What to look for in a MO - any veterans who can help?

Ddkath70

Paging Dr. Gregory House...............

I was diagnosed 3/24 with IDC (with DCIS). It's been a whirlwind really, I've been moving quickly on this as it's the only way I know how. Get it done, right? UGH...

I had a lumpectomy on 4/2 with sentinel node biopsy - 2/3 nodes were positive. Cue the nightmare music...then I heard the words Chemo and I'm pretty sure my whole body went numb and my knees buckled. I also don't think I was breathing. Also, while my margins were clean they did find some pre-cancer cells on one side, so we are going back in to clean that up on 4/16. My Dr brought it to the board to discuss, and they suggested let's just be safe and get that out of there. I'm all for it, get that melonballer ready and scoop that sh$t out! 

In the meantime, it seems like hundreds of appointments are being made for me, and I received my itinerary for next week. I had an appointment with a Radiation Oncologist on 4/17, but now that surgery is 4/16 and I'm not going to be going to that. I know it's not major surgery and technically I will be fine, but last time I was in some pain, took pain meds and slept all day. So, I rescheduled it, but then they were going to give me another Dr because they were trying to reschedule it to a day that I was going to be there already. And, I thought uh oh, what if the other Dr was better and that's who my surgeon recommended? Of course a million things went through my head, and I researched both. The new one was not radiology board certified. So, I panicked and rescheduled it again with the original Dr. who is board certified, but I have to wait until 4/28. Sh&t just got real. 

Sorry for the long story, but anyone have specific credentials that they look for in a MO? I'm looking for some kind of oncology genius - how do you pick them out? Where's Dr. House when you need him??????

Thanks!

farmerlucy

HI Ddkath - I originally went with the MO my BS sent me to, but switched later when I discovered a satellite clinic in my hometown. I chose a younger MO (mid-forties) because I knew I'd have the relationship for a number of years. I know I'm in the right place because of the quiet, gentle, but firm advice she gives me. Also the atmosphere at the clinic is awesome. Everyone there is really caring, and I actually look forward to my appointments because I feel safe knowing they are taking such good care of me. It was important to me that I stay in the same hospital group, and also that my PCP (who is not in the group) can share records with my MO. Best of luck. I can tell by your post that you have a great attitude and that will really help!

BrooksideVT

Yes, I too wanted everything right away too--there is so much stress, so much to learn, and such pressure to get it all together.  Breast cancer, at least early breast cancer, just seems to involve so many choices, and so much research, and all the pieces need to fit together.  Your topic is MO (medical oncologist), yet your post seems to be about your RO (radiation oncologist).  As for the RO, s/he is usually scheduled around the time your incisions heal, because treatment can't start until that's been taken care of, so the 28th is fairly normal.  I did not have chemo, but I'm pretty sure that, with some exceptions, the same holds true for that.

I had a recommendation for my MO.  My hospital had a program that, if you wished, matched you with someone who had a similar diagnosis, or treatment choice, or age, or (whatever) concern.  My buddy strongly recommended her doc, and I asked for him.  When I called to make the appointment, it seemed so far away, that I "expressed my concern" to the secretary.  Clearly, I sounded pretty frantic, because a couple of days later, the MO telephoned me, apologized for not being available, and spent an hour addressing that first round of concerns.

Chances are your hospital has some sort of support program.  You may not want to join, but you could call whomever runs it and ask if one of the members would speak with you.  Chances are she'll have heard a lot about the different docs.

mjm1

Hi DDkath,

When my mum was diagnosed, she read online somewhere that women who are involved in picking their own medical team had better outcomes - but we had no experience in this area and freaked out a bit. 

Her doctor had referred her to a surgeon, but at this point we didn't know if we should go with him or hunt around.

What I did (and this was before we found these websites) was contact the 2 people I knew through work who I thought were most likely to know people who might know, and they put out some feelers for me. We were so grateful to hear back through this grapevine from a number of women including doctors and patients (or both). Different surgeons names came up, but one MOs name kept coming up as being 'the best' - both by patients and by a doctor who said this onc was 'who her dr friends go to'. i figured that means she's got the expertise + the bedside manor. (and bonus, turns out she's married to the original surgeon mum was referred to). 

Other factors in their favour - involved in research, which I figure further increases the chances they'll be at the forefront of new developments, work at a specialist clinic so loads of experience in the area, and both are great communicators.

I had no idea I had such great 'networks' - it's amazing how many people have a friend/mother/sister/aunt who has had bc, and they were so generous with their advice.

I adore  mums doctors and hope you find a fantastic mo. Best wishes.

Ddkath70

thanks ladies! Yes, my post is confusing, but there's a good reason- I'm confused!  Lol. My confirmation said it was with a radiation oncologist, so then when does the medical oncologist come in?  I'm having a second surgery this Wednesday and then the real battle starts! 

I appreciate all of your views and advice. I'm at the Mayo Clinic so I don't think that I can necessarily get a bad Dr., I just of course want the best and just wondered if there were specific credentials to look for. 

Brook side, it sounds like you have a great place. I will check to see what Mayo has in terms of programs and support. 

Thank you!!

BrooksideVT

My hospital had a social worker who organized those initial appointments.  Other areas have nurse navigators.  Do you have someone like that?  If in doubt, you can call your surgeon; he or his secretary can fill you in on what happens when.  As I see you had a couple of positive nodes, it's for sure that you want to get started bombarding your MO with questions, so yes, you are absolutely right to get proactive in lining up that referral.

vbishop

D -

The MO is your oncologist who is the one driving the bus:  all the other docs should be communicating with him/her.  If you require radiation, you will also have a radiation oncologist.  The medical oncologist decides chemo type, how often, etc. then hormone therapy later if required.  This is the person who, long term, will be providing your care.  The MO is the one you will see on a regular basis to check for recurrence, whether it be bloodwork, imaging, physical exam, etc.

I recommend that you go with your gut....

I stayed with all my doctors that my surgeon recommended and I couldn't be happier with my team.  The oncologist, surgeon, and plastic surgeon are all from different clinics and practices.  They are not "connected" in any way.  Yet the communication between my "cancer" team and my "normal" team (primary doc and OBGYN) is nothing short of fantastic!! I've been on the opposite end of a similar situation years ago where the doctors did NOT chat with each other. What a nightmare.  But now, if I visit with one and voice a concern, my other docs are calling me to make sure I'm okay or to schedule an appointment.  How cool is that?! 

Good luck!!