Active Surveilance Follow-ups with Doc or Assistant (PA orNP)

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Bobbie51
Bobbie51 Member Posts: 12 Member
edited October 2020 in Kidney Cancer #1

Hi,

Im helping my mother deal with her small renal mass under Active Surveilance. Her Doctor, a kidney oncologist/surgeon, is having his PA meet with us for all follow ups.  We asked to meet with the doctor but were rebuffed by the secretary saying it was his policy to have the PA do the follow-ups. Seems somewhat calous to me as my mother hasnt seen the Doctor for over a year now. What has your experience been like?

Comments

  • Bay Area Guy
    Bay Area Guy CSN Member Posts: 623 Member
    edited October 2020 #2
    I was at Stanford and had

    I was at Stanford and had active surveillance for about 2-1/2 years.  I always saw the urologic oncologist.

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo CSN Member Posts: 3,362
    edited October 2020 #3
    There is no one size fits all

    If its A SMALL RENAL MASS any competent Pa should be able to identify and report to the big guy before it gets big and bad especialty if his pa practice  is limited to one specialist like this.,

     

     

     

     

    icemanttoo

  • medic1971
    medic1971 Member Posts: 225 Member
    edited October 2020 #4
    2 Years for me

    I was on AS for two years.  My mass was 5mm when first discovered.  The next year 8mm and the following year 2.3cm.  The first couple of times I did see the PA, but when that sucker hit 2.3cm I told the PA I wanted to talk to the doctor.  This was at MD Anderson so I had faith in the PA for my urologist. 

     

    You, or your mom, have the right to see the doctor, not the PA if you so want.  

     

    How big is the mass?  

  • AliceB1950
    AliceB1950 CSN Member Posts: 251
    edited October 2020 #5
    One doctor I have to see for

    One doctor I have to see for something else has a PA who I MUCH prefer seeing since he's better at explaining things and gives me a little more time. I also see the doctor briefly at these appointments, but if I have questions, I prefer the PA. It's also an active surveillance situation.

  • Bobbie51
    Bobbie51 Member Posts: 12 Member
    edited October 2020 #6
    thanks for the feedback.

    thanks for the feedback. I think we will be looking for a new doctor.  anyone have any recommendations for a good urologist in Boston?

  • medic1971
    medic1971 Member Posts: 225 Member
    edited October 2020 #7
    Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

    While I don't know any in Boston, I don't think you could go wrong by going to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  They are ranked 6th in the US according to US News and World Reports

     

    Source:

    https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/ma/dana-farber-cancer-institute-6140583

  • Bobbie51
    Bobbie51 Member Posts: 12 Member
    edited October 2020 #8
    medic1971 said:

    Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

    While I don't know any in Boston, I don't think you could go wrong by going to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  They are ranked 6th in the US according to US News and World Reports

     

    Source:

    https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/ma/dana-farber-cancer-institute-6140583

    thanks.

    She's at Mass General, obviously highly rated too, but if she cant see the Doctor, ratings don't matter too much. I saw you previously asked about her mass. It's 11mm and a Bosniak III.

  • theodore51
    theodore51 Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2020 #9
    watchful waiting

    My tumor was found a few years ago. It is slowing growing, per yearly CTs, and presumed malignant. Urologist sees me yearly. I have multiple medical issues and until it is without question necessary for treatment, he is just following. Tumor is now 2.5x2.8cm but he says at this point it is still more dangerous in my case to do anything,too risky,so leave it for now. I think if that is also your mother's case,once a qualified person reads the CT, it would probably be ok for a PA or NP to follow up and discuss results. However, if your mother wants to talk to an actual Dr. to get her questions answered and explore options, she should be able to see him.

  • tgpath1
    tgpath1 CSN Member Posts: 97 Member
    edited May 2021 #10
    Bobbie51 said:

    thanks.

    She's at Mass General, obviously highly rated too, but if she cant see the Doctor, ratings don't matter too much. I saw you previously asked about her mass. It's 11mm and a Bosniak III.

    I realize this post is a few

    I realize this post is a few months old but if you haven't found anyone yet, I highly recommend Dr. Steven Chang at Dana Farber.  He is my urologist and he sees me for every appointment!!  I talk to his PA sometimes but actual appointments are wtih him and he is amazing!!

  • Liely
    Liely Member Posts: 17 Member
    edited May 2021 #11
    Bay Area Guy said:

    I was at Stanford and had

    I was at Stanford and had active surveillance for about 2-1/2 years.  I always saw the urologic oncologist.

    Hello Bay Area Guy,

    Hello Bay Area Guy,

    Can you please let me know who's your doctor at Stanford and are you happy with the care there.

    Thanks!

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