Should I find a new oncologist
I finished treatment for breast cancer 9/25. I’m still waiting to get these @#$&$#& expanders out. Radiation did a number on my skin and were waiting another month to get as much healing as possible. My issue now is that I don’t like my oncologist. I’m okay with my surgeon. Love my plastic surgeon. Don’t care at all for my oncologist. With him I feel very much like my diagnosis and not at all like a person. At this point since I don’t need to see him often I’m wondering if I should look for someone new or just stick it out with the current doc. Any opinions?
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Hi @sclh22💛
First, finishing treatment is huge. Even if you’re still stuck with those @#$& expanders (we felt that in our souls). You made it through! Radiation recovery can be so slow and frustrating. We’re sorry you’re still in that in-between stage.
About your oncologist… It matters how you feel. Even if you’ll only see him occasionally now, he’s still part of your long-term follow-up. You deserve to feel like a human being in the room, not just a chart.
Some of us stick it out if the medical care is solid and visits are infrequent. Others decide their peace of mind is worth making a change. There isn’t a right or wrong answer — it’s about what will make you feel supported.
If you’re unsure, you could:
- Try one more visit and see if it feels any different
- Get a second opinion just to compare
- Ask your surgeon or plastic surgeon (since you trust them) for a recommendation
You’ve been through a lot. It’s completely okay to want a doctor who makes you feel heard and respected. That’s just good self-care. 💗
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Hi sclh22
Sorry to hear you are having a hard time with your oncologist.
I switched oncologists because there was no communicating with my previous one. I had such a bad experience that I was considering just not going back as I'm unable to continue the treatment anyway.
In my case, it turns out the process was as simple as calling the treatment centre and asking for a different doctor.
I have yet to meet with my new doctor, that appointment isn't until the spring, but I already feel better. I figure the worst that can happen is I get another "dud". Hopefully I will find someone who is willing to answer my questions and maybe even offer some insight into my situation going forward.
While sometimes personalities and/or communication styles don't mesh, we all deserve to be acknowledged and treated with dignity.
Good luck with whatever you ultimately decide.
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So sorry for what you are going through. I feel like there is enough stress and cancer is emotionally taxing on a "good" day. I feel it might be worth finding someone you can connect with. My guess is you'll have to continue with an oncologist for follow ups and you'll want a reassuring doc that you feel comfortable talking to. If there are better options out there, go for it
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I switched oncologists after my treatment was completed. I felt like I was being lumped (no pun intended) in with a group of women and as we all know every cancer is different - there just was too much generality when she spoke with me. I was fortunate to get the name of someone at another institution, a little further away but I am so much happier with my new Oncologist and feel she is very much aware of me and my specific issues and concerns and she is very responsive. I kept the same surgeon at the other institution and since both hospital systems use Epic, information seems to flow well although I still check at appointments that my recent testing was seen. Sometimes advocating for ourselves may feel uncomfortable but you are all you've got! If you are uncomfortable find a different oncologist. If you intend to stay at the same institution, maybe start with a nurse navigator or a nurse in the office who can give you a rundown of the different Oncologists who practice there.
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