Do You Trust Your Oncologist?

I understand where u are coming from. I constantly look at my records. I trust no one.

Thank you ! I was beginning to think that everyone comfortable with whatever the oncologist said and had no real thoughts of their own.

I get it too ! I have so many things my oncologist doesn’t really answer to my satisfaction. A lot of times, I feel like this is “the program” and just follow it…

The radiologist and pathologist made a big mistake and I think tried to cover it up but I caught something odd In my reports, I just asked my oncologist about it and he seemed really surprised

I am so happy that you caught the mistake. Question for me would be how do we fix the mistake and what can we do to prevent it from happening again.

Exactly that’s what I’m facing right now. In October 2022 I have a core needle biopsy with clip placement, they said it was benign, in October 2023 I went in had another core needle biopsy with clip placement...same pathologist and doctor/radiologist as before...guess what stage 3 cancer. After reading the pathology report from my mastectomy it showed only one clip placed.....

I trust no one and I am only taking the letrozole but am seriously considering not taking it anymore as I don’t think I feel any better and my bones hurt and my hair is falling out by the hands full. I am tired of not getting any of my questions answered. I will not take two poisons as they also want me to take Kisqali. After them miss diagnosing me for 2 months in the hospital and all the poisons they were giving me I totally have no trust in the medical field. Tired of the lies and not being able to get all of my medical records to read over. I want surgery records , poison records and every medical personnel that was involved in my hospital stays and I want those in black and white.

I’m sorry to read that so many seem to question their care or be mistrustful of their providers. I feel very lucky to have the team treating me, and especially grateful for my medical oncologist. I’m 4 years out from a stage IV diagnosis and doing very well on Phesgo, Letrozole, a daily dose of Imodium and quarterly infusions of Zometa. My scans are now at 6 month intervals and they show no changes anywhere. Echos every 6 months are also always good. There is hope for us all. Best path for me is to follow all medical advice. Good luck to everyone.

My oncologist is constantly annoyed with me. I follow nothing without completely understanding risk and benefit. Most of the time we go with the plan but not always. We have a good working relationship now. But i thought he would faint when I first started with him and brought my grown children to every decision making appointment.

Also my first surgery was followed by a more extensive surgery a week later because they did not have clear margins. Ask your Dr any questions.itvis after all your life in the balance

Janna every question I asked him has been a no answer. After almost 3 months in 4 hospitals I still don’t have answers

I am seeing a new oncologist tuesday

Side bar. I believe that having at least one other person at office visits is necessary. You may not hear or understand everything that is discussed because it is so overwhelming. Having some one listening that can also ask questions has helped me make good decisions.

My daughter lives 6 hours away with 3 young children and my husband only wants to overwhelm me talking about anxiety and depression

I'm so sorry. Do you have.a friend that might go with you. I know i am blessed with family that can and is willing to stand with me. It is a struggle.

I really like my oncologist. He just had not had patients who really felt the need to understand all the possibilities. We did have a bumpy start and he finally told me he was not accustomed to patients asking so many questions and understanding his answers. I started with him midway through COVID. I believe you should really be able to talk to your Dr. And feel comfortable. Also, he has a great Nurse Practitioner that is wonderful to talk to about what is going on in your body. I believe good communication is helpful during the whole process.

Brenda F. Have you seen the new oncologist?

Actually no due to the fact that the previous jerk and the hospitals did not send my records to the new one. I am hoping that the new oncologist will be willing to work with my kinesiologist and myself . I am an herb person and I don’t intend to take more poison. How are you doing Janna? I love your name

Thank you. REMEMBER get all the facts and data about treatments. I have had 3 surgeries now, radiation, chemo and maintenance anti hormonal therapy. I see my oncologist and a herbalist as well as an acupuncturist as part of my plan. Yes I have some undesireable side effects, loss of hair is the most annoying one. I wear a turban or scarf most days. But I can mostly enjoy my life and work around inconvenience of medications and such. Life is precious. I hope you find a medical.team that supports you better.

I too feel like no one is telling me anything, I feel like I learn from the Dr I'm seeing at the time what the previous Dr should have told me

I totally hated the oncologist that I was set up with the first time around. To this day he has never given me a straight answer and he is from Dana Farber which is supposed I be a high quality cancer hospital.

Having good communications and trust with your dr's. It allows you to make the best choices. Ask for referrals if you need to

I really like and trust my medical oncologist and everyone who has cared for me at Univ of Michigan’s cancer center. I feel very blessed to get such good care.

Grace, that’s so good to hear! I am also being treated by a U of M oncologist. We have had a few bumps in the road, but things improved when I figured out a way of charting side effects; I simply send my chart through the portal. She’s modified her treatment plan a few times, and I’m sometimes challenged trying to keep up. It really does come down to communication.

Leni, i agree. Good communication really fosters feeling heard and cared for. I feel whatever comes next my team of Medical care will work with me tonthe best end.