1. < Gynecologic Cancers

Anyone ever request a new oncologist mid-treatment?

Posted by korinja @korinja, May 17 2:59pm

My oncologist was awesome and without a doubt saved my life by getting me into treatment very early after my diagnosis. In the months following, there has been a breakdown in communication, to the point that I feel completely uncomfortable asking any questions related to my illness or treatment. I have also only seen this person one time (all other communication is through the portal, a few phone calls early on, and now just theough the nurse), at my initial consultation. I have no question as to the quality of medical decision-making and treatment I am receiving. I just dread the idea of interacting with this individual to the point that the mere idea makes me need an anxiety med and I need a proxy to communicate on my behalf. I’m at a pause in my chemo pending surgery and wouldn’t have chemo again for 2-3 months, so it seems like this might be a good point in my treatment to request a change. Everyone I’ve asked (non-cancer patients) thinks I’m crazy to even consider it. Thoughts?

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Denise | @denisestlouie | 4 days ago
In reply to @cialonel "Hi - I felt almost like I was reading something I wrote myself. I too had..." + (show)
@cialonel

Hi - I felt almost like I was reading something I wrote myself. I too had utmost faith and trust in my gyn onc when I first was diagnosed. She definitely saved my life and I still would recommend her as a surgeon. But afterwards through follow-up, treatment, now a recurrence and more treatment, the communication progressively became worse. I was 'assigned' a medical oncologist for chemo and felt the communication between them was bad and I always felt caught in the middle. I dreaded appointments with either of them just because I didn't want to interact with them. I feared asking questions and left appointments feeling 'less than' (hard to explain). I didn't want to make a move because everything was so conveniently located and made it so easy on my family and work (less time missed, etc.). Also, the actual care-givers in treatment (nurses, aides, techs) were very lovely. But finally I couldn't take it anymore and I made a change. I am soooooo happy now with the care I am receiving from my current doctors and it makes such a huge difference.

I would encourage you to start at least looking for the right fit. I did and requested a 'second opinion' to get to know the office and doctors a bit. Truthfully, I was afraid my current doctors would know I was looking. (Silly, I know - it's MY life and I am doing what's best for me!) Once I felt comfortable, I made the switch.

My treatment is continuing without a hitch. The extra travel is well worth it. I feel listened to and all my questions are answered respectfully. I leave appointments feeling cared for and not put down.

Bottom line, please do what is best for you. If you are not comfortable with your care team now, find another.

Best of luck!

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I'm in a middle of a move. This discussion is so timely for me. I have to wait for the actual transfer of care o happen because I scheduled a trip to England months ago to fit around my treatment schedule. That's a little awkward but it's going to be okay

It's surprised me how many people are reporting not having a good fit with the original practice. It does make since. When we have immediate needs we follow the direction of the people we were referred to and everything happens fast. There is no way to vet the oncology group in advance. I did the same thing you did I started with a second opinion to test the waters.

Denise

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