My doctor is retiring :(

sunflash
sunflash Member Posts: 197 Member
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1

Hi ladies, 

I really value any and all opinions in this matter. My oncologist, who I've been with for 10 years now, is retiring due to her husband having an illness which she needs to devote her time to. I'm so happy that she has made this difficult decision and is now free to take care of her husband....who deserves nothing less.

However, I'm now struggling with how I should go forward. I was diagnosed 10 years ago with vaginal cancer, and she treated me very successfully. And she's the one who diagnosed my UPSC in 2011 from a (several) suspicious pap smears. Although there was no sign of malignancy, my abnormal pap smears persisted and she recommended a hysterectomy before  it "changed into cancer." We were both surprised that it WAS cancer already, but again, she treated it successfully and this June will be 6 years from my diagnosis. 

My concern is she has always told me that both my cancers were rare and I would need to be seen by a meticulous doctor for the rest of my life. 

Soooo, I'm asking for your opinions! Are YOU still being seen by an gynecological oncologist if you're 5-6 years post diagnosis? Do you feel a regular gynecologist is enough post cancer? And can you let me know what helped you make your decision? 

Thank you so much in advance for anyone willing to share their story with me, and all the rest of us!

Love you ladies, and hoping for the best for all of you! 

 

Comments

  • Nellasing
    Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
    edited March 2017 #2
    I am not even a year away yet however....

    with the info you shared I would NOT feel comfortable with a regular gyn.  You said your Dr. that you trust said you need to be seen by a meticulous Dr. for the rest of your life.  It isn't worth the chance of someone new missing something, especially someone who isn't trained to look for the particulars of your cancers.   Isn't your Dr. able to refer you to someone she trusts before she leaves??  That's my 2 cents for whatever they are worth ;)  (((HUGS)))

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,814 Member
    edited March 2017 #3
    I agree with Nella. Ask your

    I agree with Nella. Ask your doctor for a referral. She is going to be your best partner in finding the right doctor.

    Good luck and please let us know what you do. 

    If it helps.... my GYN Onc/Surgeon plans to do my checkups until I hit 5 years. After that, they send me off to a regular GYN.

    Love and Hugs,

    Cindi

  • sunflash
    sunflash Member Posts: 197 Member
    #4
    Thank you for your input,

    Thank you for your input, Nella and Cindi! I've already asked for copies of all my records, and I guess looking through them has made me relive all I've been through. Even reading her notes....(this patient is high risk, I'm not certain what this is so I'm having her come back in three months for a reevaluation) was more painful than I'd anticipated. I'm so thankful to be in remission, but certainly know that things can change in a heartbeat.

    I'm feeling uncomfortable seeing a regular gyno at this point, knowing my history. I'll feel  better just knowing I'm being looked at by a doctor who understands what to look for. 

    I'll call her office on Monday to see what she advises.    

    Thanks again for hearing me out! XOXOXO

     

     

  • MoeKay
    MoeKay Member Posts: 493 Member
    #5
    Sorry about your gyn-onc's retirement

    My gyn-onc retired in 2014, after I had been with him for fifteen years.  He performed my radical hysterectomy in 1999 and kept me on as a patient until his retirement.  My gyn-onc had a gyn who he hired to work with him about 20 or so years earlier.  This gyn probably knew more about gyn-oncology than many formally-trained gyn-oncs, due to his years of practicing with my gyn-onc and their close relationship.  In any event, my gyn-onc recommended that I continue to see his gyn partner after he left.  He told me that I would be in very good hands.  I have continued to do so for the past three years and have been very satisfied, although I do still miss my gyn-onc. 

    I think your gyn-onc is probably in the best position to make a recommendation as far as your future care goes.  I'm not sure that many gyn-oncs continue to see their patients as long as mine did, but given your unique situation, you may be the exception to the rule.  Best of luck!

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    edited March 2017 #6
    was in your shoes!

    That was when my nightmare began.  I was 3 to 4 years out from my diagnoses, surgery and treatment when my doctor at first semi-retired.   I held fast and stayed with him until he fianlly retired.  He had moved in with a group so since he was there I decided to stay with the group (with two of supposedly top docs in the area).   Well let me tell you I never felt comfortable with this new doctor.  When I went for my follow up he wouldn't even do the internal himself.  He had his PA do it.  I just never felt right.   Then I had a CT scan and at first he said it was fine.  However, when I questioned the fact that the report indicated that I was 80 years old and I had the radiation department reread my scan and they issued a new report with my correct age, he indicated that I needed to be rescanned in a month or two.  And to boot he calls me on Christmas Eve at 6:00 p.m. to tell me this.   Then he indicated I had a recurrence and that I needed a PET Scan, chemo and if possible surgery and if I had surgery I would need a permanent colostomy.   Needless to say when I sought out a second opinion he dropped me as a patient.  Then I went to another doctor at another hospital only to find out that this doctor threw me back in with the other doctor.  So I got rid of that doctor.

    Eventually I had to leave the state to find a different doctor who I really really loved.   He did my surgery and no need for chemo or a colostomy.  However, this doctor too then left for Texas.   I saw a different doctor 2 times and it was terrible.  I finally spoke to one of the old nurses from the doctor that I liked and she gave me a doctor who was similar in nature.   I still have that doctor today.

    I learned that although the doctors may say the same thing, it is the relationship you feel between you and your doctor that counts.   That is what I go on now.  I don't wait to see if it gets better.  It usually doesn't.  I'm in this for the long term so I want a doctor who I can count on.

    My best to you on your quest for a new doctor.

    Kathy

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,486 Member
    #7
    hey sunflash, here is my two

    hey sunflash, here is my two cents.

    It was my gyn who was so on it that my UPSC was caught so early.  She (and her office) were not so arrogant as to think they could handle this and turned me over to a gyn onc practice.  There were two gyn onc's in that practice and my gyn onc left the practice about two years ago.  I had received a letter that said he was leaving the office and hospital affiliation he was with and I could still be seen by the office or transfer to another gyn onc if I wanted.  Well, I know my gyn onc worked with the other gyn onc and oncologist in the practice, so while I felt a moment of panic I knew to stay with the office since there was still a gyn onc there if things went sideways.  Since getting word he was leaving I have been seen by the oncologist in the office and have been quite happy with that.  She always has time to talk to me, discuss metformin and any other thing I want to talk about.  I know if she sees something going wrong she is going to turn me over to the gyn oncs (they have replaced the one who left).  

    I will never forget all the time my gyn onc spent with me when I was first diagnosed.  That gave me peace to know as scary as it was I was with someone who knew what to do.   

    I agree that I would probably ask your gyn onc for a referral to someone else.  When I needed a root canal (I would have no idea where to find an endodontist) my dentist said, "This is who I would go to".  That was good enough for me.  

    I understand your angst.  It is such a security blanket to have people who know you and your case from the beginning.   

  • sunflash
    sunflash Member Posts: 197 Member
    edited March 2017 #8
    Ladies, I really appreciate

    Ladies, I really appreciate all your advice. I've decided to pursue being seen by a gyn-onc if at all possible, being that both my cancers were rare and I would feel better with a dr with cancer experience.

    I called my doctor, got a referral for a former partner of hers (another highly regarded gyn onc), picked up my records, and hand delivered them to the new doctor's office today. The receptionist told me the dr will look over my records and give me a call letting me know  if I can start up with him. He's already accepted patients from my doctor's office who are in active treatment.

    Thanks again for all your excellent advice and personal stories. I'm hoping and praying for the best for all of you!

    Sending big hugs and well wishes to all of you! I'll keep you posted on my outcome. 

  • Nellasing
    Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
    #9
    Yay Sunflash!

    Way to go!  You are doing such a great job of taking care of YOU and being proactive!  Do keep us posted  (((HUGS)))

  • sunflash
    sunflash Member Posts: 197 Member
    #10
    Hello ladies, 

    Hello ladies, 

    I just wanted to give you an update on my situation. After my beloved doctor retired, and me carrying my records to another gyn/onc, I was told that at this point I could go to a regular gynecologist since it has been almost 6 years since my last diagnosis. Of course, I don't feel comfortable going to a regular gynecologist since I had been to one who overlooked my stage 2 vaginal cancer. It was less than 6 months after seeing this doctor that I was diagnosed with VC.  And then, 4 years later, I developed UPSC which was detected by my very meticulous gyn/onc. 

    So, I went to my insurance providers website, and located a gyn/onc that had good reviews and was located about 10 miles from my house. When I called, I found that I was already in their system! My previous doctor had used this facility (Texas Oncology) twice when scheduling my chemo. I made an appointment and when I arrived immediately felt right at home. The receptionist had worked at one time for my prior doctor and we both remembered each other! The nurse who took my vitals also had worked for my previous doctor and we remembered each other well, and started chatting again about her son who has autism (I'm a teacher and we'd discussed him many times) like we had never stopped.

