First app. w/new onco..Good and not so good

Pinky68
Pinky68 Member Posts: 206 Member
in Breast Cancer #1
Stressful afternoon, I always get soooo anxious and nervous...luckily my husband was there.I was having some doubts about my oncologist so I went back to the cancer center where I was originally treated, but saw a different onco...

He was very direct and almost short and curt, basically admonishing me for leaving the cancer center in the first place. When he stepped out for a minute, it was all I could do not to tear up...First he asked why I'm on Megace not Tamoxifen..I explained I don't know, the previous onco never suggested Tamoxifen, only Megace. I'm ER+ 99%, PR+ 70%. I posted a while back that I asked him about the Megace and all he said was "why are you asking", which prompted me to see a different onco. A lot of that decision was because of Ms. Gebby talking about her new onco! Well, he told me I should Absolutely Not be on Megace for hormone positive----only used for bc mets to help gain weight, and it's an older medicine. He said for the last 9 months since I finished treatment, I've had nothing to stop the estrogen! He talked about this for 5 mins!

I also told him of how fatigued I still am,(16 chemo TAC, 36 rads)..He said "I've never heard of fatigue 9 months out of treatment,most pt's are better after 3-4 weeks and certainly after 2 months" This upset me so badly. Am I crazy? I thought the fatigue and se's can last for a couple yrs. sometimes? I'm still so upset, then what's wrong with me? He was so very direct and almost rude.

At the end of the appt when I was walking out(husband just left -back to work) He called me back into the exam room and sat next to me - He apologized for coming across harsh!

He said when he found out I was taking Megace not Tamoxifen, he got very angry! He even said "I'm extremely livid you were not prescribed the proper meds"

So I guess that explains why he was so short with me..But I'm a little bothered that on wrong med.
My husband really liked him because he was very informative and spent almost 45 mins with me..I have bloodwork on Monday then a bone scan sometime next week.I've never had a bone scan...
Other bc survivors have long term se's and fatigue right?
Sorry for the long post, just upset. Any input would be great!!
Thanks!
Joyce
«13

Comments

  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #2
    I am sorry that he was so
    I am sorry that he was so mean to you. He did apologize, yes, but, that is no excuse for treating you like this.

    I remember your posting about Megace and from what I remember, no one here knew anything about it. I am sorry you took it instead of tamox, if that is what you are suppose to be on.

    As far as being tired from rads, I was for a very long time. My rads oncologist said it can take a year or more for some to regain their strength, so, he is wrong in what he said about that. Just remember, he is not a radiation oncologist!

    I am wishing you good luck Monday for your bloodwork and your bone scan. We can get the pink bus out for you! The bone scan is the easiest test you can have. You can keep your clothes on! lol You just lay on a table & the machine goes slowly, very slowly over you. Keep your eyes closed at first because it is very close to your face at first. You will be given an injection and then you come back after a couple of hours for the actual bone scan. Just ask if you have more questions. We will try and help you. Also, your husband or someone can be in the room with you during the bone scan if it will help you and comfort you.

    Hugs, Diane
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #3
    DianeBC said:

    I am sorry that he was so
    I am sorry that he was so mean to you. He did apologize, yes, but, that is no excuse for treating you like this.

    I remember your posting about Megace and from what I remember, no one here knew anything about it. I am sorry you took it instead of tamox, if that is what you are suppose to be on.

    As far as being tired from rads, I was for a very long time. My rads oncologist said it can take a year or more for some to regain their strength, so, he is wrong in what he said about that. Just remember, he is not a radiation oncologist!

    I am wishing you good luck Monday for your bloodwork and your bone scan. We can get the pink bus out for you! The bone scan is the easiest test you can have. You can keep your clothes on! lol You just lay on a table & the machine goes slowly, very slowly over you. Keep your eyes closed at first because it is very close to your face at first. You will be given an injection and then you come back after a couple of hours for the actual bone scan. Just ask if you have more questions. We will try and help you. Also, your husband or someone can be in the room with you during the bone scan if it will help you and comfort you.

