Know Saratoga, NY Med Oncs - Jaski/Schlossberg

nancyu

I live north of Albany and am changing my medical onc because of my dissatisfaction with the local providers.  I have Stage 3, ER/PR+, HER-neu from 0 to 3 depending on which path sample you look at, and 5/18 nodes were positive.  I had a mastectomy on one side and a lumpectomy on the other.  I have had 4 surgeries, chemo, rad, am to the HT phase started TRAM reconstruction downstate.

Has anyone been patients of Dr. Jaski or Dr. Schlossberg?  I want to be sure that we are "compatible". 

Do they listen to you and take your specific limitations and resources into consideration?  Do they show any empathy?  Are they warm or all cold and clinical? Are they ready to run out the door if you bring up the emotional side of cancer?  Do they take into account depression, etc. or send you off to psych?  Do they mind questions?  Are they willing to take the time to talk to you or are they always in a rush?  Do they take calls or leave the room during your appointment?

mzmiller99

I am from near Lake George.  I don't know your Saratoga guys, but I LOVE my Saratoga med onco - Dr. Mastrianni at 3 Care Lane.  He is so compassionate, takes all the time I need, loves to explain stuff (makes printouts for me and actually takes the time to explain them!). 

 According to my rads onco at Albany Med, he is a chemo guru. 

He was very happy to order the Oncotype DX for me, partly because I was an emotional wreck about NOT doing chemo, and he wanted to make sure I was comfortable with the decision.

He's in a practice, but I don't see the other docs, so I can't speak to their empathy. 

There is another poster from Albany on here, but I don't know who she sees...?

Good luck. It's so discouraging when you don't feel validated by your doctors.

Susan

everyminute

I live south of Albany and have met with Dr. Mastrianni - on the recommendation of a friend and loved him but he was simply too far away for me to usefor treatment.  His recommendations for chemo did match my current onc anyway.  I dont love my onc in albany - a very good dr. so I have heard but not very compassionate and scares me  - not gloom and doom but not very positive either :-(

 Another friend of mine's mom has been with Jasky for 8 years and loves him!!!!  He treated her (stage 2/3) very agressively and still follows every six months just because. 

Not sure where you are but I have also heard wonderful things about Dr. Castro in Glens Falls 

 Good luck!

nancyu

Thank you for the info.

Dr. Castro moved his practice to Amsterdam a year ago, I believe it was tied in somehow with his recent marriage.  I did not know him.

NYCarol

I live about 20 miles from Saratoga and pass many other oncologists offices to get to Dr. Mastriani.  He is so outstanding.  Kind, caring, and top notch.  A small 2 physician practice.  Just perfect IMHO.  I have been a patient of his for over 6 years and have never heard of a single patient who changed oncologists once they were his patient.

 Best of luck to you.

Carol

NYCarol

I should have answered the rest of your questions.  I have never known Dr. Mastrianni to take a phone call or leave the room while I was with him (although I'm sure he would in an emergency).  He listens, understands the psychological problems and actually brings them up.  He does not mind questions, and never makes you feel you are taking too much of his time.  He is one of those doctors who makes you feel that you are his only patient while you are with him.  And he is easy on the eyes too!

Carol

Anonymous

Nancy----Dr Jaski is my oncologist.  He is very patient and trys to answer all my questions, never makes me feel rushed, is very kind and compassionate. He listens to my thoughts on things, tells me his views and listens to my concerns. I've been going to him for 5 years now. I would definitely recommend him. I don't know Dr. Schlosssberg from the patient stand point, but I have met him at work and he seems very approachable.  Actually, my father in law had an appointment with him the other day and liked him.

ryjuem

Nancy,

I wouldn't be surprised if you are changing from NYOH to another provider.  It's a big and somewhat impersonal place...individually the people are ok, but the whole business is rather unfriendly.

A friend of mine has been with Dr. Mastrianni and has been very happy.

I have heard of the other docs you mention - are they at Riverview? I've heard both positive and negative about that office.

Everyone's journey is different - good luck.  Why don't you check out Gilda's Club in Latham.  It's a great place to meet people with the same kinds of concerns.

http://www.gccrny.org/

nancyu

I saw Dr. Sponzo in the group at Glens Falls Hospital twice - after my mastectomy, and the week I was to start chemo.  The day before I started chemo, I switched to Dr. Gillani.

I went to Sloan for a 2nd opinion after meeting Dr. Sponzo.  I went to UVM for a 3rd on the Herceptin issue.

I don't even want to get into it.  I am looking forward to the type of doctor and care I am used to and deserve.

mzmiller99

NYCarol - your post about Dr. Mastrianni being "easy on the eyes' made me LOL...that's just how I describe him.  And his calm, caring, demeanor belies his pitbull mentality when it comes to fighting cancer. 

I'm so sorry that I ever had to become his patient, but there's no one else I'd rather have treat me for this d*amn stuff!

My good friend went to Dr. Castro for years for her rare type of cancer.  She lives in Glens Falls and drives to Amsterdam just to continue with him.  Thank God for these great doctors way up here in the woods!!

Susan