Conflicting oncologist opinions

pgrace35

Met with my radiation oncologist about 3 weeks ago, was going to my last round of chemo. She reviewed my chart and bascially questioned most everything that was done so far with the exception of the chemo. She didn't think I had enough margin area removed, could go back for more surgery, questioned my MRI, something suspicous in my "good" breast. Wanted another MRI ordered, on their machine because it is suppose to be better, which I later found out that isn't the case. She basically scared the crap out of me, never did she think to consult my other oncologist or surgeon how her concerns before dropping this all on my lap, just left me with them to dwell on for weeks.
I felt like she handled this pretty poorly and her ego was playing a big role in this.
My oncologist assured me yesterday that she feels confident all is well, saw the same things she did, but did not feel anothter MRI was needed and my margins are fine, that was all that could be removed. They met together today and came to a compromise, ultra sound, if any issue a biospy. Feel much better, but still a bit uneasy with this rad oncologist, will be dealing with her first of the year when my radiation starts. I'm I being to critical?

lovelylola

You have every right to feel comfortable
with anyone on your team. I know how it feels to want to push and get everything over and done with, but you are right. You will be dealing with this rad dr. for awhile and should feel totally comfortable and that she is totally not on board - not just compromising. Is there anyone else that your chemo onco dr would recommend? Someone he/she has worked with in the past? Don't feel you have to go with someone if you aren't comfortable. We are always told that emotional well-being is just as important for good recovering and treatment as the actual procedures.
Take whatever time you need to make sure you are comfortable with your decision. I changed surgeons and onco to be comfortable and am glad I did. Sending you {{{{{{positive vibes}}}}}} and prayers for the right decision for you. Lola

Sher43009

Pathology Report??
What does your pathology report say about the margins? My surgeon gave me a copy of mine which came back stating not enough clear margins so I had to have more surgery. I changed my onco.rad. doctor after meeting with him one time...didn't care for him. I told my onco. that I didn't care for him and he told me it was my right to change any doctor at any time if I'm not comfortable. Now I meet with a different doctor in the same group and really like him. My surgeon, onco. and onco.rad doctors all meet once a week to go over all the patients at the center and make sure they all agree on treatment. None of them second guess each other in front of the patients. No I don't think you're being too critical. It's your life your talking about. Let us know how the ultrasound comes out.

New Flower

Sher43009 said:

Pathology Report??
What does your pathology report say about the margins? My surgeon gave me a copy of mine which came back stating not enough clear margins so I had to have more surgery. I changed my onco.rad. doctor after meeting with him one time...didn't care for him. I told my onco. that I didn't care for him and he told me it was my right to change any doctor at any time if I'm not comfortable. Now I meet with a different doctor in the same group and really like him. My surgeon, onco. and onco.rad doctors all meet once a week to go over all the patients at the center and make sure they all agree on treatment. None of them second guess each other in front of the patients. No I don't think you're being too critical. It's your life your talking about. Let us know how the ultrasound comes out.

second opinion
If you do not feel comfortable ask your hematologist/oncologist for another radiation oncologist.
Your insurance should cover a second opinion, I would suggest go for it.
You still have a least 4 weeks after your last Chemo before starting radiation treatment. It give enough time finding a different doctor.
Good Luck

marywest

It's real interesting
I want to share what I have learned regarding each doctor. The family doctor who detected my breast cancer, to my oncologist, surgeon and radiologist etc. All of them specialized or did something very significant for me. My family doctor really didnt' care about me, was never there when i really needed her, my oncologist had terrible bedside manners, in front of my daughter who was so scared about losing me, she said it could of mastisized and I would have no cure. Radiologist said he wasn't sure how much radiation I needed, but felt there was a good chance of not doing radiation and let me live out the rest of my life at home. I was believing and trusting God through each step I took and each doctor I visited and what he taught me was, he led me to the right doctor at the right time. I received something very special from each doctor, each one led me to another one and they were the best in their field. When you put high expectations in a doctor, you will be dissapointed, some don't care but can detect something wrong and refer you. The oncologist put me on the best routine for chemo and was extreemly sharp in the medicines I needed. The surgeon did a fabulous job of removing the tumor 3cm and twenty lymph nodes. The radiologist gave me the best set up and great people to work with me. so thank God you recieve a little from this doctor and a little from that doctor and over all you are getting the best treatment. I complained alot at the beginning until I saw that God set me up with the best doctors who did their job. I thank God for your health and a peaceful heart. waiting for answers is horrible, working with a doctor who's bedside manners causes fear is horrible. Your in good hands, God's hands, God Bless

roseann4

marywest said:

