Those of you with experience, please, I'd love your input!
I've had mostly good luck - picked my GI out of the directory and he is fabulous. Haven't had as great luck with PCP - but I don't see him much anyways! My ob-gyn is also a gem and was recommended by my previous gyn (whose practice did not deliver babies...)
I plan to interview at least 3 oncologists. My first one is for April 9 - the other is pending final test results, so is probably a month or so out...And I need to find a #3...
What kinds of questions give a good sense if doc will be a good fit for you? I have an idea of the type of follow-up I want (pretty aggressive - possibly considered "over-treatment") - and I've done my homework...Do I throw out what I want and see how they respond? Or play the neutral card and see what their recommendations are?
Also, if I'm finding these guys not willing to support aggressive follow-up, how do I avoid wasting time and # on dead-end consults? Is it appropriate to say "Can you reccommend another physician who might be more supportive of the aggressive follow-up I am seeking?"
Thanks guys!
Mary
Interviewing doctors....
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Mary,
When my mother had cancer (not BC), we took a copy of all the test results with us; had lists of questions we wanted to ask and first off, let the doctor talk/examine, etc.
After they were done, our questions came out (if they weren't already answered). If the doctor is caring and considerate of your feelings, they will make/take the time to answer them. I wouldn't let the doc out of the door until all questions are answered.
We asked things such as treatment options, medication options, side affects to all the above, longevity of treatment/cures, hospitals they have priviliges at, after hour contact numbers, follow up procedures, etc.
Since you have done your homework, you will have a number of questions you want answered. Most oncologists seem to have a more caring bedside manner and since you will come prepared, they will try their best to set your mind at ease.
One of the things that I found that irritated me the worst was that the body seems to be treated but the mind doesn't when it comes to cancer. You are in the best possible place when you are prepared to deal with the options, have support from family and friends and be as educated as you can before making a decision for the treatment!
I wish you luck in finding not only the best treatment, but also finding the best doctor to give it to you!
Love and
Mars
When my mother had cancer (not BC), we took a copy of all the test results with us; had lists of questions we wanted to ask and first off, let the doctor talk/examine, etc.
After they were done, our questions came out (if they weren't already answered). If the doctor is caring and considerate of your feelings, they will make/take the time to answer them. I wouldn't let the doc out of the door until all questions are answered.
We asked things such as treatment options, medication options, side affects to all the above, longevity of treatment/cures, hospitals they have priviliges at, after hour contact numbers, follow up procedures, etc.
Since you have done your homework, you will have a number of questions you want answered. Most oncologists seem to have a more caring bedside manner and since you will come prepared, they will try their best to set your mind at ease.
One of the things that I found that irritated me the worst was that the body seems to be treated but the mind doesn't when it comes to cancer. You are in the best possible place when you are prepared to deal with the options, have support from family and friends and be as educated as you can before making a decision for the treatment!
I wish you luck in finding not only the best treatment, but also finding the best doctor to give it to you!
Love and
Mars
"Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful." -- Buddha