I'm changing Oncologist!!!

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Genia
Genia Member Posts: 1,335
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

I've never been really comfortable with the Oncologist I had. A lot of people like him....but he and I really never "clicked". Everything I found out from him........I basically had to drag out of him and at every appt........he would come in and go out constantly. Just made me feel like he had more important things to do.

This had been bothering me for a couple of weeks.

Soooo.....I got on the phone and made a call to the American Cancer Soc. I explained what was going on and told them all that I had been going through.........the lady couldn't believe I had been diagnosed since July and hadn't had the first treatment yet. She and I talked about my options..........so I made the decision to look for another Oncologist. I asked her for a list of them in my area. Then I got online and  did some researching. I found one in my area that I thought was very capable of doing my treatments. I called his office.......and they told me that I had to have a referral from a surgeon. I told them my story....and how long I had been waiting for SOMETHING to get started.....and she told me she would talk to him and see what he said. She called back in about 15 mins and told me she had talked to him and he agreed to take me WITHOUT a referral. She said he never did that before....but he was really worried that it has taken this long to get ANYWHERE.....besides TESTS AND MORE TESTS!!! Lots of things could have changed in the last month since I had all those tests.

I am just at my wits end with this all. But I can tell you this......after going to this Dr. yesterday. I feel MUCH better about where this is all going. He had me sign a release to get the original slides from my biopsy because he wanted to look at them himself.....and he said there is one part of the test that is missing...... my HER2/neu.........from what I understand, it is a VITAL part of the results that help determine which chemo he is going to start me on.

I know in my heart this Dr. will do everything he can possibly do to help me. One more week....and I should be on my treatments!!!

Please continue to pray......

Genia

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  • Daffodil
    Daffodil Member Posts: 829
    edited October 2008
    Praise the Lord~~~or Whomever is your Higher Power~~~for getting you to the right doctor. This will make ALL the difference in your outlook. Good for you to be so dogged in your pursuit of proper medical treatment!!! Keep us posted, and good luck.
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  • swimangel72
    swimangel72 Member Posts: 1,989
    edited September 2008

    Genia - you GO GIRL! I had to change my oncologists too. It was a difficult decision (especially when we're in the midst of the fight of our life) but I'm so happy you were motivated to seek out a new oncologist who will help you. It was 3 months before I get my Fish report (not my old oncologist's fault, but that of the office staff at my breast cancer surgeon.) I hope you're negative - but if your Fish report comes back positive, don't worry - and be sure to come here to bc.org for information since Herceptin is really an amazing drug. Here's a starting point for research:

    http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/chromosome.jsp

     Don't look up old studies about Her2+ - they were published prior to Herceptin.

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  • ICanDoThis
    ICanDoThis Member Posts: 1,473
    edited September 2008

    I changed oncologists, too. He was good, but I really wanted out of the facility. I love the one I have.

    And also, choosing someone is an important step back to getting control of your life, even if cancer is now part of it.

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  • Genia
    Genia Member Posts: 1,335
    edited September 2008

    Thanks all!

    I went and had my echocardiogram this morning.  Funny thing is......the other Onco had never sent me for one......actually never mentioned one to me!

    This is one time my gut was telling me he wasn't right........so I listened......as hard as it was!!!

    I've come to the conclusion that this is my body........and if I don't fight for myself.......no one else will!!!   Well......except for my husband who has been my voice when I couldn't speak for myself!

    I want to get this started.......but I'm still dreading it and scared out of my wits!!!

    hugsssss

    Genia 

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  • Veryhopeful
    Veryhopeful Member Posts: 35
    edited September 2008

    I hope you really click with your new doctor.  I tried three different oncs and finally gave up after three years.  I decided not to see any of them anymore because I was totally disgusted, tired and stressed.  I'm five years out and doing well.

     Just wanted to say "good luck" and send a hug your way.

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  • dhettish
    dhettish Member Posts: 501
    edited September 2008

    You go girl! I was lucky to get a good oncologist although so much of the tx is cookie cutter type now. She got me into whatever surgeon was available for my bm and he was so wonderful, funny and very handsome.

    My onc was a no nonsense, tell it straight type of doctor. But in the end, she began hugging me and now hugs me whenever I see her. I don't go back until November since I just now see her every 3 months.

    If you are starting Adriamycin you definitely need an echo to make sure your heart can take the drug. You can also ask for Zenicard which protects your heart from it. I had to take it as I have gone over the lifetime max of A.

    And fear is a normal part of all of this. But stay on these boards and talk with women who are going through it and have been through it. We will help you get through it as well. It is hard but doable.

    Debbie 

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  • mzmiller99
    mzmiller99 Member Posts: 894
    edited September 2008

    Good for you!!  You deserve the best care available, Genia!  I'm so happy for you!!

    Susan

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  • EGAL
    EGAL Member Posts: 539
    edited September 2008

    Hi Genia,

      I never had an echo either.  I went through Adriamycin and Cytoxin (4 rounds) and Taxotere (4 rounds) without any problems.  I did have MUGA scans before and during Taxotere.  I am glad that you are getting on with your treatments.  It is scary but you'll do fine.  I kept telling myself that I have never heard of any dying from chemo Sealed  It got me through it!  I had 6 weeks of radiaton and I am HER+ so I had 36 weekly treatments of Herceptin.  I made it through, so will you Wink

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  • C130sunshine
    C130sunshine Member Posts: 174
    edited September 2008

    Keep it up....listen to your gut and keep asking questions!!!!!!

    I had problems with my first oncologist.  Oh, she would listen to my concerns/queations but she would not give me any information or start my treatment.  She actually wanted me to tell her what drugs I wanted!!!!!!  It took work but I found a great oncologist....I am acitve duty military....I even got myself moved to a different base. 

     It is your life you are fighting for and you deserve the best!!!!!  You can get through this.....you are not alone.

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  • jerseymaria
    jerseymaria Member Posts: 770
    edited September 2008

    has anyone changed more than once?  i'm facing that decision now.

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  • easyquilts
    easyquilts Member Posts: 876
    edited September 2008

    Good for you!  You have really taken charge of your own life!  I hope you like your new oncologist. 

    I don't have an oncologist...except for my rad/oncol...but I really like him, and trust him a lot.  I saw him for a follow-up yesterday, and go back in January.

    Keep you the good work!  That's showing SPUNK!!!

    Sandy 

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  • Genia
    Genia Member Posts: 1,335
    edited September 2008

    Thanks again......you guys are just the best!!!!

    I'll be sure to mention the Zenicard to him......thanks for that advice Debbie!

    Maria...it's your body sweetie!!!  You have to be comfortable with whomever you are with.  If you want to find someone else.......go for it!!!  That's exactly what I would do if even if something happens with THIS Dr.  We aren't talkin about a splinter in our fingers here.......this is our lives these Drs are dealing with!!!  And I wanna stick around a little longer and watch my children finish growing......then going to college......getting married........more grandchildren......lolol.  You see where this is going?   I have cancer.......but I'm not gonna let it take me outta here if I can do anything to stop it! 

    hugssssss

    Genia 

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