@fiesty76
A word about surgeons in general -- I have found them to be like other specialists in that you can't ask them about anything but their specialty (a specific kind of surgery), and don't even hint that perhaps there was a problem with their work. That being said, in my area, everything seems to be targeted to specialties. For example, one can't go to a rheumatologist for (in my case) Trigger Thumb and hand arthritis. I was sent to a hand specialist/surgeon. Can't go to the rheumatologist for arthritis in my spine... was sent to a spine specialist/surgeon... and neither specialist chooses to talk about exercises which may be helpful: for those, you must be referred to a physical therapist. Vascular specialists may or may not have in-depth knowledge of lymphedema treatment. My dentist now just works on cavities... no extractions or gum health issues. For these, you go to a dental surgeon and to a periodontist (who also does the implant, if you have an extraction by the dental surgeon....). The oncologist simply suggests other specialists. Have nerve damage from the chemo? Go see a neurologist (who knows nothing about chemo damage). Have lung or heart issues from the targeted therapy? See a pulmonologist or cardiologist (who know nothing about targeted therapy). Having trouble with the hormone therapy? See an endocrinologist... etc.

And who is left to try to pull all this together into a comprehensive plan? One's poor PCP who isn't trained in the fine points of all these specialties and is trying his/her best to get us to equilibrium.

Considering the increased rates of cancer nationwide, every regional hospital needs specialists who are well-versed in oncology issues... and that's not happening. God help the patients with poor health insurance!

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