Well today already I have heard from the “plan B” hospital. They told me that the doctor would see me there but ONLY after I finish chemotherapy and get a scan AFTER said chemo. They said that this is the “standard of care” for radiation.
So now I am forced into a situation that I REALLY don’t want to be in. Those of you that are still following Max from the NICU that he and his brother and sister called home for a while know that I am not the one to upset the apple cart. However I feel I must change my oncologists at the office/hospital that I am currently at. I need to feel that my doctor is looking out for me, and at this point I am not sure what my current doctor is looking out for.
So I have called the hospital and told them that I wanted to switch doctors. They had me talk to my doctor’s secretary and she wanted to know my side of the story and why I feel I must do this. I kept it simple:
I had a bad appointment with my doctor last time I saw her. In that appointment I got upset because she was telling me I needed radiation if the CT scan that I am getting next week comes back with lymph nodes. She said she would be making that decision on cycle 5 based on cycle 4’s data even though I am doing 6 cycles of chemotherapy. I wanted to make sure that this was the LAST option I had so I contacted (plan B hospital) and she (the oncologist secretary) had faxed over my information earlier this week to them. Based on what they said having not seen me or anything this is not the “standard of care” for someone in my position. So now I feel a lack of confidence in my doctor.
She understood what I was saying but said that she would have to call me back. I have a feeling that I am going to have to go to one of the department chair’s or something to be seen by another doctor. I have a rare form of cancer so it isn’t like it is able to go to a different doctor that easily. However my treatment plan is in place so who knows.
One thing I know for sure… I really hope I can go another 2 years without seeing a doctor (maybe my RE and my OB though) again after I am done with all of this. The last 4 years I am sure have taken years off my life.
Jennifer
Updated to add: Well the secretary called me back and they refuse to let me change oncologists. She actually argued with me about everything that I had argued with the oncologist with last week. They also seemed really upset that I would want a second opinion about radiation. The secretary, after she argued with me, even called me back to find out who I talked to at “plan B” hospital and what exactly did they say. I told her I didn’t know exactly who I talked to and told her how they work.
Needless to say, Tony and I have talked about it and we will finish chemotherapy at the current hospital then leave them. I live in an area with no shortage of “very good” cancer centers and so we can take our business elsewhere.
Hi Jennifer,
I’m so sorry that you have to go through all of this. You have already been through sooooo much. I continue to pray that the very bst case scenerio works out for you. You deserve a break!
Take care, Rowena
Jennifer, I am so sorry. I am praying that God will put the perfect plan in place for you with the perfect doctor and perfect treatment. May God bless you as you finish your treatment and may He heal you in the Name of His Dear Son. God Bless donna (granto11) mauley
I commend you on fighting for your health and the safety of your “future” little ones. I have had my share fights with doctors in my area regarding medical care and have too left on many times because of their lack of reasoning, understanding, or listening skills. Do they honestly think that I will take (or for you in this case) what they say to face value without a second opinion from another doctor? I have found that more then anything medical staff absolutely hates when you question their knowledge, authority, and skills as a doctor. Not all doctors have the same advice and outcomes. Not all doctors know “EVERYTHING” so of course I will hunt for all my options rather then settling on just one. How rude they are to question and get angry that you sought out other representation. How angry it makes me that they feel like they have been forgotten about on the playground of life. I think what you did was wonderful! I say continue on following your path. Your heart will tell you which direction to go in. They can’t force you to do anything remember that. Honestly, I would talk to you OB/GYN and even your peditrician if you have good relations with them. You might be surprised to find they might have more options for you and doctors to locate. Sometimes they can be your best advocates.
Good luck!
A faithful reader
Kiley Rodrigues
Rhode Island
I feel that you and Tony have absolutely made the right decision. I am proud of you for standing up for your little embies, and making sure that the course of treatment that you need is the one that you ACTUALLY need. It is scary to think that doctors who are so specialized could have such vastly differing opinions, but I am so thankful that you thought to go outside of your comfort zone and seek a second opinion. I pray that you don’t have to have radiation, but I do have a peace about you changing doctors. Good for you!