It's real interesting
I want to share what I have learned regarding each doctor. The family doctor who detected my breast cancer, to my oncologist, surgeon and radiologist etc. All of them specialized or did something very significant for me. My family doctor really didnt' care about me, was never there when i really needed her, my oncologist had terrible bedside manners, in front of my daughter who was so scared about losing me, she said it could of mastisized and I would have no cure. Radiologist said he wasn't sure how much radiation I needed, but felt there was a good chance of not doing radiation and let me live out the rest of my life at home. I was believing and trusting God through each step I took and each doctor I visited and what he taught me was, he led me to the right doctor at the right time. I received something very special from each doctor, each one led me to another one and they were the best in their field. When you put high expectations in a doctor, you will be dissapointed, some don't care but can detect something wrong and refer you. The oncologist put me on the best routine for chemo and was extreemly sharp in the medicines I needed. The surgeon did a fabulous job of removing the tumor 3cm and twenty lymph nodes. The radiologist gave me the best set up and great people to work with me. so thank God you recieve a little from this doctor and a little from that doctor and over all you are getting the best treatment. I complained alot at the beginning until I saw that God set me up with the best doctors who did their job. I thank God for your health and a peaceful heart. waiting for answers is horrible, working with a doctor who's bedside manners causes fear is horrible. Your in good hands, God's hands, God Bless

Definately get a second opinion!
I would NEVER put up with that behavior by your oncologist/radiologist. She should have taken up her concerns directly with your surgeon and oncologist. That was unkind and unprofessional. I suggest you go back to your surgeon and ask for another referral. I also recommend that you specifically ask for someone who is compassionate as well as highly skilled. That's what I did and I am thrilled with who was recommended. We sometimes forget that we are clients and have the right to the best available specialists. Someimes these docs can have god complexes and forget that we are human beings with emotional as well as physical needs.

Please let us know how you do with this upsetting situation.

Roseann

roseann4

marywest said:

It's real interesting
I want to share what I have learned regarding each doctor. The family doctor who detected my breast cancer, to my oncologist, surgeon and radiologist etc. All of them specialized or did something very significant for me. My family doctor really didnt' care about me, was never there when i really needed her, my oncologist had terrible bedside manners, in front of my daughter who was so scared about losing me, she said it could of mastisized and I would have no cure. Radiologist said he wasn't sure how much radiation I needed, but felt there was a good chance of not doing radiation and let me live out the rest of my life at home. I was believing and trusting God through each step I took and each doctor I visited and what he taught me was, he led me to the right doctor at the right time. I received something very special from each doctor, each one led me to another one and they were the best in their field. When you put high expectations in a doctor, you will be dissapointed, some don't care but can detect something wrong and refer you. The oncologist put me on the best routine for chemo and was extreemly sharp in the medicines I needed. The surgeon did a fabulous job of removing the tumor 3cm and twenty lymph nodes. The radiologist gave me the best set up and great people to work with me. so thank God you recieve a little from this doctor and a little from that doctor and over all you are getting the best treatment. I complained alot at the beginning until I saw that God set me up with the best doctors who did their job. I thank God for your health and a peaceful heart. waiting for answers is horrible, working with a doctor who's bedside manners causes fear is horrible. Your in good hands, God's hands, God Bless

Definately get a second opinion!
I would NEVER put up with that behavior by your oncologist/radiologist. She should have taken up her concerns directly with your surgeon and oncologist. That was unkind and unprofessional. I suggest you go back to your surgeon and ask for another referral. I also recommend that you specifically ask for someone who is compassionate as well as highly skilled. That's what I did and I am thrilled with who was recommended. We sometimes forget that we are clients and have the right to the best available specialists. Someimes these docs can have god complexes and forget that we are human beings with emotional as well as physical needs.

Please let us know how you do with this upsetting situation.

Roseann

roseann4

marywest said:

It's real interesting
I want to share what I have learned regarding each doctor. The family doctor who detected my breast cancer, to my oncologist, surgeon and radiologist etc. All of them specialized or did something very significant for me. My family doctor really didnt' care about me, was never there when i really needed her, my oncologist had terrible bedside manners, in front of my daughter who was so scared about losing me, she said it could of mastisized and I would have no cure. Radiologist said he wasn't sure how much radiation I needed, but felt there was a good chance of not doing radiation and let me live out the rest of my life at home. I was believing and trusting God through each step I took and each doctor I visited and what he taught me was, he led me to the right doctor at the right time. I received something very special from each doctor, each one led me to another one and they were the best in their field. When you put high expectations in a doctor, you will be dissapointed, some don't care but can detect something wrong and refer you. The oncologist put me on the best routine for chemo and was extreemly sharp in the medicines I needed. The surgeon did a fabulous job of removing the tumor 3cm and twenty lymph nodes. The radiologist gave me the best set up and great people to work with me. so thank God you recieve a little from this doctor and a little from that doctor and over all you are getting the best treatment. I complained alot at the beginning until I saw that God set me up with the best doctors who did their job. I thank God for your health and a peaceful heart. waiting for answers is horrible, working with a doctor who's bedside manners causes fear is horrible. Your in good hands, God's hands, God Bless

