Does Anyone *LOVE* their oncologist?

Katalin

Hi all,

Back on the boards, hoping you're all doing well...needed to take a break!  

Can anyone recommend their oncologist in Toronto, preferably PMH, based on listening skills, open-mindedness, perhaps accepting of  complementary therapies?

I'm struggling with mine. My previous oncologist has just moved on, and I've seen this one twice now.  She keeps me waiting 2 or 3 hours, no apologies, rushes, gets info wrong about my file, got very defensive when I questioned the info on the file, gets defensive when I question her on her recommendations, (basically, it's AIs or I'm just a fool) refuses to entertain alternative complementary therapies, orders tests then never calls with the booking, rushes physical (quick squeezes of ankle bones, etc.), tells me she doesn't have time to explain, (twice!), told me to make a special request in advance if I wanted to discuss risk/benifit factors for hormonal therapy (!!!). 

I'm leaning toward not taking AIs after two years of quasi misery with tamoxifen, two weeks of torture on Arimidex, and having done four separate blood level tests of estrogen *on* tamoxifen, on arimidex, on my naturopath's protocol of supplements and diet, and after a delightful bender month with my girlfriend in South America, involving bad diet, drinking, staying up late, shopping, having fun, and, I think, a bout of swine flu.  Guess what?  Estrogen levels were the same.  Why go on AIs then?  Also just broke my ankle and found out via a stray x-ray report that the bone is osteopenic (!) so I'm worried about doing that too, and seeing that the biosphosphonates (sp?) can cause brittle bones eventually.  Sheesh.  Small potatoes in the big world, but it is my world, and I'd like to keep my overall risks to a minimum.

 Anyway, hope someone can suggest something...then I'll go to my lovely GP and ask for a referral.

 *Many* thanks!

Kath

hollyann

Kath, i don't live in Canada but I DO love my onco......If yours doesn't have time to discuss your concerns then RUN don't walk to another oncologist!......This one sounds as though she is either way overloaded or just doesn't give a crap!........I am so sorry you are having so many issues with your onc.....Good luck finding a new one.........I know a few ladies here go to PMH...Hopefully they will be along soon.....

Katalin

Thanks, Hollyann...that's what I think too.  I think the PMH group can get overworked and busy, but sometimes I think if your square-peg self doesn't fit into their round hole, you get pushed aside.  I appreciate the feedback.

K

wallycat

I LOVE my oncologist...but I am in Wisconsin.

I fired the first one because he seemed to talk down to me.

This one actually ASKS me to feel free to send him studies, admits when he doesn't know something and emails me with answers if I have questions!

Katalin

Hi Wallycat,

I think I'd have to be asleep, and dreaming, before my oncologist would invite a discussion or email exchange...Glad you like yours!  Wisconsin is far!  Hoping some of my Canadian Toronto and area sisters will also have some good suggestions...  Thanks!

K 

Beesie

Kath, I had Dr. Ian Tannock at PMH.  Can't say that I loved him - he seemed a bit distant - but then I only met him twice.  The first time, he recommended against Tamoxifen for me, saying that he felt that the risks and side effects would outweigh the benefits. His recommendation surprised me and he did say that he would prescribe it if I wanted.  The second time, when I came back after doing my own research on Tamoxifen, I agreed that Tamoxifen didn't make sense for me.  So we didn't have much to talk about.  He would have continued to see me but since I wasn't on chemo or hormone therapy, I didn't see the point. 

Given your concerns about AIs and the fact that your current oncologist doesn't seem open to discussing the problems you've been having, Tannock might be someone to consider.  Maybe someone else will pop by who's had experience with him and offer more info.

Katalin

Hi Beesie, I *knew* I'd hear from you!  Thanks for your input.  Just a few days ago, I discovered via research that our risk levels go down in some ways, after 3 years...it's confusing, because the SFX of the hormonal treatment seems not be worth it for the potential benefit. It's like if we make it past 3 years without recurrence, our risks for recurrence go down again.  And it seems that the risk calculators show that *longevity* is not increased on AIs. I know we're all physically different and these decisions are very complicated;  that's why I'm willing to listen to my oncologist, but I want all the facts.  Not just a black or white:  take it, or you're wrong.  I can't believe this oncologist wouldn't be willing to explain risk to me.  Well, to be fair, she did, but it was very rushed, under duress, and we didn't have time to discuss the results of the calculator(!!) and she didn't give me a copy of it to take with me....eeeeeee....that was the time she didn't have time to explain things.  I wonder why I should continue seeing my oncologist under these circumstances.  It seems that if we don't have evidence of disease, and if I decide against AIs or tamoxifen, there's really nothing they do for us.  My GP is more useful than this oncologist. Sigh.

crazy4carrots

Katalin:  I don't have a recommendation for you as I no longer live in Toronto.  However, I would try to encourage you to hook up with an oncologist, even if you are not on hormone therapy.  It's good to have someone in your back pocket in case you have symptoms of recurrence or mets (not saying you will! -- this is a "just in case" situation that we all live with). For example, it may be easier to get referrals for testing through an onc (and faster too).