    Hugs, Diane

    I still struggle with
    I still struggle with fatigue. My NP said it could be the delayed reaction to rads. I think its the whole thing. I cant count how many times someone has posted about fatique. I see why you have mixed feelings. On one hand he is informative, on the other hand he is yelling at you for something you didnt do. Not right to take out his frustration on you.
    I am not sure would stay, but knowing me I would give him another chance. But if he continued to act this way I would fire him. Cant deal with being intimidated by my doctor. I have found with cranky docs (I am a nurse) I call them on their behavior, and someohow they seem to straighten up. Hey we all put our pants on , one leg at a time.
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #4
    carkris said:

    I still struggle with
    I still struggle with fatigue. My NP said it could be the delayed reaction to rads. I think its the whole thing. I cant count how many times someone has posted about fatique. I see why you have mixed feelings. On one hand he is informative, on the other hand he is yelling at you for something you didnt do. Not right to take out his frustration on you.
    I am not sure would stay, but knowing me I would give him another chance. But if he continued to act this way I would fire him. Cant deal with being intimidated by my doctor. I have found with cranky docs (I am a nurse) I call them on their behavior, and someohow they seem to straighten up. Hey we all put our pants on , one leg at a time.

    Good that you got a second opinion
    I had fatigue for 12 months do not worry it is normal
    I am glad you got a proper advice from a doctor
    Bone scan is ok you need to be checked
    Sending positive thoughts
    Hugs
  • Melaniedoingwell
    Melaniedoingwell Member Posts: 80
    #5
    Right AND wrong
    You were absolutely right to seek a 2nd opinion. The new onco was absolutely wrong about side effects.

    On the other hand, even though he may have not been warm and fuzzy, he was right to be angry about the improper treatment you had received. Also - for him to apologize for coming across harshly was a good sign.

    The fact is - "warm and fuzzy" doesn't get the job done. You need the right treatment, not something that will do nothing.

    Bone scan IS easy -- you will be absolutely fine there. I am 3x +, stage 3A. I completed my year of TCH chemo (Herceptin was the only one for a year)in April, and completed rads October 17 '11. I still get tired and I fear 'chemo-brain' may be a permanent situation.

    The good thing - no, the GREAT thing - is I'm here to tell about it and love my family and so are you. Keep fighting girl. The best doctor in the world doesn't know everything....

    Melanie
  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    #6
    Melaniedoingwell said:

    Right AND wrong
    You were absolutely right to seek a 2nd opinion. The new onco was absolutely wrong about side effects.

    On the other hand, even though he may have not been warm and fuzzy, he was right to be angry about the improper treatment you had received. Also - for him to apologize for coming across harshly was a good sign.

    The fact is - "warm and fuzzy" doesn't get the job done. You need the right treatment, not something that will do nothing.

    Bone scan IS easy -- you will be absolutely fine there. I am 3x +, stage 3A. I completed my year of TCH chemo (Herceptin was the only one for a year)in April, and completed rads October 17 '11. I still get tired and I fear 'chemo-brain' may be a permanent situation.

    The good thing - no, the GREAT thing - is I'm here to tell about it and love my family and so are you. Keep fighting girl. The best doctor in the world doesn't know everything....

    Melanie

    All 3....
    All 3 of my physicians said that getting over se's of treatments will take about as long as your treatment lasts....thus if it took 9 months to complete all treatment it will take about that long to get over the se's.....

    I agree that the onc was upset with what he believed to be the wrong treatment for you and not angry with you...especially since he apologized....sounds like someone who cares...I'd say he's a keeper!

    Hugs, Nancy
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #7
    Hope this helps
    I do not usually comment on anyone's medical treatment, but I can't figure out why the other doc prescribed Megace. Of course, you need to be on hormone therapy (tamoxifen) and I can understand your new onc's concern and frustration.

    He was not as diplomatic as he could have been, but it sounds like he 1) has you on the right path and 2) apologized (huge points there) and 3) spent a great deal of time with you. Also, I would not discount the fact that your husband related to him well.

    As far as fatigue goes, it took me about a year after chemo to really feel better and I was always a little tired on tamoxifen (worst the last year of treatment).

    Also, please know that cancer and depression (anxiety, fatigue, irritability) can go hand in hand. Cancer patients may have at least a >25% of experiencing depression. Most oncologists are aware of this, but they may not necessarily recognize fatigue as a symptom.

    And fatigue can be symptom of depression. I personally feel that the emotions that come with the diagnosis and treatments can be exhausting physically and emotionally. If your fatigue continues past what you feel is normal, ask the onc about an antidepressant. Mine had no problem prescribing one. If you go that route, make sure that you ok the antidepressant with the onc. A few will keep the tamoxifen from working as well (paxil and prozac come to mind). I take just 1/2 pill of the lowest dose of lexapro and it really helps me.

