Fired by my doctor

Tricoteuse

I am in shock. I have been seeing my med onc regularly since my recurrence 16 months ago. I had a very unexpected (aren't they all) recurrence nearly 5 years after mastectomy/ node sampling and Tamoxifen for stage 1 ER+ cancer. Extensive bone mets causing several fractures in my lumbar spine and ribs, and some lung and liver nodules. I have been on Xeloda, but over the past few months I have felt that it is not working as well. Two weeks ago I developed severe pain in my gluteal area that turned out to be extension of a known lytic lesion in my pelvis. I had radiotherapy for 5 days and tried to get an appointment with med onc to find out what to do next. 
She called me back and said she wouldn't see me any more because I had been rude at my last appointment (pressing her to tell me what she would recommend next if Xeloda wasn't working, and how we would make that assessment), and she found out I had tried to go for a second opinion. There had also been a big gap since my last appointment due to Christmas and an overseas holiday. 
I'm devastated. I don't have an oncologist, and I've just had disease progression on treatment. I can't get in for my second opinion for three weeks.

has this happened to anyone else?

Zoffiel

That's weird. If we all got sacked for questioning our oncs... Did she inform you last time that your behaviour was making her uncomfortable? And as for suggesting a second opinion is against the rules. Well, that's very strange. 
I'm not sure if she is obliged to find you another referral, but given your situation, it would be very surprising if you didn't get triaged up the list pretty quickly if you have access to public oncology services. That's a job for your GP. If you are metro ask to be referred to a couple of different hospitals. If you have to wait the three weeks, that is still, sadly, pretty brisk progression in cancer land.

Mira

I was under the impression if a doctor refuses to see you again they had to recommend someone else?  Or at least make sure you are getting adequate treatment.  Does your oncologist have a supervisor?  I'd take it up a level and make a complaint if they haven't referred you on.

Brenda5

if Xeloda is not successful on its own there are chemo drugs which can be added. Your GP doctor should refer you to a new oncologist. For the pain, you may want to see if you can chase up a doctor, or ask yours, who is authorised to prescribe medicinal cannabis oil. It is treated to be non addictive and you don't get high on it but it will loosen up restricted movement and stop the pain. 

iserbrown

Well you obviously don't get on with that Onc. Priority is to obtain referral to a new one. GP is needed here. Confidence is key.
Take care xx

primek

If you do want to continue perhaps write a letter explaining your thinking at the time and your fears and emotional state that was involved in how you approached her. 

What I get reading between the lines is the need for trust between the patient and oncologist and perhaps she feels this isn't there.

So ask yourself...do you trust her decision making / knowledge / experience?. If you do , then tell her. Sometimes specialist need time to ponder a course of treatment action and at that time wasn't certain which way she would go. It's possible your response on that day was insulting to her knowledge without intention. But a heartfelt apology may be accepted and the working relationship can then continue.

I hope tbat you have a new specialist soon and feel confident in your treating team. Kath x

Cate64

@Tricoteuse i am waiting to be told something similar... my solictor just requested my medical records.... im very nervous now as to what my reception will be this Fridays appointment...

Tricoteuse

She offered to send me to someone else at the same hospital, but I'm afraid she's poisoned everyone's mind against me. GP has sorted out an alternate oncologist. Was really just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience. I needed a change anyway, as we're not a good personality match, but firing a patient just because you don't like her seems pretty extreme. Could have steered me elsewhere rather than abandoning me in the middle of a crisis.

socoda

Hi Tricoteuse, Sounds like you're better off without her. If she is that precious because you wanted a second opinion I reckon good riddance!!! Hoping your new oncologist is absolutely sensational and confidence inspiring!!! Xx Cath

fairydust

Your oncologist has probably done you a favour.  Its great when you find an oncologist that you click with . It is uphill when your working with someone you do not get along with. In my case I fired my first breast surgeon who worked at the same hospital as the second breast surgeon  I hired.  I could not have been happier with my decision. I did not make that decision lightly. Look on it as something for the best.

Share

Hi Cate - I have found this all so confronting and overwhelming - I can only imagine how YOU are feeling and processing all of this.

We feel so vulnerable at times and develop trust and reliance on our specialists. We feel like we are so exposed at times and just need that little bit of support & re-assurance.

Thinking of you this week (hopefully it goes quickly). 

Sheryl xxx 

primek

Hope all goes well with your new oncologist.

Cate64

Lol... get this one... Oncologist visit today BUT no Oncolohist NOW i am delegated to the Nurse Practicioner!! I think I am fired as well...

Zoffiel

Hope you didn't get charged the same rate, Cate!