Does anyone work in oncology?

Hi Jorf,

No, I don't work in oncology.  My background was over 20 years an administrator for physician practice of anesthesiology.  Yes, the paper pusher...I kept the papers out of their way so they had the time to do good medicine.   I have a very high regard for the medical profession.

What came to my mind when you wrote about the doctor's offer was that your personal experience combined with your professional experience would bring a depth of knowledge and care that could only benefit every patient you came in contact with--even under the constraints of limited visit time.  It would be enriching for you as well to stay in touch with current information.

Equally important is caring for your own health.  I remember one thread here when you talked about the pressure to return to work when it seemed to me that you were the most important patient that day!  Needless to say that the work of oncology is not the same as an OB unit--the feel good department in the hospital.  I remember staff who went to OB after a rough day, just to feel the positive energy there.  These are personal as well as professional choices for you to make.

Endocrinology is a fascinating field and if you are happy where you are, what is the need to change?   If it's the money...I'd say don't do it.  If it's the science calling you, then how can you not do it when this is your creative side?  Important is to follow your instincts and trust them don't you think?  My rule of thumb is that if it's not clear in this moment--or at least 70% clear--then wait until it is.  My husband likes to say "no one is chasing us".  

Best wishes,

The nurses working with my oncologist are some of the loveliest people I've met.  Many have been doing this work for years so I assume they find it rewarding.  I do remember one once saying there is a shortage because a lot of people feel they can't do the work.  Perhaps you should ask yourself if working with cancer patients will increase your own anxiety about your health.  How would you feel if you had a patient whose breast cancer started out just like yours but became metastatic?  How hardwould it be for you to work with that patient?

Good luck.  Talk more. See how it feels. 

jorf--how exciting to have a decision like this to mull over.   I really can't add much--the other posts, especially Blundin's, are most eloquent.   No medical background--other than being a patient!!!   My entire working life was under one particular "umbrella".   Several dif jobs over the years.   At one point, I was asked if I'd consider a lateral move into a position in an area totally alien to me.   No promotion...but it opened up a whole new world to me!  I could write a novel about that career move--but, long story short--it was fantastic; no regrets--just be careful if you decide to make a move--don't burn any bridges!!  Good Luck!!!! 

Jorf, when I PM'd you just now, I didn't realize you were an NP! 

I think Blundin had some great things to say that I agree with wholeheartedly.  I also think that you have to feel right about it & you have to feel confident in your ability to handle unexpected feelings that come up with patients.  But I'll tell you that, as a PT, every injury, every surgery, every illness I've had has just served to make me a better clinician because I choose that.   I choose to learn from my own experience and then bring that right back to my patients & I choose to allow my experience to deepen my own compassion.  But it's a demanding choice in terms of my own emotions sometimes, and I always have to be sure I'm also able to maintain my professional objectivity.

I'll tell you what, though, every cancer patient I've treated since my own adventure began  --- and not just the breast cancer ones, but ALL of them! --- that I have chosen to share the fact of my survivorship with has immediately felt that they could trust me more profoundly.  It has created an instant bond & rapport with my patients that has only facilitated the therapeutic relationship, believe me.   When you think about what any of us wants from any doctor or clinician who treats us, perhaps the biggest thing is that we want them to understand what we're going through & to feel compassion for us.  

I've also found that other clinicians and physicians feel that I have more credibility when they know that I've been through something their patients need treatment for.  Long before I had breast cancer, I had herniated lumbar disks & finally a diskectomy.   I can't tell you how much cred that gave me with the local ortho's & neurosurgeons when they refer patients, because they know me & see that I've had a fabulous outcome & recovery from all my back & radicular pain.  So, they know I can set a fine example to their patients!!   Ditto breast cancer now (although I'm still a "work in progress!").

It's tricky, though, all of this.  And the decision has to be an individual one.

Best of luck to you.