Has anyone switched Oncologist after chemo?

Septmom

I am about to start chemo this week Thursday. I have yet to be sold on my oncologist. He was highly recommended by my surgeon who I really like. I feel he is sharp etc but just lacks a personal feel etc. I hear how so many patients really like their MO. I am not sure I really like mine. I know I will have to see this guy for years. Just wondering if anyone has switched after going through chemo?

Linda-n3

I switched MOs this year. Unfortunately, I wish I had done it BEFORE chemo. My first MO just did not listen to me, ended up giving me chemo that caused permanent peripheral neuropathy and I still got recurrence and mets. I never really trusted her, just could not be compliant with some meds that made me feel so bad, and she didn't offer options or help in dealing with SEs. So I got recurrence & mets, now have a really good MO. Outcome may have been no different between them, but the path would have been different. It is very very important to be able to trust your MO and work with him/her. It can make a huge difference in your path. If you have not yet started chemo, it might be reasonable to at least get a second opinion, and most MOs are not offended if you do get a second opinion (and if they ARE offended, I would be even more wary!). Best wishes!

NatsFan

I also switched after chemo, and like Linda wish I had done it a lot earlier. My original onc was technically proficient - I have no issues with the cancer treatment I received, but he was a cold fish personally. Also, he was focused on treating just the cancer, and not the whole patient, and therefore had little patience and fewer suggestions when I'd raise issues and ask advice about how to cope with s/e and other QOL issues that are part and parcel of cancer treatment.

I did a lot more research before settling on my current onc. She's fabulous and really gets QOL issues - she treats all of me, not just the cancer. I absolutely adore her.

Denise-G

If you don't feel like you can place your life entirely in your Onc's hands, run don't walk to a new one.

I feel a great Oncologist and your relationship with him or her is absolutely necessary. I write a BC Blog and hear from hundreds of women -- so many regret not changing Oncologist when they had the chance since the relationship goes on for years and years.

They work for you!

Anneinfla

Yes, I changed onc. After my chemo.  I felt like I was on an assembly line. Very uncommunicative, and when he was he told I just needed calm down. So, when his office forgot to call my surgeon to let him know I had completed chemo, I called Moffitt in Tampa. It may be an hour away, but I am a human being there. If you are not comfortable for any reason with your doctor, get another one! 

Cowgirl13

I didn't change after chemo....I changed after I signed up with one onc.  While sitting in the waiting room for quite awile (I arrived very early) I began to get the picture....the practice was like an assembly line and I knew that if I ever had a problem I wouldn't feel I could ask for help.  Fortunately i received a referral to my new onc....knew right away when he walked thru the door that this was going to work.  I just love him and know that if I had any problems, concerns, anything...that they would be on it right away.  So don't worry--just get yourself out of there and find someone you feel good with.  You will be seeing him for at least 5 years.  Good luck!

Anonymous

Just to throw this out there.  My MO has left our health system to move out of state and I am scheduled to meet with a new one in August.  The new one's photo on the website makes her look about 10 years old !!!  Really??  I am in my 50's so am hoping she is as knowledgeable as my previous onc.  We have actually had several doctors leaving our health system in the last 3 years.  Should I be worried about this?  But not much to be done I guess.  

NatsFan

Shelly - I'm in my 50's, and the first time I met my PS, I thought she was about 14.  She was tiny, with a very young face, and was wearing cute sox with little kittens on them.  As my dh said when she left the room, "I kept getting the feeling that she was going to ask us to buy Girl Scout cookies so her troop could go to Six Flags!"  She also turned out to be an excellent surgeon who really listened to me and did everything she could to give me exactly what I wanted.  I am extremely pleased with my recon.  

Youth can be a disadvantage because they don't have the experience, but it can also be an advantage because they're up on the latest research and techniques.  I also find that younger doctors, especially women, tend to have more of a collaborative approach and work as a team with the patient.  They also tend to reach out to colleagues more for advice and consultation when they're faced with a new situation.  It seems that older doctors, especially older male doctors, tend to have that old-fashioned doctor-as-god mentality and they don't always appreciate having an informed patient who asks pertinent questions.  Obviously that's a broad statement and there are exceptions to every rule, but I've been in Cancer World for over 6 years now, and that's largely been my experience. 

I see by your sig that you've been in Cancer World for a long time too, so you have a breadth of experience that newer patients might not have.  Why not see the onc and see what she's like?  If you can work with her and feel comfortable, then that's great.  Don't hesitate to ask questions - how she reacts could be a good indicator of how your relationship will go.  If you don't feel comfortable, then keep trying until you find an onc that's the right fit for you. 

Anonymous

NatsFan - good advice - thank you !  I will wait and see if we click or not.  As I explained at my one and only psychologist appointment 2 years ago, sometimes oncs just don't "get" me.  I still think that is the case for some because they have never walked in our shoes, nor faced what we faced.  They can only understand up to a certain degree, but beyond that no.  Oh you can bet I will have all kinds of questions for her, most importantly, what follow-ups will be done in the next 5 years.  take care 

NatsFan

My MO is a b/c survivor who spent 5 years on Tamox.  Talk about having an onc who "gets" b/c and all the associated QOL issues!   I feel very lucky to have found her.    Good luck to you in your search and I hope the initial consult goes well!