Switching Oncologists

On 11/16/2007 Jlwilson112 wrote:

My husband's doctor was alot like yours.  My husband was diagnosed over 2 years ago with stafe 4 colon cancer at age 35.  His doctor continually made references to the him not being around in the future,  The first time we ever met the dr. he gave my husband two years to live.  Every time I tried to find some hope the dr shot us down.  It got to the point that I would get sick when we would go see him for an appt.  We found another dr an hour away at Ohio State but she wasn't any better and just echoed what the first dr said.  Neither dr would do a PET scan because they "knew" that the spots on his liver were cancer, even though his enzymes weren't elevated and the they never changed size through a year of chemo.  Through a lady on this board I found a new dr at Ohio State who was more of a general oncologist instead of specializing in just the colon.  He is wonderful.  We stopped seeing the other two dr.'s got the PET scan done, was told the spots on the liver weren't cancer they were cysts and stopped chemo.  Two years from the diagnosis, almost to the day, instead of being dead, my husband and I had our third child.  Long story short, it's hard at the time to know what to do but keep trying to find someone else even if you have to travel.  Hope is such an important thing.  Many doctors don't want to give it but once you find one that will it makes such a difficult time a little easier.  Major universities are a good place to start looking for a better doctor.  I wish you the best!

You need to contact a lawyer, not for money but to let the first two oncologist know that their treatment of a year of chemo equates to malpractice. How awful that your husband and your entire family had to go through this . I am so happy that your husband is doing well and how wonderful and new baby.  Best to you and your family.

Eileen ( Clevealnd Ohio )

On 11/13/2007 Cropsey wrote:

Please help! 

My husband and I want desperately to switch him to a different oncologist.  The current physician is so very discouraging.  We want to have someone who knows that the disease is serious but can talk to us with some compassion.  This one only says things like "I can't guarantee you'll be here next year."  This goes on at every visit. (My husband is on a chemo regimen.)

Today, my husband spoke with the manager of the office and asked to change doctors.  She called back saying that she spoke to the doctor we requested, and he said that the current physician is a good one and that he is giving the correct treatment.  We know that.  That's not the problem!  It's his personality and lack of kindness.

What can we do?  There's only the one office in our town.  There are about 4 oncologists there, plus one who is a palliative care physician.

If anyone has had a similar issue please tell me how you dealt with it.

Thank you so much......

      Eileen
 

 

 

Hi Eileen:

Take heart! This is a common complaint - and it also is just another case of an oncologist "covering his a--"  and it means nothing. Don not fear that death is near! The conflict is this in a nutshell:

1) Some of these dummies believe in the concept of "give it to 'em straight. I don't want anybody saying I didn't tell 'em that this could happen..."  - later after the fact, and something dire actually did occur (which it probably won't - but at least they can say: "I told you..."

2) The other side of the coin is that with cancer, a major part of the cure comes from the mind itself - really. The mind can and does cure the body. Very highly specialized oncologsts do not just rely on the chemistry and physical aspect of treatment. This is critical. Therefore, preparing you for the worst does nothing but hinder the cure - and aid the cancer! This is what you're being subjected to.

 By all means change oncologists. If this means that you must travel, don't hesitate - DO IT! and do it NOW!

Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) works with ALL insurance. They also treat the WHOLE person - mind and body. They are possibly the most advanced cancer treatment facility in the world - REALLY! They have 5 locations in the USA. Go to one of them - at no cost to you!!

The NEVER "prepare you fo the worst" because they win most of the time - IF - the patient gets to them before it's too late. Time is rthe most important factor. They are a wonderful, caring organization.

Wehn we were diagosed initially, we had one of the dummies who said: "Probably 6 months - maybe a year. It will be painful." What a dope! Even though his diagnosis and treatment prescription were right on, our hope was gone and his delivery methods were strictly from the Dark Ages. We would have not made it. THEN we called CTCA and what an IMMEDIATE difference!! Today, 8 months later, the cancer is 90% GONE, we have our life back, and our quality of life is rich and full again! CTCA works "miracles" every day! They even believe in "laughter therapy" and have stand-up comedy every week for all patients!! 

 If you read this, spare your loved ones, call this number, and pack your bags. The journey back to health is wonderful!! 

1-800-FOR-HELP (Ask for Jennifer - she will be your Angel of Mercy)

Good Luck and God Bless You

Dear Eileen,

When I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, it seemed that every doctor I spoke to felt obligated to tell me how horribly bleak the prognosis was.  The oncologist I have does not have the best bedside manner and it was upsetting.  I asked him nicely, not to put me into the statistic pool..this is my canoe and I prefer to paddle in my own direction.  Since that conversation, our relationship has gotten much better,  He has lightened up and now we talk more positively.  This week I found out my tumor markers are down into normal range and he is just as ecstatic as I am.  Sometimes the doctors need to be reminded that we deserve to be treated the way they would want their family treated.  If you cannot break this ice with your oncologist, do your best to switch, but remember...you can control your attitude toward the cancer and get the support from other places and support group,if you have no way to switch.  I will keep you in my prayers..and send my thoughts and prayers to all of us waging this war.

Pat 

You must change doctor offices. You will never get a different doctor within this office as they will all stick together.

This may mean traveling to a different location or city for a doctor but hope is essential to the care and treatment of a person with cancer.

We just changed nuero-oncologists for my husband's GBM after getting incredibly insensitive care from a doctor and his entire office when we were not happy with their practically eliminating steroids during the middle of radiation therapy. Fortunately we live in the Boston area so we had other choices. I have since read that it is essential to maintain steroids during radiation, and my husband is now suffering the results of their elimination. He practically died this week from radiation encephelopathy due to this error. fortunately competent care saved him but he is now at a rehab cent and getting help, but not happy about it.

 I feel I must bring you all up-to-date on the issue we had with my husband's oncologist.

After
the manager of the cancer clinic we go to said that my husband couldn't
change doctors I decided to make an appt. with her and see her alone.

The
day after I spoke with her about my concerns, a nurse from another
doctor in the group called to make an appointment.  I was so relieved
and happy!

I didn't tell my husband that I was going to discuss
his situation with the manager.  After  the new nurse called him I told
him it was because of me.  He was so proud of me!  It was a good
feeling.

Now I can concentrate on getting him well.

Thank you all for your encouraging posts.  God bless you.