How can I switch my oncologist within MSKCC?

LelaMiller

hi, could anyone help provide any advice that I can switch oncologist within MSKCC? I was assigned to an oncologist based on availability. The oncologist I want to see will not be available until Mar. Talked to patient reps and explained that the one I want has special research focus on the cancer type I have. However, they said no, they explained that they work like a team. However, I really feel not confident at all to see my current oncologist. Any advice? Any reason strong enough for me to switch after my first visit? Otherwise I  most likely will have to find someone at other facility in Manhattan or any basking ridge MSK oncologist you would recommend? Thanks so much!

juneping

hi,

i also went to Sloan...yes, they are strict. like you, i called and they assigned me an onco based on availability and i googled her and she only got 3 stars. i went to their website and saw the page with all the MO pictures lol, i picked one looked kind and googled her name and it's 5 star. so i asked to see her and waited 3 more weeks. my BS wanted me to start treatment within a month after surgery and i waited a little longer than that (waited 6 weeks). i am glad i waited. the reason i decided to go with this one bc slona offers integrative MD which is very helpful to me personally. 

LelaMiller

Thank you for sharing. I felt so bad that I followed what my BS suggested to see an oncologist before March. Actually, after my first visit, there is no such urgency at all. My score is very low. However, I am in my 30's. My oncologist was not sure whether she would provide me any sever therapy. So I am not confident on her suggestion. I really want to switch to someone at MSKCC. Just don't know how... Thanks again! Best luck!

juneping

actually i wouldn't worry about it too much. it's pretty standard in each hospital. a diff MO in the same facility is going to give you the same treatment plan. you can always try another hospital. but i think how much the MO care makes all the difference. i've read there's a MO told the patient to go home and die...or some MO gets annoyed if you ask more questions.

but if your heart is set on chemo, sloan is probably the best for you. i read a lot about taxol and taxtere and MO at sloan def know what the pros and cons of both drugs and honest about it. if you decide to do chemo, beware that they are aggressive about it.

Cynbest

You may want to get a 2nd opinion anyway. I was treated at Mount Sinai's Dubin Breast Center with Dr Adelson and she is AMAZING. They are smaller but on the cutting edge. If you google her, you'll see how awesome she is. Wouldn't trade my care with her for anything!!

Cynbest

You may want to get a 2nd opinion anyway. I was treated at Mount Sinai's Dubin Breast Center with Dr Adelson and she is AMAZING. They are smaller but on the cutting edge. If you google her, you'll see how awesome she is. Wouldn't trade my care with her for anything!!

LelaMiller

Thank you so much for sharing. Yes, I have to get second opinion as they are talking Chemo I may need. However, there is debate about this. My score is less than 10. However, I am in my 30's They had a concern about my age and the tumor size about 3cm (stage IIA). In the search for second opinion.

janemarie

Would anyone be able to recommend an oncologist from MSKCC?  My current onc. is just not the right fit for me.  Has anyone ever switched oncologists period? 

sandcastle

I do not think you will have a problem.....my friend did at my group in NJ not problem....I also fired my Breast Doc.....you are in charge....so just do it your way....Liz

jessica749

Ugh, hate that "work like a team" line.  On the other hand, I understand and respect why they play it the way they do: discouraging switching in order to facilitate collegial relations among professionals, not competitive "eat what you kill' ones like some law firms…Perhaps that's a bad analogy, but you get my point.  You wrote this a while ago, wonder if you got any satisfaction. 

sophie786

hi. whats the name of Your MO at sloan?

sophie786

hAVE ANY of you ladies had luck with MO at MSKCC? could you pm which MO you have. they all do the same thing in the same hospital but BED SIDE MANNER and aLOT compassion are even more lethal on cancer than chemo. working with a compatible MO makes alot of difference. We are fighting the battles of life so you want one who is compassionate but who knows their stuff and is cutting edge.