Finding an Oncologist you like?

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Nutfarmer
Nutfarmer Member Posts: 22
edited August 2022 in Life After Breast Cancer

I am 6 years from my diagnosis. I had to change doctors due to my husband change of job. Anyway, today I saw a new Oncologist it has been over 2 years since I had been to an Oncologist. This one was terrible...she made me feel like I am just a statistic. She did tell me I am Cancer Free she is the 1st Oncologist to tell me that so that was nice. I am not sure how she can make that statement but it was good to hear.

We were on vacation last week at the beach and we rode bikes everyday so my arms are tan she told me maybe I should worry more about my skin and getting melanoma because melanoma is more dangerous than Breast Cancer. Not to mention she was running 1 hour behind.

I could go on and on. I am so happy to be Cancer Free but this doctor contradicted herself many times when giving me the run down of what my visit was about. She also told me that me having my ovaries taken out (this was not an elective thing) one ovary was removed years ago the other when they did my hysterectomy does NOT decrease my risk of breast cancer. She also said Arimidex does NOT cause uterine cancer but Tamoxifen DOES cause uterine lining to shed.

Curious of others experiences. I have never had a good experience with an oncologist. I think I must be the problem.

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited August 2022

    I think finding an oncologist you trust is more important than finding one you like. Liking them would be nice and feeling free to communicate freely and get questions answered is important. A couple of people who had my oncologist dumped him but I trusted his judgment and decided I didn't need to like him. By our last visit (only followed for 2 years post treatment unless something new comes up) he had grown on me somewhat. If I had to see him still or regularly I might rethink it.

    I wouldn't trust an oncologist who told me I was cancer free. I would ask her to give you proof of that statement.

    Anyway, sorry you are having to deal with that and if it is easy to find a new one I don't think there is any harm in shopping around. Keep us posted. Good luck.

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  • Cowgirl13
    Cowgirl13 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited August 2022

    I loved my oncologist and he was also considered a top doctor. Personally, I would run, run from this oncologist based on what you said was communicated to you.

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  • Nutfarmer
    Nutfarmer Member Posts: 22
    edited August 2022

    thank you for the responses...I don't think I trust her at all.

    I have a PPO insurance and can go where I want. I think I will change next year.

    I have never had an ultrasound come back clear I have had biopsies every 6 months she blew that off said it was just fat necrosis (she only had results of the last biopsy) and you are going to get that... I think I am still just processing all the things she told me. I asked about a follow up from the biopsy and she said just get a mammo in a year or an ultra sound. As if this is just a everyday occurrence.

    I think they see too many patients and don't even listen to you...

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