Thinking of switching doctors
I have an appointment to see my MO on the 17th. I saw her 3 months ago. SO I've had time to think about what I want and where I feel I should be. I did a little research into her background and found that her expertise is with renal disease/cancer. It kind of lit the bulb above my head. I've been feeling talked down to and left feeling stupid after each visit with her. Now I feel I know why. Maybe she doesn't have time for a breast cancer patient. I was sent there by my surgeon who wanted me to see a certain doctor (who has the highest marks in the oncology field) but was told he is not taking new patients. So I go with the doctor the receptionist suggests.
I have issues with her ... here they are.
1. the very first visit she wants to do chemo. I didn't want that and had to ask for the Oncotype DX test. Good thing I fought not to have chemo. My cancer would not have responded to it.
2. After the second surgery, I had a CT scan. On the scan, we found many spots/nodules on my lungs. My doctor doesn't really address them other than to say that they will just keep an eye on them. I hadn't even started any treatment for bc and for me, being that non chalant didn't sit well.
3. I decide to see a thoracic surgeon. He says 2 of the nodules are semi solid and that is not a good thing. I've read that semi solid nodules are 75% always cancer. This surgeon calls my MO and she tells him it doesn't matter if they are cancer or not. Her treatment will be the same. Remember, I still haven't started any treatment.
4. My last visit, 3 months ago, this MO does blood work. The results are good and she mentions that the tumor markers are back where they should be. Then she says, "I don't know why they were high in the first place". If she read the PET Scan report (for which the RO had to get for me) it said that my breast lit up. "possible neoplasm" I think that might be a reason for the high markers AND that these nodules may be cancer.
SO ... now I see her on the 17th. I am taking Arimidex and hate the SE's. I am almost afraid to tell her about these SE's, because I feel whatever I say will be down played. Quite honestly, I don't like her. I am not comfortable around her. There are 3 doctors in this building (all of whom have many awards for their work and bedside manner) that I want to go to. Is it wrong to switch to doctor within the same practice?
What do you ladies think? Should I stay or should I go?
M
Comments
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i vote for change doctors
I just kicked my doctor to the curb, she was not giving me what i need from my doctor. I meet my new docter yesterday and he is really nice and can not wait to start fighting with me. I is very important you believe in and trut your doctor, they are on your team. they work for you.
good luck
Amie0 -
Advocate
Hi,
You need to be your own advocate. If you are not comfortable with this doctor move on to a new one. Your questions should always be answered and you should always be a part of your treatment plan whatever that may be. No one needs to be treated like a two year old. You are the one with cancer and it is your body. I have learned this myself the hard way. I love my thoracic surgeon. I like my oncologist. He has no bedside manner but he tells me like it is and I like that. He always answers my questions too. Please find someone you click with it is very important. I've actually told my doctors what they are going to do sometimes. You have to have some hootspa and take control. That is JMO.
Best of luck to you.
Terry0 -
I think you have to have the utmost confidencemom62 said:Advocate
Hi,
You need to be your own advocate. If you are not comfortable with this doctor move on to a new one. Your questions should always be answered and you should always be a part of your treatment plan whatever that may be. No one needs to be treated like a two year old. You are the one with cancer and it is your body. I have learned this myself the hard way. I love my thoracic surgeon. I like my oncologist. He has no bedside manner but he tells me like it is and I like that. He always answers my questions too. Please find someone you click with it is very important. I've actually told my doctors what they are going to do sometimes. You have to have some hootspa and take control. That is JMO.
Best of luck to you.
Terry
in your doctors and feel that you're all working as a team toward the same goal--survivorship. Personally, I would not be comfortable with a doctor I couldn't question or talk to as much as I needed to in order to not only understand my situation and treatment, but also formulate a plan of attack.
I love all my doctors--surgeon, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist. They listen and give me all the information I ask for. They were all also recommended to me by other doctors.
Good luck to you--follow your instincts.
Hugs, Renee0 -
One thing for sure
You should not be talked down to. Now perhaps it is just a personality conflict however, do you need the extra stress. I don't think so. Since this has been ongoing perhaps you should switch. I am just hoping it does not delay your treatment. I should think it would not since you mention staying within the same practice.0 -
Switch!cctiz said:No compassion
If you feel uncomfortable around her change her ASAP, our onco HAS to be your friend and confidant, look for other options, research online the doctor reviews first then proceed wish you good luck, hugs
I think you have to be able to trust your oncologist and feel that all your questions and issues are being addressed. It can't be good to be fighting cancer and not feel like your doc is your biggest advocate after yourself.
