My Journey: Breast Cancer Surgery in Israel and Seeking Care in Seattle

Sounds like the same struggle that we have in Idaho. So disappointed to hear because they have talked about sending me to Seattle. It's probably a progression, better care there than here but still leaves a lot to be desired. I have been through three medical oncologists. The first one refused to see me again. She said that if I couldn't trust her to decide what I needed to know and when I needed to know it I needed a different doctor. She did not like me asking questions. The second one was adequate but not great, she moved to California. The current one also doesn't seem to have time for questions and doesn't believe in side effects. No recommendations just saying you're not alone. It can be very difficult to find doctors who can tolerate, let alone encourage you to be a part of your own team.

I am also in Seattle. I have seen docs at Swedish ( horrible), Fred Hutch ( cluster fuck) Polyclinic now Optum ( all good doctors left) and Virgina Mason ( ghetto) I have basically been everywhere searching for good care. My experience has been horrible and horrific. I have heard promising things about Overlake in Bellevue and once I work back up to it I’m going to check them out. I’m currently going through rads and Swedish after much debate and I’m hating every minute of. The docs are not collaborative and the statements they have made to me have been demeaning and dehumanizing. I’m supposed to start on hormone blockers but I’m debating if that is the right choice for me. I’m 38 and have been trying for a family for years. Did IVF prior to surgery but waiting a year or more on drugs that severely diminish my QL would mean kissing my hope for a baby goodbye. Cancer has stolen this entire year from me, I’m not sure I’m ready to let it steal my libido, my sexuality, my body, my mental health, my bones and more. Looking for a doctor who is willing to have a collaborative approach with me based on my values. Having a VERY hard time finding anything g like that in the Seattle area.

If you can come to Houston, go to MD Anderson. Oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists work on teams. It's very collaborative. The nurse practioners are really good. They are cutting edge and actually ask repeatedly if you have questions. I had very good experience there for mastectomy and lymph node removal. They had plastic surgeon there to do lymphovenous bypass to prevent lymphedema right after lymphnode removal. I didn't do radiation or chemo. Just on hormone blockers. The team listens to what you want and gives you best options.

I have been going through the same thing. My first visit to my oncologist was awful. He sent his nurse assistant in first, she said we had no time for questions and she rambles on. Then the doctor came in and talked fast and careless. I tried to ask a question and he was rude and said I should bring another set of ears with me next time. The Two times I went to him, I got my blood pressure checked only. He was Care less. I put off taking the Anastrozole but I have started taking it, for about a month now and already having hot flashes and I’m almost 64 years old. I need a second opinion and I’m thinking about going to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Fl. Any advice about the medication Anastrozole?

Melody, are you also in the Seattle Metro area?

No, I am in Florida. I’m in a small town with mediocre medical.

Jax Mayo or the Tampa Cancer Center will be able to help you. Find someone you can trust and then do what you’re told. It’s the best path to health.

I am taking Anastrozole without side effects, but my oncologist said that if I have side effects there are other hormone blockers ( aromatase inhibitors ) we could try until we found one I could tolerate. Suggest you ask about switching to Letrozole or Exemestane

Thank you for sharing this journey and the incredible determination shown in seeking the care needed. Traveling internationally for treatment while managing a bleeding disorder demonstrates remarkable strength, and it's wonderful to hear about the positive surgical outcome and recovery progress. For finding oncologists in the Seattle area, many community members have found success by contacting comprehensive cancer centers directly, asking for referrals from primary care physicians, or reaching out to patient navigators at local hospitals who can help connect patients with appropriate specialists for ongoing care and testing needs.