Just need to vent

antcat
antcat Member Posts: 270
in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi, went for my CT scan yesterday, after being on Avastin for 6 mos. and started Topotecan (only 2 cycles). Well, tumors still showed growth, only 2 decreased. Not very encouraging. Had appt today and got upset, because it seems that you have to see a "fellow" first and tell them everything you want to discuss with dr. I was trying to be very diplomatic with this "fellow" and told them I don't mind you examining me but there were specific things I wanted to discuss with the dr. To tell you the truth, the "fellow" developed quite an attitude which did not help my stress level. I have to say that I didn't have much confidence in this particular "fellow" because last month when I saw her, she took my vitals, listened to my heart and then said "Oh, I'm not getting a heartbeat." I looked at her and then she said "that's because I had my stethoscope the wrong way, sorry." Well, it seems that the Avastin doesn't seem to be working and they want to try another drug. I could have continued with Avastin and this other drug but because I don't want to be on blood thinner injections any longer, I was told, that wasn't an option. It's very upsetting when you're told one thing in the beginning that you wouldn't be on blood thinner injections that long and then have it changed. Anyway, I didn't have a very good visit, and I guess the dr. didn't appreciate how I felt about talking to a "fellow" first. But, I can't see talking to one person and then having them convey what you say to the dr. But, I guess that's just me. It just seems that there's nothing out there that will cure ovarian cancer, all it is you take a chance and try one chemo after another, if one doesn't work, they try a different one, meanwhile, my blood counts are really, really going down.

Comments

  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #2
    KEEP THOSE COUNTS COMING DOWN!
    That's a good thing! You do mean the CA125 don't you? So, even in the midst of 'minimal' results, there still have been results and that's something very positive to hang on to.

    I sure feel your anxiety regarding the 'fellow'. Sure doesn't help when you're already feeling low. You can vent anytime. We're here for you. Please let us know what you decide.

    (((HUGS)))
    Monika
  • kikz
    kikz Member Posts: 1,345 Member
    #3
    I just don't understand medical personal
    who do not have a good bedside manner. It should be a requirement. Sometimes a kind word or caring treatment goes a long way in helping a person deal with the difficulties of illness. I have had my feelings hurt twice by my onc and I told her about it. She didn't realize how she was coming off when she spoke to me. I usually don't say much but I felt better when I got it off my chest. I hope things begin looking up for you.

    Karen
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
    #4
    Vent away!!!
    I'm sorry you had such a hard day.
    Hugs,
    kathleen
  • LaundryQueen
    LaundryQueen Member Posts: 676
    #5
    mopar said:

    KEEP THOSE COUNTS COMING DOWN!
    That's a good thing! You do mean the CA125 don't you? So, even in the midst of 'minimal' results, there still have been results and that's something very positive to hang on to.

    I sure feel your anxiety regarding the 'fellow'. Sure doesn't help when you're already feeling low. You can vent anytime. We're here for you. Please let us know what you decide.

    (((HUGS)))
    Monika

    wishful thinking about the CA-125
    @Monika: no, I don't think antcat meant her CA-125 was dropping but that her WBC count was going down...I would be upset with having to delay seeing the doctor after those results.

    @antcat: You need to get a new game plan while you still have some bone marrow left. I am really sorry that your doctor doesn't have something better to offer you. Please let us know what the next step is for you.

    Would you even consider doing the CAAT diet? I posted about it earlier in an individual thread.

    (((HUGS)))

    LQ
  • clamryn
    clamryn Member Posts: 508
    #6
    I remember
    I remember years ago when I was first dx with cancer, the doctor always had a new person with him. They were training. Finally one of them was with him for a long time and I had to see her. I had to do the same thing. She would come in and examine me and ask me all kinds of questions and then he would come in and do the same thing. At the time I was so scared I didn't know what was happening. They decided to give me one radiation treatment which was injected into the abdomen and she was elected to do it. Well she didn't get it through the abdominal wall. That was the last time I let her touch me.

    I told the doctor I didn't want any of them doing it because I didn't think they knew what they were doing. His nurse had to calm me down. After that he changed his whole attitude towards me and treated me more kindly after that. Sometimes I think these doctors need a jolt of reality and back to basics on why they became a doctor.....was it for the money or to heal people.

    He moved to another state to a cancer hospital and directed me towards the doctor I have today. Thank goodness. My current doctor is the kindest person. He also treats the patient....not the numbers.

    I am praying for you that you get the right treatment for YOU. Take care. And you can vent, holler, scream anytime you want. We are here to listen.

    ((((Hugs))))
    Linda
  • antcat
    antcat Member Posts: 270
    #7
    clamryn said:

    I remember
    I remember years ago when I was first dx with cancer, the doctor always had a new person with him. They were training. Finally one of them was with him for a long time and I had to see her. I had to do the same thing. She would come in and examine me and ask me all kinds of questions and then he would come in and do the same thing. At the time I was so scared I didn't know what was happening. They decided to give me one radiation treatment which was injected into the abdomen and she was elected to do it. Well she didn't get it through the abdominal wall. That was the last time I let her touch me.

    I told the doctor I didn't want any of them doing it because I didn't think they knew what they were doing. His nurse had to calm me down. After that he changed his whole attitude towards me and treated me more kindly after that. Sometimes I think these doctors need a jolt of reality and back to basics on why they became a doctor.....was it for the money or to heal people.

    He moved to another state to a cancer hospital and directed me towards the doctor I have today. Thank goodness. My current doctor is the kindest person. He also treats the patient....not the numbers.

    I am praying for you that you get the right treatment for YOU. Take care. And you can vent, holler, scream anytime you want. We are here to listen.

    ((((Hugs))))
    Linda

    Thank you everyone
    Thanks you everyone for your support and comments. By reading a few of your replies, I know now I'm not the only one that has had a problem with the way a doctor (oncologist) talks to people. I just told my primary care physician today that I wish I could find an oncologist like him. He is a most compassionate and understanding doctor who never rushes me, takes the time to listen and encourages me. I also have a gyn/oncologist who is the same way. I guess I'm lucky in that respect, 2 out of 3 doctors that are caring and kind.

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