Need to talk

Karen, I am so sorry you are having to deal with this.  I was diagnosed in June 2010.  

I am very glad for you that you have appointments scheduled with two other oncologists.  For almost any breast cancer, there are choices that you have to make, and you need an oncologist you trust.  Even if this first one was brilliant, if he/she was "cold-hearted" it sounds like someone you will never be comfortable with so not a great choice for you.  For most breast cancers, you do have time to check out different doctors.  It's not usually a case of needing to get started on treatment tomorrow.

Acupuncture didn't help me, but massage did help me.  I just couldn't afford the time or money to see a naturopath.  I think whatever you can do to help get yourself through, that doesn't interfere with the chemo or radiation (if you have chosen to do chemo and radiation), is a good plan.  It's not same for all of us.

Add to your plan the Oncotype DX test, to see if you need chemo , and do what makes you feel good  ....plus fire any medical folk you just aren't comfortable with!! 

That is my take on it!

I have massages to counteract all the negative touching of biopsies, lumpectomy etc, etc. 

Take care,

Ali 

Hi, Karen ~ It sounds like you're on an excellent path -- from getting 2nd & 3rd oncology opinions, to planning to utilize complimentary treatment to minimize the side effects of chemo, if it turns out you need chemo.

Have you had the Oncotype-DX test?  With few exceptions, that will help you and whichever onc you choose understand to what extent chemo will or will not benefit you.  (It's a test that's done on the tissue that was removed during your lumpectomy.)  

One thing to keep in mind, you'll be seeing whichever oncologist you choose for at least 5 years. So shopping for one you completely trust and like is very wise!  Some women even go as far as checking out an onc's infusion room for cheeriness and comfort, or for the type of patients being treated (e.g. some preferred an onc who only treats women with bc). If you decide to do chemo, be sure to question your onc about which regimen and why.  Again, not all oncs think alike about the available regimens, and you may want to have input into that decision if you find out that chemo is recommended. 

I'm so sorry you have to be here, but I'm glad you've found BCO!   (((Hugs))) Deanna 

Karen,

I agree with the others here about getting the Oncotype test, and making sure that you have a good relationship with your oncologist.  I LOVE my MO, he is patient, kind, a great doctor with an incredible memory and very helpful encouraging staff.  He always acts like he has all of the time in the world when I am talking to him, even when I can hear he is being paged. His nurse told me once that his advice to his staff was "It doesn't matter what is going on outside of the examining room door, when you are with a patient, she is the only person in the world". I wish everyone could have such a great experience at such a difficult time.

As far as alternative medicine, I think we can all use all of the help we can get.  I threw up all day after my first chemo treatment, and was nauseated for days.  I don't know how many nausea drugs I tried, but some of them were VERY expensive.  Finally I tried acupuncture and it worked!  After that I went for acupuncture the day after each chemo treatment.  I think it also helped with the pain from the Neulasta shot.  The acupuncturist said that it would prevent neuropathy too.

Good luck with your treatment, sorry you have to join us, but you will find such good advice and support here.

Linda