Oncologists
Printed From: TNBC Foundation
Category: TNBC Forums
Forum Name: Welcome New Members
Forum Description: A place to introduce yourself to our community
URL: http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=5180
Printed Date: Mar 26 2026 at 11:36pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Oncologists
Posted By: JanB
Subject: Oncologists
Date Posted: Nov 12 2009 at 5:53am
|
Good morning all,
What a year it has been! My cancer was diagnosed in February and I had a lumpectomy in March(triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma, 1 cm, no node involvement, clear margins). Then, in April, I had mammosite radiation where they insert the balloon into the breast and the radiation is over and done with in five days. Began Carboplatin and Taxotere chemo the end of April and finished at the end of August. Had some very rough days - wound up getting four units of blood and six units of platelets - but worked as much as I possibly could throughout. Had a PET scan in late October and was told there was no evidence of disease as far as the breast cancer was concerned, but that my thyroid had lit up. I saw an endocrinologist who performed six biopsies of the nodule in my thyroid. The biopsies came back fine but now I have to go back to her to find out what's up with the thyroid - overactive? underactive?
Also developed lymphodema in the breast so will be seeing a new doctor about that, plus I have residual neuropathy in feet and fingers. There are a few other little lingering side effects but nothing I cannot deal with. Meanwhile, I feel pretty doggone great!!!!!
 I am concerned, however, that I need to change oncologists if and when cancer returns. How do you find a new GOOD one - one that you are comfortable with and who has a caring support staff? I went all through chemo with this particular oncologist but have never been happy with him or his nurse. After a conversation with them yesterday, I feel that I absolutely HAVE to find a new doctor.
How would you handle this situation? Talking does no good (but I did learn to record all visits to the doctors in lieu of trying to rely on memory).
Thanks for any help you can send my way. By the way, I live near Richmond, VA. Thanks again!
JanB
|
Replies:
Posted By: susanb
Date Posted: Nov 12 2009 at 9:52am
|
I found my 2nd ocno, who I adore, through asking the other women in my BC support group at the Wellness Center. It turns out he's considered the "best in the midwest".
------------- Dx June 06 stage 1 at age 46, no nodes, clean margins, Ki-67 at 54, Bilateral Mastectomy, 4 rounds AC, complete hysterectomy Aug O7. Mother and Grandmother both died of breast cancer dx in their 30's. |
Posted By: unklez
Date Posted: Nov 12 2009 at 9:18pm
|
Dear JanB, The best doctors who provide unbiased opinions and genuinely care for you are more easily found in teaching hospitals. Good luck with the new one. ------------- Wife Dx: Jul/09. Age: 37. Size: 3cm. BRCA: -ve. Lumpectomy: Aug/09. Micromet 1/9 node. Chemo Start: Sep/09. E5103. DD ACB-> DD Abraxane (Taxol reaction). Zometa (S0307). Canadian Fraction Rads. |
Posted By: scared
Date Posted: Nov 12 2009 at 11:47pm
|
In our area Seattle we have a magazine that rates the best doctors and there is usually a category for breast cancer oncologist. It so happened that ours was listed as best in our area. Word of mouth is also good. Hope you get the team together that you deserve! Dave
|
Posted By: Carol (Tenn)
Date Posted: Nov 13 2009 at 7:46am
|
Dave,
If I might suggest that you put the stats for your "friend" I can't remember who you said you were here for....anyway....if you put all the stats in the signature area on your profile it will help us all to remember what the diagnosis and treatment is. It will keep you from repeating yourself and let us old folk (me) have a little help in remembering...
It is so good you live a metropolitan area. I live in the sticks and my resources are limited but I do have a great onc who comes from a larger city and has a cancer center close by.
Good day and God Bless!
Carol ------------- St 2 Gr 3, A/C/T, DD Radiation x35 Rec chest wall 07/09 Radiation x28 NED 10/24/11 NED 10/5/12 NED 03/15/13 |