    Lastly, the bone scan is not a big deal at all. They will inject you with a tracer and have you return in a couple of hours. Then it is essentially like a CT scan or whole body xray.

    Big (((hugs))) and I am rooting for you!
  • Pinky68
    Pinky68 Member Posts: 206 Member
    #8
    CypressCynthia said:

    Hope this helps
    I do not usually comment on anyone's medical treatment, but I can't figure out why the other doc prescribed Megace. Of course, you need to be on hormone therapy (tamoxifen) and I can understand your new onc's concern and frustration.

    He was not as diplomatic as he could have been, but it sounds like he 1) has you on the right path and 2) apologized (huge points there) and 3) spent a great deal of time with you. Also, I would not discount the fact that your husband related to him well.

    As far as fatigue goes, it took me about a year after chemo to really feel better and I was always a little tired on tamoxifen (worst the last year of treatment).

    Also, please know that cancer and depression (anxiety, fatigue, irritability) can go hand in hand. Cancer patients may have at least a >25% of experiencing depression. Most oncologists are aware of this, but they may not necessarily recognize fatigue as a symptom.

    And fatigue can be symptom of depression. I personally feel that the emotions that come with the diagnosis and treatments can be exhausting physically and emotionally. If your fatigue continues past what you feel is normal, ask the onc about an antidepressant. Mine had no problem prescribing one. If you go that route, make sure that you ok the antidepressant with the onc. A few will keep the tamoxifen from working as well (paxil and prozac come to mind). I take just 1/2 pill of the lowest dose of lexapro and it really helps me.

    Lastly, the bone scan is not a big deal at all. They will inject you with a tracer and have you return in a couple of hours. Then it is essentially like a CT scan or whole body xray.

    Big (((hugs))) and I am rooting for you!

    Not so upset today, I agree with all of you
    I will continue seeing my new onco. My husband also said he has my best interest in mind, especially to be "livid" by no tamoxifen.. And I'm so glad I'm not crazy by still being fatigued!..Melanie, I liked what you said "the best dr in the world doesn't know everyting"

    Also CypressCynthia, I agree with you 100% that depression/anxiety causes fatigue too..about 4 months ago I started Cymbalta and Paxil and the onco did say I need to switch to Effexor. He's calling my pcp so we can wean me off then start effexor...Last night I took half the dose of Megace--for one week--then half of that for another week--then start tamoxifen.......
    My prev onco said megace will take away my hot flashes in a few days, and a se is blood clots...I didn't start questioning it until I started on this site a few months ago...
    Thank-you everyone!
    Joyce
  • MsGebby
    MsGebby Member Posts: 659
    #9
    Pinky68 said:

    Not so upset today, I agree with all of you
    I will continue seeing my new onco. My husband also said he has my best interest in mind, especially to be "livid" by no tamoxifen.. And I'm so glad I'm not crazy by still being fatigued!..Melanie, I liked what you said "the best dr in the world doesn't know everyting"

    Also CypressCynthia, I agree with you 100% that depression/anxiety causes fatigue too..about 4 months ago I started Cymbalta and Paxil and the onco did say I need to switch to Effexor. He's calling my pcp so we can wean me off then start effexor...Last night I took half the dose of Megace--for one week--then half of that for another week--then start tamoxifen.......
    My prev onco said megace will take away my hot flashes in a few days, and a se is blood clots...I didn't start questioning it until I started on this site a few months ago...
    Thank-you everyone!
    Joyce

    Hi Pinky
    Haven't you been through a lot. WOW!

    You know, I read and re read your post. This new oncologist actually sounds quite good to me. I know he was harsh. I am glad he got angry about the wrong meds for you. He should not have taken his frustration out on you but he apologized for it and that shows he is human. From what you said, it sounds like he is going to get you back on track. THAT is great news!

    I've never had a bone scan .... bone density test .... that I've had. It sounds very much the same as a bone scan. It's painless. Easy peasy.

    I agree with my other pink sisters regarding depression and the effects it has on one's body. Fatigue is a major problem when one is depressed. Not sure you are, but it is something to think about. I had 38 rounds of radiation and the fatigue was so hard. I finished up in March and haven't really had an issue with it since. Everyone is different. You could still be bothered by this side effect. Obviously, rest when you can. Take care of yourself. That is something we all seem to forget to do. We are always looking out for others. It's inherent.

    I hope you find this new oncologist to be (haha) just what the doctor ordered!

