Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

Yes, I believe in prayer and know it to be powerful. You’re in my prayers. God bless you.

If all goes as planned, the surgeon said I would be in the hospital for 6-8 days, and then in a nearby hotel for 2-6 days. My surgery is on a Thursday and she will be back the next Thursday. So she will be at the hospital for my last two hospital days. At the last appt, we did meet the resident doctor who works with the surgeon. The rest of my team (oncologist, etc) will be at the hospital (available) during my stay. Thank you for your suggestions.

Thank you for putting me on your prayer list, and for your encouragement.
It means a lot to me.

Mayo Clinic, Rochester.

Great - thanks! Some folks believe they are at one - but aren't - you're in the best of hands.

@altc321 , I can't really say how hard it would be, because every place and every doctor is different. I've got a good and responsive care team at the moment, but they don't grant every request. It helps to prioritize and pick your battles without wearing out your welcome.

But, it's pretty safe to assume if you don't ask for something, they may not even think to offer it!

I try to phrase things in the form of a question, so it doesn't come across as argumentative or know-it-all-ish, but ask for clarification if the response is not going my way. Have some reasoning ready to offer in support of your request.

If the docs see that I'm going down a printed paper list of questions I brought in, they're usually pretty patient about letting me get through it all.

I've never had to ask for a different doctor at the same institution, but I have changed institutions in the past, with a self-pay just to make it happen fast. Within one institution, if you've researched another doc you want to switch to because they've published papers about a treatment you wan to explore, that's a possible angle (with a positive referral) to get in without burning any bridges. I've read of people having difficulty with this when dealing with smaller practices... It can be awkward, and I don't have any experience or advice to offer beyond the above.

Very good points and advice. When one has a good care team, the last thing you want is to second guess their treatment decisions but asking probities questions let them know you are working with them to get the best treatment possible.
Thank you for your insight…. I’ve been following you for the last 6 months and have learned more about pancreatic cancer than I ever knew.
Hoping you continue providing the must needed information for all of us fighting this dreadful condition.
altc321

I have switched MDs at the same center. After my diagnosis, I was assigned to a particular MD. It wasn't clear why, so we (my husband and I) just figured it was because he had room on his caseload. Anyway, the first visit was not good; he was short and impatient and somewhat belittling when I asked questions. We didn't think a lot of it; both of us have had MDs who were, shall we say, less than patient friendly. Unfortunately, things didn't get better. My first chemo cycle was rough, but the doctor was less than sympathetic and not helpful, and our next three office visits weren't productive or pleasant either. On the way home from visit 4, we decided to switch MDs.

I did research doctors at nearby cancer centers, but my hope was to find an MD at my current center. I emailed a nurse practitioner with whom we'd established a rapport and told her my concerns. I asked for a referral to a local MD and also asked about the doctors at other nearby centers. She said it's not uncommon for patients to switch MDs in order to find one they click with, and she immediately switched me to another doctor in the same practice whom she recommended highly. Wow, what a difference! The new doctor is incredible. He trained at Mayo and MD Anderson. He spends time with me, doesn't snicker when I ask questions, answers clearly and completely, is willing to discuss ideas and options, and in general is just a pleasure to work with. So, it is possible to switch doctors within the same practice. I would not hesitate to ask for that if you are concerned about getting the best info and care from your current MD. My "end run" meant that I didn't have to talk to the first MD about my concerns, which was nice, so perhaps you have an advocate or a contact you can ask about this. But if not, I wouldn't hesitate to ask your MD for a referral to another MD in the practice.

Thank you for this very informative thread…. I have been following you as well and have learned a great deal from your posts. I like your approach to finding a new MD at the same practice.
altc321

Hello
I have a tumor wrapped wrapped around arteries so no Whipple. I completed 12 rounds of chemo and 15 radiation treatments last July. I’m on a recheck every 2-3 months.

I’ve been vomiting and have constipation. They did see some new spots on my lungs at the last visit. This waiting is driving me crazy.