Oncologist vs. Clinic

Options
Outfield
Outfield Member Posts: 1,109
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Today I saw my 3rd oncologist.  First two left (retired and moved away), so I found myself going through what is for me the fairly traumatic process of seeing someone new.  

I love my clinic, but I don't like this oncologist.  She seemed to know her stuff, but I felt like she was reading to me from a script.  At one point I was so frustrated I almost said "Sorry, this just isn't working" and left.  So I need a new oncologist.  Unfortunately, there's nobody else I'd really want to see at this clinic.  

I do very much appreciate the clinic itself.  When I had cellulitis in my lymphedematous arm, I was able to avoid hospitalization because I could come in daily for antibiotics, even through the weekend.  They are VERY available and if I have a problem I know I can be seen same day.  Phone calls always returned pronto, that kind of thing.  

There's another clinic in town; I do get along with a doc there, but don't know that the clinic runs as well.  I'm considering switching, but I don't know which is most important.  If I have a recurrence (I am high risk, stage III) I know I need an MD I'm comfortable with.  But if I have cellulitis, I know I want access to a place that I know will give me good care, not the toss-up of the ER.

I'm torn about this.   Do any of you wise women have thoughts?

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • ali68
    ali68 Member Posts: 1,383
    edited March 2013

    Hi Hun, how many times have you seen her? Maybe you need to see her a few more times then decide. ( what do you mean high risk? Have they told you this)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • karen1956
    karen1956 Member Posts: 6,503
    edited March 2013

    Thats a tough call....you have to feel good with both the doctor and the clinic....I'm 7 years out and still see my onc every 6 months....but I'm lucky as I like both the onc and the office staff.....do you know people who use the other clinic or doctor than can give you an opinion.  In the long run, go with what your gut tells you....best of luck....and btw...I'm stage 3...and yes we are at higher risk for recurrence, but for me the odds are 100%...either with will come back or it won'...kind of like being pregnant!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Outfield
    Outfield Member Posts: 1,109
    edited March 2013

    The academic oncologist I've seen (too far away to be my routine one) has said I'm high risk.  In her words the "big aggressive tumors like this" generally recur early, if it happens.  I know it's "if it happens," not the inevitable.  I'm not seeking gloom and doom.  But I do want to be prepared, and it's so hard to know which is going to be a more important support for me.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cindyl
    Cindyl Member Posts: 1,194
    edited March 2013

    I personally would stick with the clinic.  If you happen to reoccure (heaven forbid) then you can look for a different onc if you still aren't happy.  And who knows, they may hire someone you like...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited March 2013

    My Onc is not exactly warm and fuzzy type but she is a great doctor and i trust her knowledge and how she takes care of me. The Onc orders treament and follow up stuff. The clinic....nurses ect ... provide and carry out orders. I love my nurses and people "under" the doc. I see them more then I see the doctor. I want a smart up to date doc. I would always think about that and care available to me.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited March 2013

    I think it is more important to trust your onc than to like her. She is your doctor, not your friend. So if you think she can offer you the best care and you think she "knows her stuff" I would think that is more important than any warm fuzzies!



    I only seen mine every year now, and visits are pretty short, so the time you will end up having to see with her will decrease over the years.

    If, god forbid, you ever did reoccur, then you could reevaluate at that time.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hopefour
    hopefour Member Posts: 459
    edited March 2013

    I agree with diana50 and KerryMac! My personal experience is that my MO is fine, but the clinic is so stressful for me to deal with. Phone calls never get beyond the switch board operator and are never returned, refills for my meds take faxs and phone calls for days from the pharmacy to the clinic , and I wait at least 1-2 hours at each appointment! A well run clinic would be so calming and assuring to deal with, which would be of great value to me since I know what it's like not to have it!! I am looking into a new clinic/MO!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Outfield
    Outfield Member Posts: 1,109
    edited March 2013

    Hopefour, I so hope you find something better.  I give my clinic credit for being really bombproof about things like returning calls, getting prescriptions in, even getting me seen if I've got a problem.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited March 2013

    Not to be too sarcastic, but since you've had to break in your third oncologist in as many years, who's to say she will be around longer than a couple of six month visits? Since you like the other aspects of the clinic, I would stay.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories