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Finding the right cancer care team

Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Mar 6 9:36am | Replies (16)

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@gingerw

@54321kl This is a great question! @katgob gave a very good example of how she was able to get a great medical team together.

Remember, you are part of the medical team. A very crucial part, I might add. Here is the example I often use: The patient is the hub of a wheel, the medical specialists are the spokes. The spokes won't work without the hub, and vice versa. I have found it to be of utmost importance that we all work together. If there is conflict, it could be a problem. Do not be afraid to make a change if it is not working out like you think it should.

When I was going through my diagnosis of blood disorder, I was also moving 800 miles away to a new set of doctors! In fact, my first appointment with my oncologist was less than 2 weeks after moving! I found him by reaching out to someone who had a family member with the same disorder as me, and queried who their oncologist was, if they liked him. He is Mayo Clinic trained, and even before I physically made the move here, I had contacted his cancer center and requested to become his patient. At my first visit I asked him who he has had good rapport with for a nephrologist, and he gave me his recommendation. There have been no regrets. Likewise, I took my time seeking out [and interviewing ahead of time!] for a primary care provider. I took her recommendation for a dermatologist. Although they do not all share the same record management system, I find everyone keeps each other informed. And I keep detailed notes from all my visits, so if there are gaps they can be addressed.

Hoping this helps you, and please feel free to ask any questions.
Ginger

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Replies to "@54321kl This is a great question! @katgob gave a very good example of how she was..."

I am extremely disappointed in my care. I have an onc/ heme who refuses to work with a cll specialist. I can tell, from discussing treatment options, he is not up- to-date with treatments. He does not answer my questions. I need a cll specialist and a trustworthy onc/ heme. There are no cll specialists here.
To allow me to be seen by Mayo, I changed my insurance...Only to be told Mayo won't see me because I come from an area where hospitals are closing or being bought out....
I feel completely thrown away and at the mercy of people who see me as a mere income rather than a valuable life. I was an oncology nurse, so I do not make this statement lightly.