How do I pick an oncologist?

myajames

I'm positive that this task requires a level of adulting that I haven't quite mastered. My surgeon gave me the names of 6 oncologists. What am I supposed to do with that? Make an appointment with each one, and chose the The Bachelor style? Should I research online? How do I know when I've found "the one".

Maybe I should google, How to pick an oncologist?

Overwhelmed and refusing to be an adult,

mya

MelissaDallas

I think one thing that will weed them out really fast is simply the fact that you are going for LCIS. I saw one who was very dismissive. I don't think he wanted to mess with me because I had a prior pulmonary embolism during ovarian cancer and couldn't take Evista. This was right before they started recommending AIs for chemoprevention. He told me I just had "a little teeny spot" of LCIS, which isn't the way LCIS works and to "go out and live my life and forget about it."

LisaAlissa

It is amazing how they expect you to choose. ::rolling eyes:: And wouldn't it be nice if we could turn it all over to someone else?

Melissa has some good thoughts. But I'd start by seeing which one (or ones) are in-network on your insurance plan. Then if I had a good relationship with another medical professional (PCP or nurse), I'd show them the (remaining) list and ask for assistance in either choosing or eliminating some of them.

And definitely research on-line. You want to know who is board-certified, or what sort of things they have to say about what they consider to be their specialties/special interests. And whether any of them have formal complaints filed against them. Are they involved in any clinical trials? (You can find out if their office is involved in any breast cancer/LCIS clinical trials by asking their office...before an initial appointment.)

And then, yes, it is a matter of chemistry. Do you think you work with them? Does their "style" of presenting info/choices match with yours?

If all else fails, post your location in a thread on the LCIS board and ask for recommendations.

HTH,

LisaAlissa

Anonymous

myajames, here's a great resource and sending you a PM.

http://www.sistersnetworkinc.org/mission.html

leaf

In addition to the excellent advice above (especially about getting an onc in your insurance network), I'd also put a priority on their 'bedside manner'. If I had something really life threatening (like a stroke), I'd want the best doc out there regardless of his/her bedside manner. Since LCIS is not life threatening, and you may be seeing him/her for a number of years, then I think bedside manner is a higher priority than if I just had a stroke. I got 'eased' out of seeing my onc after 10 years because probably its a waste of their time.

Knowledge is important too, though. I was rather put off by one onc visit where I asked if I should continue tamoxifen after 5 years. She asked me if I had invasive breast cancer. But I am skeptical of how much she really keeps track of LCIS, since it is much less serious than DCIS or invasive breast cancer.

Now, I know that isn't anywhere as bad as women who have had bilateral mastectomies, and when their doc comes in the room they ask her when she had her last mammogram. (Some women have replied, "I don't have any mamms to gram.")

Jenwith4kids

I'd also choose someone on the young side. This will be a life long relationship (and yes, you will have a long life). Plus, I have found, in my limited experience, thst the younger docs are more likely to stray from standard of care - in a good way. For example, my doc will read and discuss with me an article I bring to her attention. My friend who's doc is older in the same practice is not getting that same sort of support. Even my doc admitted that the older, stodgier docs in the practice are less likely to do or not do somethings.

Good luck!

leaf

I think that's a good point, Jennwith4kids.

I read something from an experienced doc who said that they'd rather have a younger doc do things like insert a port than a more experienced one. That's because the younger doc is more apt to follow all the rules and not take short cuts.

My new, young gyn finally got me the testing I had wanted done for years. I think she's more knowledgeable than older people.

But my PCP is near retirement age, and I've found his input important too: he knew (even though his practice has a LOT of pediatrics in it) that they don't know much about predicting about breast cancer. None of the 4 other docs for this problem said that.

I do think it is essential to have an initial visit so you can see what it is like to be a patient of that onc. You want a doc that you can at least 'get along with'.

614

I would ask the nurse navigator at your local hospital whether there is a "living with breast cancer support group" in your area.  Go to the group and find out which MO the ladies in the group recommend.  Medical personnel have to give you all names of doctors and they cannot recommend a particular doctor.  BC patients can be honest with you.  I would also check to see who is in-network with your insurance and follow all of the advise of the women on this thread.

My MO is in her 60's.  She is "THE Guru".  She is absolutely phenomenal.  She keeps up with the latest research and she will even come in at 6:00am to meet with a new patient.  I am so lucky that she is my MO.  I hope that she never retires!

Good luck in your search.

Opt4Life

As everyone mentioned, ask the nurse navigator. I personally am using the oncologist who was used by some women I know (from all stafes)who are surviving this dreaded disease. The best recommendation one can get (in my opinion) is from someone in your predicament.

NatsFan

All this advice is great - when I wanted to change oncs I called my PCP, my breast surgeon, the rad onc, and friends who had gone through cancer. I got a lot of names, but one name in particular kept popping up. I started off with a consult appointment with her, and made it clear that I wasn't definitely coming there, but wanted a consult to review my case and meet her. As it turned out I adored her from the get go, and have been with her ever since. But if we had not clicked, I would have visited a 2nd, 3rd, or however many consults it took.

myajames

Thanks for all the advice. I found an awesome doctor. Relatively young, I'm guessing in his 50's. We talked about what I learned about LCIS, the increased risk of Pleomorphic LCIS, and treatment options. I was pretty adamant about not going on hormone therapy, and considering I already had a hysterectomy, he agreed the benefit didn't outweigh the risk. Before seeing him, I already decided I would push for a bilateral mastectomy. My breast surgeon was already on board, and I was hoping my MO would agree. He did, calling me a very smart girl for doing my research.

I'm happy and anxious about my decision, and ready to get this show on the road.

Thanks to you ladies, I am confident I asked all the right questions. I made sure he listened to me and my concerns, and I was assertive, something this site has taught me to be.

614

Dear MyaJames:

I am happy for you that you found a wonderful doctor and that your tx is going well.

Happy New Year with health and happiness.