Decision Time

desertgirl947
desertgirl947 Member Posts: 653 Member
in Breast Cancer #1

The newspaper had an item in it Saturday that the place where I went for chemo and still go for my follow-up appointments is closing the first part of October because of the high cost of making the building meet code (our state gets carried away with specs).

This is disappointing to me because I had to travel just a half hour for my appointments.  My next appointment is September 28.  It will be at that location.  At that time, I will need to decide whether to stick with my current oncologist (and drive another half hour or so and deal with bigger city parking challenges) or sign release papers to choose a new oncologist.

Right now, I am thinking it is worth it to me to drive that extra half hour -- provided that the same assistant my onc has will also be there.  She does an excellent job.  Because my onc also teaches in the med school there, I have always felt he is current on treatments.

I do have some friends at work who have dealt with bc and have not had the same onc I have.  I might ask them about theirs.  The only thing is that theirs may not have offices any closer.  I live in a rather rural area, and medical choices are sometimes a bit limited if I stay too local.  There are growing medical facilities not just about an hour north of me but also about 45 minutes south of me.  So, I have some options.

My next appointment would not be until March, and so I would have time to change my mind.

I know it is important I have someone who is competent and one I have confidence in.

Comments

  • button2
    button2 Member Posts: 421
    #2
    Go the extra mile

    Don't make medical decisions based on how easy it is to get to appointments. I drive 5 hours to get to my oncs!! Choose the best for you, Anna

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #3
    button2 said:

    Go the extra mile

    Don't make medical decisions based on how easy it is to get to appointments. I drive 5 hours to get to my oncs!! Choose the best for you, Anna

    I am in agreement with Anna - get additional

    information which will help you make a 'sound' and informative decision. 

    I know this must be a difficult time - so I am sending you positive thoughts, and well wishes.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #4
    IF comfortable with your

    IF comfortable with your Dr-drive a bit longer.

     

    Denise

  • desertgirl947
    desertgirl947 Member Posts: 653 Member
    #5
    I appreciate your input.  I

    I appreciate your input.  I forget that although I drive far enough for my appointments, I still am closer to my onc than others here are.  It takes me about 20 minutes to get to the interstate and then the new location is visible, I think, from the interstate when I hit the near edge of the city.  So, the drive isn't all that bad.

  • tufi000
    tufi000 Member Posts: 745 Member
    #6
    I was in the same situation

    I was in the same situation sorta but my docs are with one of the best cancer centers in the country and I love them.  It takes me an hour to get there and I gladly do it as many people have a daily commute like that just to get to work every day like my hubby did and I did.  Bottom line, it's your call and I am grateful to live in my rural environment and have great care an hour away.

    Maybe just adjusting your point of view will help.

  • desertgirl947
    desertgirl947 Member Posts: 653 Member
    #7
    tufi000 said:

    I was in the same situation

    I was in the same situation sorta but my docs are with one of the best cancer centers in the country and I love them.  It takes me an hour to get there and I gladly do it as many people have a daily commute like that just to get to work every day like my hubby did and I did.  Bottom line, it's your call and I am grateful to live in my rural environment and have great care an hour away.

    Maybe just adjusting your point of view will help.

    It's just a matter of an

    It's just a matter of an hour's drive versus half hour.  It also means I miss a whole day at school (work) versus a half day.  I was doing that anyhow, until lately, because my oncologist was always late getting down to the more local office -- he came on Mondays and Wednesdays. 

    As long as it is not winter, this isn't a problem.  My being now on the six-month plan, I go in the autumn and spring.

    We'll see.  I am hoping he has the same nurse practitioner, as she is excellent.

  • GlowMore
    GlowMore Member Posts: 789 Member
    #8
    desertgirl947 said:

    It's just a matter of an

    It's just a matter of an hour's drive versus half hour.  It also means I miss a whole day at school (work) versus a half day.  I was doing that anyhow, until lately, because my oncologist was always late getting down to the more local office -- he came on Mondays and Wednesdays. 

    As long as it is not winter, this isn't a problem.  My being now on the six-month plan, I go in the autumn and spring.

    We'll see.  I am hoping he has the same nurse practitioner, as she is excellent.

    Deep Breath*

    Deep Breath*  Breath In   Breath Out **  SMILE  **  and then .... Forward into the Battle ***  You are doing so wonderful.........  day by day ...  Pink Hugs to you.   Glo

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