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Active Surveilance Follow-ups with Doc or Assistant (PA orNP)
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Oct 22, 2020 - 7:08 pm
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? |
Joined: Jun 2016
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.
Joined: Jan 2010
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
Joined: Sep 2015
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?
Joined: Jun 2019
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.
Joined: Sep 2020
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?
Joined: Sep 2015
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
Joined: Sep 2020
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.
Joined: Nov 2020
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.