for HER!). Your doctor needs to respect you, your wishes, and acknowledge that YOU are in charge of your health care - and they are your advisor, not your mom. Most importantly, you have to be able to establish a rapport with your healthcare provider.

    Good luck in your search - it may take a while, but finding a good doc is worth the effort!

    - SpongeBob
  • lmliess
    lmliess Member Posts: 329
    #4
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    spongebob said:

    UGH
    Robyn -

    You know, the greatest onc in the world isn't worth a hoot - IMHO - if s/he isn't positive, supportive and possesses a good bedside manner. One thing I ha ve noticed in speaking to a number of various oncologists over the past 8 years or so, is that the younger docs seem to be more positive (maybe it's just idealism or ego?). Whatever the case, I sincerely hope you can find a good doc. I know Katie (usakat) had a great onc in Orange County, CA. Not sure how close to SF you are...

    Remember; your onc works for YOU (well, in your sister's case, HER onc works for HER!). Your doctor needs to respect you, your wishes, and acknowledge that YOU are in charge of your health care - and they are your advisor, not your mom. Most importantly, you have to be able to establish a rapport with your healthcare provider.

    Good luck in your search - it may take a while, but finding a good doc is worth the effort!

    - SpongeBob

    MD Anderson
    in Houston is supposed to be great too. I did my radiation and chemo first round here in Kansas City. I really liked the docs (well, the radiation doc did not have the best bedside manner BUT he knew what he was doing radiation-wise so I sucked it up) and they were great BUT I got refered to MD Anderson for my liver resection and just the experience I have had so far has been great. I will know more after my surgery next week but I am planning on doing all my followup scans there and have the ONC there work with mine here for the followup chemo.
  • kimby
    kimby Member Posts: 797
    #5
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    Major Canzer Center
    I would check with major canzer centers. Here is the NCI Comprehensive Canzer Center List:

    http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/cancer-centers-names.html

    Check out your area and start making calls. I am convinced that this is an excellent place to start. HTH

    Kimby
  • robynz
    robynz Member Posts: 7
    #6
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    PhillieG said:

    East Coast here
    I'm on the East Coast and have accessibility to Sloan Kettering.
    I would check the internet for specialists with your type/stage of cancer. Then look at where they went to school, what papers and/or clinical trials they have done. That's for starters. Hopefully there is someone on the site who can offer more
    Best of luck to you
    -phil

    finding an oncologist
    Thanks Phil. I think my nephew did that and UCSanFran was a recommended place. They are working on getting there asap.
    Take care,
    Robyn
  • robynz
    robynz Member Posts: 7
    #7
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    spongebob said:

    UGH
    Robyn -

    You know, the greatest onc in the world isn't worth a hoot - IMHO - if s/he isn't positive, supportive and possesses a good bedside manner. One thing I ha ve noticed in speaking to a number of various oncologists over the past 8 years or so, is that the younger docs seem to be more positive (maybe it's just idealism or ego?). Whatever the case, I sincerely hope you can find a good doc. I know Katie (usakat) had a great onc in Orange County, CA. Not sure how close to SF you are...

    Remember; your onc works for YOU (well, in your sister's case, HER onc works for HER!). Your doctor needs to respect you, your wishes, and acknowledge that YOU are in charge of your health care - and they are your advisor, not your mom. Most importantly, you have to be able to establish a rapport with your healthcare provider.

    Good luck in your search - it may take a while, but finding a good doc is worth the effort!

    - SpongeBob

    Finding an oncologist
    Thanks SpongeBob. She is actually looking to get a 2nd opinion at UCSanFran. I will check with Katie to see where she went.
    Take care,
    robyn
  • robynz
    robynz Member Posts: 7
    #8
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    lmliess said:

    MD Anderson
    in Houston is supposed to be great too. I did my radiation and chemo first round here in Kansas City. I really liked the docs (well, the radiation doc did not have the best bedside manner BUT he knew what he was doing radiation-wise so I sucked it up) and they were great BUT I got refered to MD Anderson for my liver resection and just the experience I have had so far has been great. I will know more after my surgery next week but I am planning on doing all my followup scans there and have the ONC there work with mine here for the followup chemo.

    Finding an oncologist
    Thanks and good luck with your surgery! I am in Austin so not too far from MD Anderson. However, my sister lives in northern Calif.
    Take care, Robyn
  • robynz
    robynz Member Posts: 7
    #9
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    kimby said:

    Major Canzer Center
    I would check with major canzer centers. Here is the NCI Comprehensive Canzer Center List:

    http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/cancer-centers-names.html

    Check out your area and start making calls. I am convinced that this is an excellent place to start. HTH

    Kimby

    Finding an oncologist
    Thanks and take care,
    Robyn

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