    Hugs,

    Mary
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #10
    MsGebby said:

    Hi Pinky
    Haven't you been through a lot. WOW!

    You know, I read and re read your post. This new oncologist actually sounds quite good to me. I know he was harsh. I am glad he got angry about the wrong meds for you. He should not have taken his frustration out on you but he apologized for it and that shows he is human. From what you said, it sounds like he is going to get you back on track. THAT is great news!

    I've never had a bone scan .... bone density test .... that I've had. It sounds very much the same as a bone scan. It's painless. Easy peasy.

    I agree with my other pink sisters regarding depression and the effects it has on one's body. Fatigue is a major problem when one is depressed. Not sure you are, but it is something to think about. I had 38 rounds of radiation and the fatigue was so hard. I finished up in March and haven't really had an issue with it since. Everyone is different. You could still be bothered by this side effect. Obviously, rest when you can. Take care of yourself. That is something we all seem to forget to do. We are always looking out for others. It's inherent.

    I hope you find this new oncologist to be (haha) just what the doctor ordered!

    Hugs,

    Mary

    I had a bone scan and they
    I had a bone scan and they just inject you with some dye, then we went and had lunch, drink lots of water too, to get the dye thru your system, then came back, laid on the metal table, my husband sat and talked to me and within maybe 40 minutes it was done. And my clothes stayed on!

    Good luck to you!!!
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #11
    Pinky68 said:

    Not so upset today, I agree with all of you
    I will continue seeing my new onco. My husband also said he has my best interest in mind, especially to be "livid" by no tamoxifen.. And I'm so glad I'm not crazy by still being fatigued!..Melanie, I liked what you said "the best dr in the world doesn't know everyting"

    Also CypressCynthia, I agree with you 100% that depression/anxiety causes fatigue too..about 4 months ago I started Cymbalta and Paxil and the onco did say I need to switch to Effexor. He's calling my pcp so we can wean me off then start effexor...Last night I took half the dose of Megace--for one week--then half of that for another week--then start tamoxifen.......
    My prev onco said megace will take away my hot flashes in a few days, and a se is blood clots...I didn't start questioning it until I started on this site a few months ago...
    Thank-you everyone!
    Joyce

    Effexor is the safest choice
    Effexor is the safest choice with tamoxifen. Another reason to like this onc :-) See
    Antidepressants and Tamoxifen

    http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Mental_Health_Letter/2010/June/antidepressants-and-tamoxifen
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #12
    CypressCynthia said:

    Effexor is the safest choice
    Effexor is the safest choice with tamoxifen. Another reason to like this onc :-) See
    Antidepressants and Tamoxifen

    http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Mental_Health_Letter/2010/June/antidepressants-and-tamoxifen

    I am very sorry Joyce that
    I am very sorry Joyce that your onco was like this with you. I am glad that he apologized, as he should have. I have always felt that anyone in the field of oncology need to be the best, and, I mean the best in kindness, empathy, respect and caring. After all, we aren't just dealing with someone with a cold here or something.

    I am sending you all the good luck for your test and praying for good news.

    Keep posting,

    Leeza
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #13
    MAJW said:

    All 3....
    All 3 of my physicians said that getting over se's of treatments will take about as long as your treatment lasts....thus if it took 9 months to complete all treatment it will take about that long to get over the se's.....

    I agree that the onc was upset with what he believed to be the wrong treatment for you and not angry with you...especially since he apologized....sounds like someone who cares...I'd say he's a keeper!

    Hugs, Nancy

    I think for most of us, it
    I think for most of us, it takes awhile to get back to the way we used to feel, if ever. For some, it can be a matter of weeks, some months, and, some years. There is no set rule as to when it will happen for anyone. I actually still blame my being tired, more than before bc, on the treatments, the surgery, just everything related to bc. And, rads for sure will wear you down and it takes time to recover from that.

    You just take it one day at a time and don't worry about it if you can.

    Very sorry for your onco's behavior. I hope he treats you better from now on.

    Great big hugs,

    Lex
  • Pinky68
    Pinky68 Member Posts: 206 Member
    #14
    jnl said:

    I am very sorry Joyce that
    I am very sorry Joyce that your onco was like this with you. I am glad that he apologized, as he should have. I have always felt that anyone in the field of oncology need to be the best, and, I mean the best in kindness, empathy, respect and caring. After all, we aren't just dealing with someone with a cold here or something.

