I Don't Trust My Oncologist

Hmmmm... I'm wondering if maybe the imaging center dropped the ball this time, since your onc's staff knew you were supposed to get a mammo and I assume they would have noticed if it hadn't been ordered and done that, rather than calling you. But the bottom line is, if you're not happy with this onc, and especially if you don't trust him, absolutely look for someone else. I can't imagine putting up with an onc or any doctor you don't trust for any reason and who doesn't instill confidence. Why would you stay with him if you don't feel he's the best available and doing a fabulous job for you?

Edited to fix typo

Not sure I'm following, NineTwelve. Can you elaborate on what's not happening? Is it your insurance that's not cooperating, or knowing who to call or ?????? Is yours a self-referral insurance plan?

You bet I have had docs who retired, left the center, and others I "fired" in my own cancer journey. Self-advocacy is an important part of my story and party of why I'm still alive. I'm worth it and so is everyone!

I could be wrong, but it sounds like they're reluctant to schedule you with someone else. Hopefully someone with experience in that kind of office can comment further, but my first question is... Are you sure it's your onc who's dropping the ball, or could it be his office staff, because, in that case, switching oncs won't help. If you're sure it's him, I would probably call the practice manager and explain what's happened (examples of him dropping the ball), and ask if you could be reassigned to someone else so that you don't have to leave their practice. Let them know you've asked about this already and aren't satisfied with the lack of response to your request. If that doesn't work, I'd look elsewhere. Just my two cents worth, but it's clearly adding to your stress, which is not good.

Hi,

I belong to a large self contained HMO, but when I wanted to change mo's, early on, my RO simply made an appointment for me with someone who he thought would be a better fit . Does your insurance, HMO or traditional, limit you in any way? Having an mo you trust is so very important, that if you need to stand in front of the reception desk and raise hell, thenthat's what you need to do. I am usually very easy going not nit picky about many things, but I can be very loud and demanding when it comes to my health care. After all, we're not talking about the common cold here!

If you are not getting the answers you are looking for, there should be a patient advocate service with the hospital. I would ask to speak with them.

You really aren't powerless in this situation. Stop dealing with the receptionist or whoever is answering the phone. Demand to speak to a supervisor, including that physician's supervisor, because there is one.

Keep in mind that these places are highly regulated. If they receive money from Medicare or Medicaid, they are under federal regulations. Which means you can file a complaint with the health department as well as the federal government.

If the cancer center has a customer service department, contact them. Keep making noise until someone with the authority to make a decision actually does something.

I am on 4 th oncologist, different centers. My biggest regret was not going w/my gut when I wanted new MO when I felt 1st MO did not have my interest at heart. When she screwed up big time, I paid the price.

New center is only breast cancer patients, which I really like. Things not perfect, but much better. Go with your gut.

Oh Hellloooooo! You are the patient..It is your money that pays Mr. incompetent doctor...You need someone NEW stat..

1. call the administrative office.

2. go to the executive office with papers and a friendly non confrontational office.

3. build your folio of evidence

4. Start being pushy and finally if nothing else go to their office that controls publicity...IF you do not make headway then call the doctors office daily to ask for a referral to someone else. If none of this works I would call the state insurance and health commissioner of your state.

Yay! I'm glad your oncologist listened to you and is being a help. Also glad you are feeling better about this whole things.

Several of us on the Fas/Ibrance combo -- come on over to our thread.

The tips for how to take Faslodex without pain are on the top of the Faslodex Girls thread. Please, please read them to avoid having pains in the rear.

So glad you were able to resolve the problem! You sound like you're in a much better place. And kudos to you for recommitting to healthy lifestyle changes!

As far as Faslodex + Ibrance, I've been on it for a year, and I love it. Yes, there are some SEs, especially for Ibrance, and especially in the beginning. But if your body adjusts to it, it's a relatively easy regimen.