Angie0 -
No body can tell you to go or stay
this should be up to you. However, i can suggest that you freakin get the hell away from her. Write down what you have here posted and anything else that comes up. Hospitals and treatment centers have a social services department or patient advocates that you can talk to and girl, tell it all. The doctor is supposed to be working for and with you. They are not there to be stuck up or act like they dont have the time for what you would like to discuss or do what is best for you. If she felt that she didnt have time for a breast cancer patient then she should have told you this and made sure that you got the name of a breast oncologist to see. She seems very cold to me, that she doesnt even know what type of treatments you should have already started and need. I realize that some doctors choose not to get attatched to their patients, but this one is beyond not just getting attached. Please find out who else you could see. I had a very bad experience with the first oncologist that i had and after the second visit i chose to switch to someone else and it was a good decision for me. Anytime a doctor doesnt address what you feel needs to be answered and blows you off, then they are not the one for you.
take care god bless
Laura0 -
changing docslolad said:No body can tell you to go or stay
this should be up to you. However, i can suggest that you freakin get the hell away from her. Write down what you have here posted and anything else that comes up. Hospitals and treatment centers have a social services department or patient advocates that you can talk to and girl, tell it all. The doctor is supposed to be working for and with you. They are not there to be stuck up or act like they dont have the time for what you would like to discuss or do what is best for you. If she felt that she didnt have time for a breast cancer patient then she should have told you this and made sure that you got the name of a breast oncologist to see. She seems very cold to me, that she doesnt even know what type of treatments you should have already started and need. I realize that some doctors choose not to get attatched to their patients, but this one is beyond not just getting attached. Please find out who else you could see. I had a very bad experience with the first oncologist that i had and after the second visit i chose to switch to someone else and it was a good decision for me. Anytime a doctor doesnt address what you feel needs to be answered and blows you off, then they are not the one for you.
take care god bless
Laura
I tend to agree with the previous posters who say to change docs. Ultimately, it is up to you--but I think it is important to trust your doctor, esp. your oncologists. After all, it's life or death--yours! Good luck in making the right choice for you!0 -
New Oncologist
Dear Mary,
Perhaps it is time to switch to an oncologist that has some interest in breast cancer. When we don't click with a doctor and there are other choices, why not find some other oncologist that you will feel comfortable and a least on the same page with you.
You have legitimate complaints about this doctor and it would seem a good time to move on.
Wishing you the best,
Doris0 -
New DoctorSIROD said:New Oncologist
Dear Mary,
Perhaps it is time to switch to an oncologist that has some interest in breast cancer. When we don't click with a doctor and there are other choices, why not find some other oncologist that you will feel comfortable and a least on the same page with you.
You have legitimate complaints about this doctor and it would seem a good time to move on.
Wishing you the best,
Doris
It seems like it might be time to find a new Dr. As a patient you have the right to ask your Dr any question regarding your health and receive an answer that you understand and are comfortable with. Furthermore, the dr you are speaking about is not seeing you for a common cold, this dr sees you because you are fighting for your life! And she should be a whole lot more compassionate toward you. You have to and need to have a good rapport with your Dr so that you can feel assured that you are receiving the best possible care. I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with this. Please keep us posted on your decision.
Hugs and God Bless,
Dawne0 -
Ditch...Texasgirl10 said:New Doctor
It seems like it might be time to find a new Dr. As a patient you have the right to ask your Dr any question regarding your health and receive an answer that you understand and are comfortable with. Furthermore, the dr you are speaking about is not seeing you for a common cold, this dr sees you because you are fighting for your life! And she should be a whole lot more compassionate toward you. You have to and need to have a good rapport with your Dr so that you can feel assured that you are receiving the best possible care. I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with this. Please keep us posted on your decision.
Hugs and God Bless,
Dawne
Ditch this chick! See someone who deals with breast cancer, exclusively....
Let us know what you do...
Hugs, Nancy0 -
thank you so much
.....I really did need support on this. As always, my pink sisters come through. I made a call last Thursday to see if I can switch. It was kind of odd that I had to speak with someone other than the appointment desk. I thought I would call and just get a new appointment with whomever I wanted. NOPE.
Anyway, I didn't hear back last week. I just talked to the coordinator and he said the new doctor is cool with seeing me and that I have an appointment for April 26th.
I am feeling relief already. I looked at this doctor's profile and the comments made by other patients. Out of 5 stars he gets a 4.5. Others say his bedside manner is easygoing and caring. THAT's what I really need. He has also authored many publications on his research into breast cancer causes.
SO...I am feeling hopeful again. YAY ME!
lOVE YOU ALL
Mary0 -
Hey DawneTexasgirl10 said:New Doctor
It seems like it might be time to find a new Dr. As a patient you have the right to ask your Dr any question regarding your health and receive an answer that you understand and are comfortable with. Furthermore, the dr you are speaking about is not seeing you for a common cold, this dr sees you because you are fighting for your life! And she should be a whole lot more compassionate toward you. You have to and need to have a good rapport with your Dr so that you can feel assured that you are receiving the best possible care. I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with this. Please keep us posted on your decision.
