Oncologist

[yrrek]

Hi Everyone,

     I am wanting to know what some of you think I should do.  My Oncologist retired.  He was a medical oncologist and he was my Dr. thru all of my treatment and was now following me.  I am 6 months post chemo, doing well. DX'd 1c 12/07.  A GYN did my debulking surgery.   I read all the time here how important it is to have a gyn/onc and I know that that is what would of been best for me, but I did not know that at the time and things happened pretty quick.  So now that my Onc. retired ( he told me that I need to be followed every 4 months for the next year and then every 6 months) I thought I would try to see a gyn/onc who lives two hours away.  She would not take me on saying that I should be followed in the clinc where my previous onc was, that a medical oncologist for me was fine.  The clinic where my onc was is swamped and  have not yet found a replacement for him.  I think there is one more gyn/onc in Spokane, WA  that I could try and see.  Do you think it is okay for me to be followed in a clinic with no gyn/onc.  For that matter my NP who is my primary care said she could follow me, she used to be an oncology nurse, said she could order my CA125's, and scans.  I sometimes think stop going in and if I feel bad then I will go, but I know that that is probably not best.  I appreciate any advice.  Kerry

[SimplyStar]

Don't downplay NP  , as a retired nurse I have to say this,  Leslee was debulked by a Onocologist at a leading hospital, 4 hours away, then referred to a local onocologist clinic, the priciple onoco here saw her and read her records, the nurses took care of all the chemo , exams, tests.  She did make 3 trips back to the orginal hospital for follow up ,  she was passed on to a medical onocol after her surgery.  After 15 years of working in OB, labor and delivery, I know without any recourse, that I could have delivered 98% of all deliveries done.  the doctor is there is catch the baby, then walks out to tell the Daddy, then goes home.  The other 2%  were referred to C-sections to be done by a surgeon. I lay the total blame on Leslee's PD for not recognizing the cancer for 4 1/2 months of repeated visits.  I take the blame also for not knowing the symptoms, I was not taught them and had never come across OVCA in those years.  Leslee told me that on her second visit to her PD, a nurse asked the doctor is she wanted to order a scan and any blood work, the PD said no , not necessary , let the Malox take care of the IBS.  It was only after we insisted that Les see a different OB/GYN that we got the answers and the necessary tests,  Not only do we need to educate as many as possible for early DX, but we need to make sure the Doctors are learning about OVCA,  and we need to have the nurses associations  have the ability to speak out without repercussions.  The doctors are not the Gods that we Americans have made them.  We need to question them and then research to see that those answers are acceptable.  In my years as a nurse I have seen too many incompetent Doctors, and have been called on the carpet for questioning their orders.  I only wish I could start all over, knowing what I know now.  We pay the bills, let the professionals listen to us.   Marty

[marie3B]

My gyn/onc only did my surgery, then passed me off to a medical onc for the chemo.  If I had my choice I would prefer an oncologist that specializes in women's cancers.  I agree with Sharon that I would not feel comfortable being followed by the nurse practioner.  I saw a nurse prationer 5/17/2007 for a gyn exam.  She said that my uterus felt slightly enlarged.  No mention of feeling tumors.  A few weeks later I was swollen with huge tumors and looked 8 months pregnant.  It makes me wonder if the doc would have felt the tumors. I hope you find a doc you are really comfortable with.Marie

[dian07]

Hey there, Kerry.  I had a gyn/oncologist perform my surgery (2 1/2 hours away) and he then referred me to a hematology oncologist  (?) who is closer (1 1/2 hours away) for chemo supervision.  If I had a recurrance I would want to see the original guy....the gyn/oncologist....he is the one who determined the chemo I would need.  I didn't develope a close relationship to either, however.
Sounds like you have a good relationship with your oncologist.......why don't you ask him who he thinks would be a good oncologist for you to see?  I can't imagine he wouldn't make a referral if you asked him to.  Just a thought.
Though I have no real connection to my oncologist..... I don't want to give him up.....go figure!  
Peace.
dian

[shewrites]

I think you need to shop the doctors.  

Perhaps a local ob/gyn or medical oncologist should be your regular contact person.  Someone you're comfortable with and who you think will watch over you diligently.  Someone who will see you promptly and keep up with the tests.  

Lots of people go for second opinions to teaching hospitals, etc., so why not do that to have your records in the hands of a gyn/oncologist as back-up?  Ask them to review the original pathology report, etc., and see them occasionally, if something is bothering you.  

[JC145]

I would stick with an oncologist.  I know several women being followed by regular oncologists ... but I would definitely want an oncologist.  I prefer PET/CT scans if you insurance allows them.  Sorry to hear you onc retired ... it's hard to switch.  Good luck, Judy

[silver&gold]

I would definately want to be followed by a gyn onc, I just think that you need the people with the most knowledge monitoring this horrible disease and they are on the ball .

Best wishes Angie

[westajul]

Hi,
My gyn./onc at MD Anderson was ok with my reg. ob/gyn monitoring my test results and ct scans. I would have an oncologist or gyn oncologist as a back up in case ( god forbid) you have a recurrence. It is easier to get an appt when you are already one of their patient.  Julie

[bohan54]

I saw a nurse practitioner instead of a gyn for my last two annual exams before my OVCA dx.  I will always wonder if a doctor would have felt something amiss during my pelvic exam.  If I were in your situation, I would want to be followed by an oncologist, if not at your retired doc's clinic then perhaps another one.  Just my personal bias.
Sharon

[SimplyStar]

if your NP can order the right tests at the right time and follow you, that seems good to me.  If something then shows up she can get you an appointment with an Onocologist