    I am sending you all the good luck for your test and praying for good news.

    Keep posting,

    Leeza

    How long for results?
    Thank-you so very much!! I had bloodwork today with a tumor marker test, then bone scan scheduled for Thurs...Do the results from scan only take a few days?

    also,I checked out the link Cypress posted..On the right track!!

    Thinking of you all,
    Joyce
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #15
    so sorry..he was short with
    so sorry..he was short with you..as professional even if upset with another dr NO way should he have treated your like he did...

    I am on tamoxifen...starting my 5th yr next week...I did have total hysterectomy due to the med...but other then that NO side effects to speak of..

    I"ll check back for an update

    Denise
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #16
    Pinky68 said:

    How long for results?
    Thank-you so very much!! I had bloodwork today with a tumor marker test, then bone scan scheduled for Thurs...Do the results from scan only take a few days?

    also,I checked out the link Cypress posted..On the right track!!

    Thinking of you all,
    Joyce

    My tumor markers usually
    My tumor markers usually come back in about a week, because one of the tests is sent out (not done at the hospital or lab where it is drawn). The bone scan result usually comes back in a couple of days--that just depends on how long it takes the radiologist to read it and then how long it takes your onc to relay the radiology results.

    If you want to know the bone scan results, call your onc's office in a couple of days, so they know you are waiting.

    My prayers are with you. I know waiting sucks!
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #17
    Pinky68 said:

    Not so upset today, I agree with all of you
    I will continue seeing my new onco. My husband also said he has my best interest in mind, especially to be "livid" by no tamoxifen.. And I'm so glad I'm not crazy by still being fatigued!..Melanie, I liked what you said "the best dr in the world doesn't know everyting"

    Also CypressCynthia, I agree with you 100% that depression/anxiety causes fatigue too..about 4 months ago I started Cymbalta and Paxil and the onco did say I need to switch to Effexor. He's calling my pcp so we can wean me off then start effexor...Last night I took half the dose of Megace--for one week--then half of that for another week--then start tamoxifen.......
    My prev onco said megace will take away my hot flashes in a few days, and a se is blood clots...I didn't start questioning it until I started on this site a few months ago...
    Thank-you everyone!
    Joyce

    No, you are not crazy about
    No, you are not crazy about being fatigued! Heck, I still am from treatments! I am here for you, supporting you, encouraging you and just an ear if you need to vent anytime!


    Sue :)
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #18
    Pinky68 said:

    How long for results?
    Thank-you so very much!! I had bloodwork today with a tumor marker test, then bone scan scheduled for Thurs...Do the results from scan only take a few days?

    also,I checked out the link Cypress posted..On the right track!!

    Thinking of you all,
    Joyce

    My oncologist doesn't do
    My oncologist doesn't do tumor marker tests, so, I don't know about that. I saw my doctor in 2 days for my bone scan results. Just call them and have them check to see if the results are in. You shouldn't have to wait too long and they should understand that.


    Good luck!
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #19
    disneyfan2008 said:

    so sorry..he was short with
    so sorry..he was short with you..as professional even if upset with another dr NO way should he have treated your like he did...

    I am on tamoxifen...starting my 5th yr next week...I did have total hysterectomy due to the med...but other then that NO side effects to speak of..

    I"ll check back for an update

    Denise

    Good luck with your bone
    Good luck with your bone scan. Hoping and praying for good results.


    Hugs, Lex
  • Pinky68
    Pinky68 Member Posts: 206 Member
    #20
    Alexis F said:

    Good luck with your bone
    Good luck with your bone scan. Hoping and praying for good results.


    Hugs, Lex

    Bone scan Thurs.
    Thanks everyone
    I forgot to mention I have the option of surgical removal of my ovaries, then I won't have to switch anti-depressants...I would then take Arimidex...I'm still weaning off Megace-and some minor hot flashes have started-no big deal though....
    Sooooo glad I found this site!!
    Hugs,
    Joyce
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #21
    Pinky68 said:

    Bone scan Thurs.
    Thanks everyone
    I forgot to mention I have the option of surgical removal of my ovaries, then I won't have to switch anti-depressants...I would then take Arimidex...I'm still weaning off Megace-and some minor hot flashes have started-no big deal though....
    Sooooo glad I found this site!!
    Hugs,
    Joyce

    Good luck Thursday! Glad
    Good luck Thursday! Glad the hot flashes aren't bad for you!

    Hugs, Leeza

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