Hugs and God Bless,
Dawne
How are feeling? I pray for you every night. You are so strong and caring. Thank you for being here for me.
Hugs and God Bless,
Mary0 -
Good for you! That soundsMsGebby said:thank you so much
.....I really did need support on this. As always, my pink sisters come through. I made a call last Thursday to see if I can switch. It was kind of odd that I had to speak with someone other than the appointment desk. I thought I would call and just get a new appointment with whomever I wanted. NOPE.
Anyway, I didn't hear back last week. I just talked to the coordinator and he said the new doctor is cool with seeing me and that I have an appointment for April 26th.
I am feeling relief already. I looked at this doctor's profile and the comments made by other patients. Out of 5 stars he gets a 4.5. Others say his bedside manner is easygoing and caring. THAT's what I really need. He has also authored many publications on his research into breast cancer causes.
SO...I am feeling hopeful again. YAY ME!
lOVE YOU ALL
Mary
Good for you! That sounds very encouraging. Keep us posted.
Angie0 -
Glad you made the switch toMsGebby said:thank you so much
.....I really did need support on this. As always, my pink sisters come through. I made a call last Thursday to see if I can switch. It was kind of odd that I had to speak with someone other than the appointment desk. I thought I would call and just get a new appointment with whomever I wanted. NOPE.
Anyway, I didn't hear back last week. I just talked to the coordinator and he said the new doctor is cool with seeing me and that I have an appointment for April 26th.
I am feeling relief already. I looked at this doctor's profile and the comments made by other patients. Out of 5 stars he gets a 4.5. Others say his bedside manner is easygoing and caring. THAT's what I really need. He has also authored many publications on his research into breast cancer causes.
SO...I am feeling hopeful again. YAY ME!
lOVE YOU ALL
Mary
Glad you made the switch to someone else best wishes! ... Sue D.0 -
Hey MaryMsGebby said:Hey Dawne
How are feeling? I pray for you every night. You are so strong and caring. Thank you for being here for me.
Hugs and God Bless,
Mary
Hey Mary, I'm doing pretty good thanks for asking and thank you for the prayers. I'm glad to read that you've switched Drs. From what you've written so far he sounds great, let us know on the 26th.
Take good care and stay strong friend.
Hugs and God Bless,
Dawne0 -
Cancel the Appointment With Her Immediately
Dear Ms Gebby,
Run away from her as fast as you can. Don't be afraid to change to a new doctor in the same practice. I also was concerned with my first hematology oncologist as she was not good for me but other doctors told me that I have the right to change and not to worry. So...I changed to a younger, open minded, smart hematology oncologist within the same big practice and am so thankful that i did. I was with the first one no more than 6 months.
For some patients, Arimidex does give side effects. Please schedule an appointment with one of the other doctors and be sure to tell that doctor of your side effects. Good luck to you.
Lots of Hugs,
Janelle0 -
Glad you made the switchMsGebby said:thank you so much
.....I really did need support on this. As always, my pink sisters come through. I made a call last Thursday to see if I can switch. It was kind of odd that I had to speak with someone other than the appointment desk. I thought I would call and just get a new appointment with whomever I wanted. NOPE.
Anyway, I didn't hear back last week. I just talked to the coordinator and he said the new doctor is cool with seeing me and that I have an appointment for April 26th.
I am feeling relief already. I looked at this doctor's profile and the comments made by other patients. Out of 5 stars he gets a 4.5. Others say his bedside manner is easygoing and caring. THAT's what I really need. He has also authored many publications on his research into breast cancer causes.
SO...I am feeling hopeful again. YAY ME!
lOVE YOU ALL
Mary
I was given a new onco who was supposed to be the best with bc, no bedside manor, didn't listen to me, knocked my orig onco who I trusted, loved and was her former associate for being too aggressive. Said my chances of recurrence were almost nil, even though it was suspected that it was HRT induced.
8 1/2 years later, recurrence, mets to bones, skin and now liver. Orig onco said with HRT induced, it would most likely recur and is almost always deadly so he gave it the big guns at the first diagnosis which gave me a long dance with ned!
I needed a doctor who would LISTEN, be aggressive, and genuinely care, and I have all of that with my orig onco who I ran to when he went into private practice with what I consider the best cancer group in the region. I don't always agree, but I trust him and am able to express my concerns without being shut down.
Glad you followed your gut, and love that you are hopeful again! Yay you is right!
Carol0
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