    The doctor is youngish (40's...not retiring any time soon, lol) and her nurse practioner walked into the room and right away gave me a big hug. And another one when I left. This lady trained and used to work at MD Anderson and is now at Texas Oncology.

    Needless to say, it looks like I've found a good home! They both told me they understood why I wanted to continue with a gyn/onc and were happy to have me there.

    I just wanted you all to know that you shouldn't settle for any less than what is the best for you! Go with your gut and take care of yourself.

    Sending hugs and much love to all you awesome ladies! You're always in my thoughts and prayers! 

     

  • Nellasing
    Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
    #11
    That is great looking out Sunflash!

    You did an amazing job of standing up and being your own best advocate!  Congrats on the new yet "home" feel of this office- may you have many years of comfort and NED findings there.   (((HUGS)))

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,814 Member
    #12
    Good for you Sunflash! My gyn

    Good for you Sunflash! My gyn/onc said they would release me to a regular gyn after 5 years. I feel the same way, would rather stay with an expert in cancer.

    It sounds like you are doing great. Happy for you. :-)

    Love and Hugs,

    Cindi

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #13
    sunflash said:

    Hello ladies, 

    Hello ladies, 

    I just wanted to give you an update on my situation. After my beloved doctor retired, and me carrying my records to another gyn/onc, I was told that at this point I could go to a regular gynecologist since it has been almost 6 years since my last diagnosis. Of course, I don't feel comfortable going to a regular gynecologist since I had been to one who overlooked my stage 2 vaginal cancer. It was less than 6 months after seeing this doctor that I was diagnosed with VC.  And then, 4 years later, I developed UPSC which was detected by my very meticulous gyn/onc. 

    So, I went to my insurance providers website, and located a gyn/onc that had good reviews and was located about 10 miles from my house. When I called, I found that I was already in their system! My previous doctor had used this facility (Texas Oncology) twice when scheduling my chemo. I made an appointment and when I arrived immediately felt right at home. The receptionist had worked at one time for my prior doctor and we both remembered each other! The nurse who took my vitals also had worked for my previous doctor and we remembered each other well, and started chatting again about her son who has autism (I'm a teacher and we'd discussed him many times) like we had never stopped.

    The doctor is youngish (40's...not retiring any time soon, lol) and her nurse practioner walked into the room and right away gave me a big hug. And another one when I left. This lady trained and used to work at MD Anderson and is now at Texas Oncology.

    Needless to say, it looks like I've found a good home! They both told me they understood why I wanted to continue with a gyn/onc and were happy to have me there.

    I just wanted you all to know that you shouldn't settle for any less than what is the best for you! Go with your gut and take care of yourself.

    Sending hugs and much love to all you awesome ladies! You're always in my thoughts and prayers! 

     

    Texas Oncology

    I had a wonderful doctor in Ohio for 3 years and then he left and went to Texas Oncology.  I hope you have him.  I have even called him there a couple of times for some questions.   He always gave me hugs and he is very young but very bright.  I hope this is who you have!   Actually I feel he saved my life.  I was told from a different provider that I had a recurrence and that it couldn't be operated on.   This doctor checked everything out and was in fact able to remove it!  

    I'm glad you got a good doctor and you feel comfortble with him.  That's all that matters.

     My doctor was Dr. Drake.   After he left, I tried 3 doctors until I found the right fit.

    My best to you.

    Kathy

  • sunflash
    sunflash Member Posts: 197 Member
    #14
    Thank you, ladies! Kaleena,

    Thank you, ladies! Kaleena, my doctor's name is Kristi Ward located in Sugarland. I did look up Dr. Drake, and he's located in Houston. If things don't work out with this doctor, I'll sure keep him in mind!

    Thanks  Nellasing! I LOVE your positive attitude!

    And Cindi, I recommend you start looking for a gyn/onc now. My first doctor told me that if you've ever had cancer, you should be seen by a meticulous doctor the rest of your life. I took that to heart!

    Hugs to all! :)

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 790 Member
    #15
    That is such a great update,

    That is such a great update, sunflash. It's nice to hear that your perseverance paid off! Continued good luck to you and keep us posted on how you're doing. Kim 

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