Some who are not on hormone therapy continue to see their BS annually (I think Beesie does this?), who then prescribes annual scans such as MRI.  Perhaps that's another option for you.

As for who you should see:  why not check through some of the postings on this Canadian forum and pm those who have talked favourably about their onc.  That might get you quicker and more detailed responses than an open forum.

Good wishes from Linda

Sheff

Hi Katlin,

I have been with Dr. Rebecca Dent at Sunnybrook and do *love* her.  She listens, explains things, takes her time with me, and if I suggest something and she doesn't agree she takes her time to explain why in terms I can understand -- so I end up feeling comfortable with the decision.

Sheff 

mke

I don't "love' my oncologist, but we had a good working relationship.  He is Dr. David Warr at PMH.  He seemed willing enough to answer questions and was speedy with test results.  I wasn't interested in alternative/complimentary therapies so we didn't discuss that.  I didn't want to go on AIs and he did a little calculating and said it wouldn't make much difference for me anyway.  I don't really remember waiting times but I don't think it was ever so much as 3 hours.  He has colleagues that he works with, I saw him regularaly while in active treatment but I'm now on a once a year and I usually see one of his colleagues. 

Katalin

Hi Sheff & mke...Dr. Dent sounds wonderfulJust what we want in any health care provider...I'll look into whether it's possible to switch hospitals altogether, or if that makes sense.  

Otherwise, Dr. Warr sounds good: much better than the person I'm seeing now.  

It just occurs to me I have another friend who went through this whole rigamarole recently...maybe she knows someone too.

Thanks for your input. 

dreamwriter

My oncologist is Dr. Amir - I dont get to see him very often though.... he is like the head of a team of doctors.  He is British and funny.  The doctor I usually see is Dr. Jamie Sheiner and she is amazing.  She keeps me informed and has a sense of humor as well as a reassuring manner.  I know that they sort of conference my care but it all seems to be going well.

edited to add that I am a patient at PMH.

Katalin

Thanks very much for your input, dreamwriter.... Dr. Amir sounds nice, as does Dr. Sheiner.  Man it would be nice to have someone amusing and/or amusing and/or reassuring...I'll ask my GP if she can recommend the change. Or maybe I can ask at PMH, the survivorship group...THANKS!!!

 Kat 

Katalin

Hey!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Dreamwriter!!!  I hope it's a good one!

Chancesmom

I see Dr Hana Kocandrle at Sunnybrook/ Odette Cancer clinic.

She is amazing, I just love her. She is warm compassionate and very understanding. When I have had questions, she will even call me at home and explain things, She's asked me if I want to come and see her to talk when I had concerns....and.... I didn't have an appt. That says a lot to me.

 I have been in screening for several years now and have been having issues lately. Dr. Kocandrle is an amazing Dr. I can't say enough nice things about her. I see her compassion with the other patients and it warms my heart. 

She's a keeper! 

Katalin

Thanks, Chancesmom....It's really wonderful to have someone like that on your side.  Phoning you at home, taking the time to talk, compassionate....  This is really making me realize that my current situation is not really tolerable. I hope your issues are resolved soon! Thanks for sharing!  

mumito

My oncs are all fantastic but I am treated in the new cancer centre at Oshawa. If you live in the burbs Pm me and I will give you more info.

Katalin

Thanks, mumayan...I'm downtown Toronto, with no car, so Oshawa would be too hard.  Glad you love your team!!!  

jaesue

Hi Katalin,

I know you wanted a PMH onc but can I suggest the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook.  I am currently seeing Dr. Petrella.  She is a great doctor and the nurse who helps her (Debbie) is incredible.  Its the nurses who really make your day.  They are thoughtful, great listeners and very proactive.  When I was "freaking" out cause I thought I found another lump, they booked me to get tests right away.  They do everything to put your mental mind at ease not just your physical state.  The residents that work with Dr.Petrella are equally friendly and take the time to listen to the patient.  Also wait times are not crazy, I have never waited more than an hour to see the doctor.  Also the Odette centre has a nurse just for young women with breast cancer.  The nurse is Stephanie, she is equally incredible.  They are great about listening, making you feel comfortable and putting one at ease.  The pharmicists are also great people who love what they are doing.  It is a very positive environment and I like going to the hospital minus the chemo. 

dreamwriter

I am relatively stable and still get scans every 3 to 6 months.  With a follow up visit to discuss.  The only think standing in my path between me and happiness is fatigue and pain.

Katalin

Great to hear, Jaesue, thanks...Sounds like the Sunnybrook group is a good one!  And  yes, visits to the hospital minus the chemo is a VERY nice thing!