How did you choose your oncologist?

et1977

I am stage IIb, ILC, partially pleiomorphic, 7.5 mm tumor, no nodes but 2/3 had ITC.

Initially, the drs thought I would have a lumpectomy and then radiation. Post-surgery, chemo is recommended, as my tumor was so large and didn’t show up on any scans/tests. My oncologist is not comfortable with oncotype testing because of the size.

I ended up going to get 2nd opinions from three other oncologists, as I wanted to see if they also thought the same thing.

2 out of 4 are up for oncotype testing to determine if chemo is necessary, the other 2 feel that I should do chemo. I am now leaning towards chemo, regardless of oncotype, for my own peace of mind.

One of the doctors is at Memorial Sloan Kettering, which seemed like an all-encompassing treatment center, including how they would help my family through this. However, it’s the doctor I connected with least, though she was qualified and I liked her enough. The doctor I liked the most was at the farthest facility, which means I’d have a long commute.

If anyone has any advice on what to consider when choosing an oncologist, I’d appreciate hearing from you. Thank you for any advice you can offer.

DorothyB

Can you meet with a different onco at Mem Sloan Ketterling? Maybe you might connect w/ that one?

wrenn

Given that most have the same knowlege regarding standard treatment I would go for personality. I want someone with an open mind and heart who I feel comfortable with.

Scrafgal

I valued the expertise and resources of a large center and MD Anderson chose my medical team, including the oncologist. I live 10 minutes from MD Anderson and that was a real benefit because chemo is tiring. Also, I had a few unexpected ER visits during treatment and it is often better to be able to go to a cancer center ER, if possible. The ER team instantly had my record. Also, there are times when you worry about this or that and there was always an oncologist, breast surgeon, plastc surgeon etc. on call 24 hours for me after infusions or procedures.. In general, I value getting into the system at a major center because whatever comes up, they can handle it in-house.

DorothyB

Scrafgal, I am w/ MD Anderson also - West Houston - is that the one you are at?

Scrafgal

DorothyB

No...I go to the TMC location...Seeing my MO for a checkup tomorrow! Have not been to the West Houston location.

exbrnxgrl

I am in a different situation than many of you. I am a Kaiser Permanente member. Kaiser is an all inclusive HMO. Everything, from pharmacies, all doctors, labs, hospitals etc. Are part of Kaiser and all employees, oncologists included, are salaried. I can use any Kaiser facility (they’re all over my neck of the woods) but I can only use a Kaiser facility unless I want to self pay (no, thank you).

The first mo I saw was the department head. He was very professional and knowledgeable but we didn’t really click. I mentioned this to my RO and he immediately set up an appointment for me with another mo who he thought I would like. I did and still do think the world of her. For me, especially at stage IV, I knew that I had to develop a good personal relationship with my mo. I think that having trust in her professional abilities and feeling like I can talk to her about anything has been invaluable to me.

Not everyone feels this way, but it sounds like you might. Assuming equal professional credentials, feeling connected and comfortable with your mo can make a difference to your overall experience. Wishing you the best

Scrafgal

I agree that connecting with the MO is important. I ask a lot of questions and need an MO who is patient and responsive to my personality. In this regard, I just lucked out because MDA chose the team but I really loved my MO, BS and PS. ....they work together with several patients because their clinical days were the same. It was obvious that they communicated about me, which was nice and easy since they work on the same floor! If you like MSK, as DorothyB suggested, maybe you could try to see a different MO. They have plenty. Not everyone clicks with their MO at MDA either...people have switched doctors there!

msphil

I agree with ween I would go for is she compassionate personality is what I also went with along with history and experience I got 2nd opinion also both agreed. Even with my PCP I had a long time female doc then she moved out of city so next one they gave me seemed not caring very short with me so I asked for another and we are friends talk bout each others Moms. So its very important to feel comfortable with docs. God Bless Us All. msphil idc stage2 0/3 nodes 3mo chemo before and after Lmast adriamycin 5fu cytoxin and then got married for we were making wedding plans at diagnosis then 7wks rads and 5yrs Tamoxifen. Praise God am now a 25yr Survivor this yr. Hope Hope and Positive thinking .