How to change doctor

Butterfly1234

I wasn't sure where to post this. I need some advice. I really like all my doctors except for my BS and her PA. I don't want to share too many details but let's just say I experience a great deal of anxiety whenever I have an appointment. The PA is very negative and full of doom and gloom. How do I change to another BS? I'm being treated in the same treatment center. Should I get a referral from my MO? My BS did not perform my surgery and I only met her for less than 10 minutes and she was quite brusque. It wasn't a very good first impression. I've been putting up with this for two years and I've had enough.

BlueGirlRedState

Butterfly - you should be able to change DRs. Check to see who is available, can you switch clinics if there is not someone else at the clinic or the clinic won't let you switch? Do you know anyone in the area who can recommend someone? Any Health Insurance restrictions (call them)? I have switched DR/clinic before treatment began. 1) The clinic would not let me do cold capping ; 2) Communication issues with the Oncologist. At the time, I had already consulted a surgeon at another clinic that my primary had recommended. When I talked to that clinic, they were supportive of my wanting to use cold caps, but had no experience with it and would not be able to help in any way. Both the surgeon and oncologist were very interested in seeing it and how well it worked. Even though I was disappointed with how much hair I lost (50%), both the surgeon and oncologist were impressed with how much I still had. I am really glad I switched clinics and oncologist. I felt much more comfortable, and free to ask any question. Another time on an unrelated matter, I almost switched surgeons when the DR had become very abrupt/dismissive etc of all my questions. He even refused to talk about one question(inflamation) and would not say why. I guess I gave his nurse an earful, because he apologized and became more receptive to my questions. I hope you find a DR/clinic that you are comfortable with.

2009 ER+ left breast. 52 yrs. Lumpectomy, Sentinel node removal, negative. – 1. Radiation 6 weeks, tamoxifen 5 years. Dense lumpy left breast, normal right. Acupuncture offered at facility as part of integrative medicine. It really helped with anxiety/stress during radiation treatment.

2016 ER+ left breast. Probably a new cancer, but unknown. 4 rounds TC Aug-Oct 2016, Bi-lateral (my choice) Nov 2016, no reconstruction. 2 sentinel nodes remove, negative. Cold Capping using Chemo Cold Caps (DIGNICAP not available). Anastrozole 1 mg starting May 2017. Joint issues noticed immediately. Stopped Anastrozole after 3-4 months due to joint stiffness in. After several months of no AIs, fingers were feeling better. Started tamoxifen March 2018

10/2018 noticed stiffness and some trigger finger again. Was eating meat a lot more (daily) than normal. Usually 1-2 /wk. Have cut way back on the meat, seems to help, but one finger still very prone to trigger finger. 2/2019, trigger finger and stiffness much better.

Butterfly1234

Thank you so much for your reply. I like all my docs with exception of BS and it's an excellent treatment center. I'll talk to my MO about a referral. I'm sorry you're going through these challenges and I want you toknow that I'm sending prayers and healing energy,

Blessings!

And thank you again for your advice and for your sharing. I'm taking Gabapentin for my joint stiffness from Arimidex. 100 mg at night. It helps

JosieO

Butterfly,

I just saw an earlier post under another topic thread we had both posted to, and I shared my thoughts there. I’m sorry I didm’t see this post earlier, but I am very glad that Bluegirl gave you a complete and thoughtful response. As I indicated, I support your decision.

If it is of any help, it was pretty easy for me to make the actual PCP switch-the hard part was finding a PCP that was accepting new patients. I stayed in the same hospital system, so looked up all of the PCPs with privledges at that system (not just those who worked at the hospital system as employees, but those who were in private practice). Then I made a list, read each one’s reviews on sites like Healthgrades and Vitals. Once I had winnowed down my list to those with potential, I called a few and made appointments. I had also asked people I knew for recommendations.

Interestingly, only one doctor asked why I was looking for a new PCP. And despite his positive reviews I found his style so crude and offensive I knew I could not switch to him. Thankfully, my new PCP lived up to his reviews and I am very happy with him. Made a big difference in my overall treatment

So you should do what feels right to you, and move forward.

Wishing you the best.

gb2115

Just out of curiosity, if your BS didn't do you surgery, why have you been seeing her, and who did your surgery (and why aren't you seeing them?)

Butterfly1234

Good question!. My lumpectomy was done in another state before I moved. I had to get all new doctors where I currently live to continue my treatment. Talk about added stress! That's why I only met this BS for less than 10 minutes.