Changing Oncologist?

Hi Jackie

This is Kathy from BCNA. I haven’t had breast cancer and can’t speak from experience, however here at BCNA we always recommend women ‘shop around’ to find specialists that they like and feel they can trust. It is important that you feel comfortable with the people who are providing your care.

It sounds like this is not how you feel with your current oncologist. You certainly shouldn’t be made to feel uncomfortable or stressed when you attend appointments.

If you feel comfortable enough to talk to the oncologist about the receptionist’s attitude and behaviour you might like to try that. If she is treating you that way, you can be sure she is treating others that way too and the oncologist should know about it.

Regardless of whether or not you do that, you would certainly be justified in looking for another oncologist who can provide the care and support you need. Your Breast Care Nurse or GP may be able to recommend some other oncologists in your area. Your local breast cancer support group would also be a good place to get some recommendations from other women.

After looking around, you may decide that the oncologist you are now seeing is actually the one who suits you best. Don’t worry if this is the case. Specialists understand how important it is for women to have the right ‘fit’ with their doctors. They know that women will look around to find the specialist who suits them best. The fact that you have looked elsewhere should not affect the treatment and care you receive.

Don’t wait too long for the oncologist to call you back about your concerns about the Tamoxifen side effects – give the office another call and let the receptionist know you are concerned and need to speak with the oncologist.

Good luck, Jackie. You do deserve better care than you are currently getting.  Let me know how you get on.
Kathy