Oncology appointments to review results

When I got my biopsy results back, stage 4, I was stunned but right away my oncologist said, "we can control this". He is my favorite person, feeling comfortable with your dr. is so important. I think the world of him and have full trust in him. Most times I don't have any questions, I leave that to my co-pilot spouse. The best to you.

Reference for you...discovered stage 4 on Feb. 2nd 2023, received 28 RT treatments while taking ARBITERONE/ PREDNISONE. My gift of stage 4 came from AGENT ORANGE, Vietnam. Psa had been less than one so its no testosterone for a long time, so we all feel tired on this forum lots of the time. My age is 75.

wooldridgec, great results. Cheers on the PSA.

I don't think all oncologists are downers at appointments who minimize positive results. My husband has had two different ones over the years, and neither has behaved that way. Even the Mayo urologist in charge of his treatment there never behaves that way, even though he is not a warm and fuzzy type guy. You may have just had bad luck in getting the oncologist you have.

I think it depends on the relationship with the health team and also the time of day that you see the doctor. I had my 3-month check-up today at 4pm in the afternoon and the place was busy, I could just imagine how many patients they saw today, and the patients that have much less hopeful situations then myself. I think the visit is more of a self-confirmation, but I think that if you aren't leaving with the energy level desired, then definitely fill out the post-visit patient survey, they have to action those forms if people fill them out.

Great question. Totally kind-of-short-of agree. My story of 4, my four oncologist. Oncologist number one, my first oncologist was wonderful. Caring, comforting, and educational. Her "You can't be cured, you can only be treated" comment opened my eyes. She answered all my questions and taught me lots about the stage 4 prostate cancer journey. We had just graduated to quarterly labs/PSAs after a nine months of weekly, monthly treatment sessions, Labs/PSA. Radiations, Chemo, and ADT.

We moved to be closer to family, had to change treatment center. Yikes, let's call oncologist 2, and 3, the exact opposite of oncologist number one. Non caring, non comforting, dictators. "You are sick, very, very, sick, we must do PSA's and blood work every month." Shocked, after three months I called oncologist office number for a referral to different treatment center.

True to form they referred me to oncologist number four. She is simply amazing. She is caring, comforting, fun, and over the top helpful. Our conversations are about "Quality of life, Labs/PSA's, Treatment Plans, Feelings, Oenology Innovations." We are back to quarterly appointments.

Stevecando54. I am 70 years old and have the same Agent Orange Nam gift.

well, I apologize if I offended anyone, certainly not my intention. I understand this is not a fun time.

I believe we got exposed to the dioxin in Haiphong harbor. The Blue Water Navy had over 200 ships there over time. Please look into the Pact Act whereas you will qualify for disability, and monthly compensation like I ve done.

I didn't find anything you said offensive. We all have different experiences to report and that helps everyone. Hooray for your co-pilot wife--I am playing that same role, even though I am afraid of heights. 🙂