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@frygirl777

Finding a pancreatic oncologist is key! I’m in the California desert & had gone to Loma Linda Hospital in January for my surgery (distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy) and then radiation was done in mid March. I was to start chemo this week but am not feeling comfortable with the total lack of compassion from my cancer team. I am stage 1B and the oncologist gave me little to no hope, stating that pancreatic cancer regardless of the stage always spreads elsewhere within 2-3 years. Who does this to a person who is grief stricken and in need of some hopeful words??? What I’m saying is please don’t waste time with places or people who consider you a number or dollar value instead of a human being. Choose somewhere where you can go to the ER if you need to, for help and not be made to wait 10-12 hrs in a waiting room full of sick people because you will need to go to ER at least a few times during your cancer treatment guaranteed.

Choose a compassionate oncologist! I am hoping that even exists. I have seen three already & none were compassionate at all. Choosing the right team is EVERYTHING!!! I am getting a referral to a different cancer center this week so I can get going on the chemo asap. I’m ready to beat this! Please wish me luck everyone & send good vibes, prayers…whatever positive energy you can because I sure need it at this point.

I hope you find an amazing place!!!! Positive thoughts for you both!

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Replies to "Finding a pancreatic oncologist is key! I’m in the California desert & had gone to Loma..."

This is so helpful, truly. And I wish you all the luck. I hope you find your dream team.

Fry, there just are not a lot of compassionate people. And, a lot seem to be doctors. I am fortunate to have the care team that I do at mayo Phoenix. You are right fry, they do make a huge difference. I can honestly say that I trust them with my life cause I am.

Your self advocacy is greatly admired. Compassion and understanding from health care providers is healing in itself. I have found that at MSKCC, compassion seems to be a feature of care. It may have something to do with being an institution devoted to cancer care, but I get positive energy just from going there. It seems to start when you go in the door, all levels of individuals in the center. Regardless of the outcome, I find the compassionate treatment is one of my blessings in life.