Firing my oncologist...

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Lena_Margaret
Lena_Margaret Member Posts: 25
edited March 2018 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

I have been battling and complaining about fatigue for months, if not years. Oncologist is a new one, just finishing his internship within the last year.


I go to my appt on Friday to see him and have treatment. He asks for an update and then proceeds to berate me for not having the insurance approval to continue on in physical therapy right now. He then wants to "go over" my meds. I told him, with the exception of one pain med, I have eliminated anything causing fatigue. He then pages through my labs on the computer, with his back turned to me. He then says "We can try iron, but pills are hard on your stomach, so I think infusions are better." I get to the infusion room and the nurse tells me my ferritin level is 25 and this could be a major issue with fatigue.

The kicker is: that level was done 2 MONTHS ago. This beginner oncologist just lost one of his first patient's for not keeping up with my labs. And for telling me I wasn't working hard enough, as a stage IV patient, to keep my energy level up. He was blaming me for an issue HE failed to catch.

I will not tolerate disrespect. I am on borrowed time. I am now looking for a new on oncologist.
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  • PattyPeppermint
    PattyPeppermint Member Posts: 11,162
    edited March 2018

    sounds like you are doing the right thing. Every dr needs experience but I want someone who has experience. Yes I have also had drs who don’t even look at me. It’s all eyes on the computer. Def find someone else !


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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited March 2018

    Lena, when you get bad vibes like that from a medical professional, it’s smart to move on and find one that does it all better. Doesn’t it make you wonder why this guy chose oncology if he isn’t going to have understanding, encouragement and compassion for his patients? And if he’s so new to the game, he hasn’t even had time to get burned out from the weight of it all! Best wishes in finding a more suitable doc!


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  • Lena_Margaret
    Lena_Margaret Member Posts: 25
    edited March 2018

    Thank you both for your support. I don't know what is wrong with this guy, but I certainly don't need the nonsense. On to a new oncologist...

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  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited March 2018

    Lena_Margaret, you absolutely should not tolerate disrespect. You guys are supposed to be partners. That means equal say. Sure your onc is the subject matter expert on oncology, but you are the subject matter expert on YOU.

    If you don't think you can work it out (sounds like no unless this person wants to listen and change) it' time for a new onc.

    May onc takes me for granted sometimes (a lot of the time). But when the chips are down he's right there in the trenches with me. That's what I'd like for you.

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  • Nel138281
    Nel138281 Member Posts: 2,124
    edited March 2018

    Run, Run and get someone who listens and makes eye contact!

    Nel

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