Definately get a second opinion!
I would NEVER put up with that behavior by your oncologist/radiologist. She should have taken up her concerns directly with your surgeon and oncologist. That was unkind and unprofessional. I suggest you go back to your surgeon and ask for another referral. I also recommend that you specifically ask for someone who is compassionate as well as highly skilled. That's what I did and I am thrilled with who was recommended. We sometimes forget that we are clients and have the right to the best available specialists. Someimes these docs can have god complexes and forget that we are human beings with emotional as well as physical needs.

Please let us know how you do with this upsetting situation.

Roseann

roseann4

marywest said:

It's real interesting
I want to share what I have learned regarding each doctor. The family doctor who detected my breast cancer, to my oncologist, surgeon and radiologist etc. All of them specialized or did something very significant for me. My family doctor really didnt' care about me, was never there when i really needed her, my oncologist had terrible bedside manners, in front of my daughter who was so scared about losing me, she said it could of mastisized and I would have no cure. Radiologist said he wasn't sure how much radiation I needed, but felt there was a good chance of not doing radiation and let me live out the rest of my life at home. I was believing and trusting God through each step I took and each doctor I visited and what he taught me was, he led me to the right doctor at the right time. I received something very special from each doctor, each one led me to another one and they were the best in their field. When you put high expectations in a doctor, you will be dissapointed, some don't care but can detect something wrong and refer you. The oncologist put me on the best routine for chemo and was extreemly sharp in the medicines I needed. The surgeon did a fabulous job of removing the tumor 3cm and twenty lymph nodes. The radiologist gave me the best set up and great people to work with me. so thank God you recieve a little from this doctor and a little from that doctor and over all you are getting the best treatment. I complained alot at the beginning until I saw that God set me up with the best doctors who did their job. I thank God for your health and a peaceful heart. waiting for answers is horrible, working with a doctor who's bedside manners causes fear is horrible. Your in good hands, God's hands, God Bless

Definately get a second opinion!
I would NEVER put up with that behavior by your oncologist/radiologist. She should have taken up her concerns directly with your surgeon and oncologist. That was unkind and unprofessional. I suggest you go back to your surgeon and ask for another referral. I also recommend that you specifically ask for someone who is compassionate as well as highly skilled. That's what I did and I am thrilled with who was recommended. We sometimes forget that we are clients and have the right to the best available specialists. Someimes these docs can have god complexes and forget that we are human beings with emotional as well as physical needs.

Please let us know how you do with this upsetting situation.

Roseann

pgrace35

roseann4 said:

Definately get a second opinion!
I would NEVER put up with that behavior by your oncologist/radiologist. She should have taken up her concerns directly with your surgeon and oncologist. That was unkind and unprofessional. I suggest you go back to your surgeon and ask for another referral. I also recommend that you specifically ask for someone who is compassionate as well as highly skilled. That's what I did and I am thrilled with who was recommended. We sometimes forget that we are clients and have the right to the best available specialists. Someimes these docs can have god complexes and forget that we are human beings with emotional as well as physical needs.

Please let us know how you do with this upsetting situation.

Roseann

Thanks
Thanks so much ladies for all your input. It make me feel like I'm not over-reacting to this. I'm awaitng, hopefully, today a call from her about cancelling the MRI she so insisted on. Will see on Monday and make my decision there, if she continues to make me feel uncomfortable I will ask for another dr. THANKS!!!!

jnl

pgrace35 said:

Thanks
Thanks so much ladies for all your input. It make me feel like I'm not over-reacting to this. I'm awaitng, hopefully, today a call from her about cancelling the MRI she so insisted on. Will see on Monday and make my decision there, if she continues to make me feel uncomfortable I will ask for another dr. THANKS!!!!

This is confusing Grace. I
This is confusing Grace. I think I would get a 2nd opinion for sure. You are not over reacting, not at all. Let us know what you find out on Monday.

Leeza

pgrace35

jnl said:

This is confusing Grace. I
This is confusing Grace. I think I would get a 2nd opinion for sure. You are not over reacting, not at all. Let us know what you find out on Monday.

Leeza

It was very, until I spoke with oncologist whom re-assured me all is fine and that I did not need a MRI. She suspected it was a lymph node all along and my margin areas are fine too. She seemed a bit irritated by my radiation oncologists assumptions. So they met and I believe to "apease" my radiation oncologist I did a ultra sound instead...sure enough it's a lymnph node. So glad I didn't take the whole day off, go through another needles MRI that my insurance company probably would have disputed. I'm getting a MRI in 3 months anyway for my 6 month follow-up. It just confirmed to me it is this woman's ego. I go to radiation prep on Monday,will give this dr. another chance, but if she continues to needlessly scare me without consulting my oncologist, I will complain and ask for another dr. Thanks for assuring me I'm not being a **** about things!!!

New Flower

marywest said:

It's real interesting
I want to share what I have learned regarding each doctor. The family doctor who detected my breast cancer, to my oncologist, surgeon and radiologist etc. All of them specialized or did something very significant for me. My family doctor really didnt' care about me, was never there when i really needed her, my oncologist had terrible bedside manners, in front of my daughter who was so scared about losing me, she said it could of mastisized and I would have no cure. Radiologist said he wasn't sure how much radiation I needed, but felt there was a good chance of not doing radiation and let me live out the rest of my life at home. I was believing and trusting God through each step I took and each doctor I visited and what he taught me was, he led me to the right doctor at the right time. I received something very special from each doctor, each one led me to another one and they were the best in their field. When you put high expectations in a doctor, you will be dissapointed, some don't care but can detect something wrong and refer you. The oncologist put me on the best routine for chemo and was extreemly sharp in the medicines I needed. The surgeon did a fabulous job of removing the tumor 3cm and twenty lymph nodes. The radiologist gave me the best set up and great people to work with me. so thank God you recieve a little from this doctor and a little from that doctor and over all you are getting the best treatment. I complained alot at the beginning until I saw that God set me up with the best doctors who did their job. I thank God for your health and a peaceful heart. waiting for answers is horrible, working with a doctor who's bedside manners causes fear is horrible. Your in good hands, God's hands, God Bless

Marywest
it look like we have been seeing the same oncologist
best in his field with horrible bedside manners. I feel exactly as you described one doctor led me to another and my will power and faith help me use their expertise an move forward.
I assuming that you are from West?

susie09

pgrace35 said:

It was very, until I spoke with oncologist whom re-assured me all is fine and that I did not need a MRI. She suspected it was a lymph node all along and my margin areas are fine too. She seemed a bit irritated by my radiation oncologists assumptions. So they met and I believe to "apease" my radiation oncologist I did a ultra sound instead...sure enough it's a lymnph node. So glad I didn't take the whole day off, go through another needles MRI that my insurance company probably would have disputed. I'm getting a MRI in 3 months anyway for my 6 month follow-up. It just confirmed to me it is this woman's ego. I go to radiation prep on Monday,will give this dr. another chance, but if she continues to needlessly scare me without consulting my oncologist, I will complain and ask for another dr. Thanks for assuring me I'm not being a **** about things!!!

Glad you got good news and
Glad you got good news and didn't have to go thru all of the other tests. Let us know how today went for you.

♠♣ Susie ♠♣

pgrace35

New Flower said:

Marywest
it look like we have been seeing the same oncologist
best in his field with horrible bedside manners. I feel exactly as you described one doctor led me to another and my will power and faith help me use their expertise an move forward.
I assuming that you are from West?

Hi New Flower,

Yes I live in Colorado. And I met with her again yesterday for my radiation preparation appt. She asked how my ultra sound went and said she spoke with my surgeon whom re-assured the margins we fine. I do appreciate her "thoughness", but once again felt she should have consulted my oncologist and surgeon first with her concerns instead of worry me to death. I'm willing to give her another chance, but if she continues her poor bedside tactics I will move on. Do you live in the west?

pgrace35

susie09 said:

Glad you got good news and
Glad you got good news and didn't have to go thru all of the other tests. Let us know how today went for you.

♠♣ Susie ♠♣

Rad prep
Went really well, just awaiting the scan results for my treatment. Hopefully starting the first week of the new year and awaiting the time I will have to do this everyday. Hopefully I can fit work in sometime around it considering it's a hour and half drive for me one way everyday for 6 weeks....just can't afford not to work. Keeping my fingers crossed for a good time!

New Flower

pgrace35 said:

Hi New Flower,

Yes I live in Colorado. And I met with her again yesterday for my radiation preparation appt. She asked how my ultra sound went and said she spoke with my surgeon whom re-assured the margins we fine. I do appreciate her "thoughness", but once again felt she should have consulted my oncologist and surgeon first with her concerns instead of worry me to death. I'm willing to give her another chance, but if she continues her poor bedside tactics I will move on. Do you live in the west?

pgrage
I did in Denver for 18 months, but when I was diagnosed I moved back to Los Angeles and had my treatment there.
My husband have been working in LA. I wish I can recommend somebody in Denver.
I have a friend who has her treatments done in Denver and she liked her radiation oncologist, I can ask for reference if you decide to try another one. Let me know.
Good luck
New Flower