Where do I find info on different oncologists?
HinterlandSian
Member Posts: 23 ✭
I've only recently been diagnosed with de novo metastatic BC and because I'm in the public health system I didn't get a choice on who treated me. I'm now seeing an oncologist at the Sunshine Coast Universty Hospital that I'm not really clicking with. I don't think she 'gets' me, and as I have autism it's hard to find someone who gets me!
I've spent hours online trying to find some kind of list of public oncologists but of course the only ones listed are private. Not even the hospital website can tell you.
Can anyone give me some hints on how to find an alternative and if that's even allowed? I'd ask my BC nurse but she is always so busy I don't want to increase her burden.
Thanks.
I've spent hours online trying to find some kind of list of public oncologists but of course the only ones listed are private. Not even the hospital website can tell you.
Can anyone give me some hints on how to find an alternative and if that's even allowed? I'd ask my BC nurse but she is always so busy I don't want to increase her burden.
Thanks.
0
Comments
-
Hi @HinterlandSian
i didn’t have a breast care nurse (and never felt the lack) but yours is there to assist you, so asking advice on an alternative oncologist seems perfectly reasonable. Your GP may also be able to help. While your oncologist may be an excellent practitioner, feeling on the same wavelength is a big plus, if possible. But if not, try and see her as a valuable resource, not someone you have to like. Best wishes.1 -
Asking your GP and or Breast Cancer nurse is probably the best. Your GP would be aware of your demeanour and hopefully can recommend someone however I'm not across how it works in the public system
Here's a link that you may find helpful
"Find a specialist | Cancer Council" https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/after-a-diagnosis/find-a-specialist0 -
Thanks guys, that helps.1
-
Hi I was in th Private system and my ( Amazing female) GP referred me to my ( amazing) breast cancer surgeon who in turn referred me to my plastic surgeon , radiologist and oncologist.
All have been fabulous.
but if you are not connecting with your oncologist that is a worry as that is someone you are going to have a long term relationship with.
I agree with the others in here, have a chat with your GP and beast care nurse about whether you can be connected up with another oncologist.
All the best.
🌺0 -
@HinterlandSian - I am sorry you are not gelling with your Onc. .... you are not alone!! I didn't like my first Onc - he was very dismissive of my side effects & didn't even appear to be interested in me as a patient .... and had a chance to see his 'underling' ( a fully trained Onc from Sth America) who was going thru accreditation in Australia .... so moved over to her & been happy ever since!! She has since become my husband's Onc as well!
You could google the hospital that you are being treated at & see which Oncs are that are available to patients there and can then google individual Oncs ... there can be a sort of 'review' like trip advisor that shows patient's satisfaction level!! ..... definitely ask your Breast Care Nurse - that is what they are there for - to help YOU out xx
Good luck. I was SO happy with MY Onc change!!0 -
@HinterlandSian you definitely can change you oncologist, even within the public system. As suggested, your BC nurse or GP may be able to help.
If all else fails, be honest with her and tell her that you are finding the relationship difficult. That's a tough thing to do, but you will have a long term investment in this, and you need to feel comfortable. Like all tricky conversations, think about what you want to say, make some notes, stay on topic and be polite.
You never know, if she realises that you are unhappy, she may reassess her approach to you.
These people are under a great deal of pressure, but the profession does seem to attract some personalities that are not very user friendly.
Never forget that this is all about you. MXX1 -
I contacted my BC nurse today and she said that absolutely I could change oncologists and I wasn't the first to ask, so I highly suggest that anyone who doesn't get the feels with their onc to try another. I'll let you all know how it goes.
Thanks for the help.4 -
1
