Forum Discussion

GratefulGranny's avatar
6 years ago

GP suggestions in southeast Melbourne please

I'm hoping someone here can recommend a GP in southeast Melbourne who has some knowledge (and empathy) of BC treatment. 

I was diagnosed with early breast cancer (ER+ & PR+) in early 2017.  No node involvement but the cancer was aggressive. Treatment involved lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy following by 5-10 years on AI's.  I started on Letrozole but it gave me hives so I've ended up on Exemestane.

Life has changed ... chemo left me with peripheral neuropathy in my feet ... and most of you seem to know about the fun side-effects of the AI's.  I've finally found a brand which doesn't impact on my sleep!

My current GP told me the neuropathy would go away within a few months of chemo finishing.  It didn't.  GP just shrugged her shoulders and told me there was nothing to be done.  I was going insane with it.  My feet felt like they were in an ice bucket and the pins and needle sensation was so bad I struggled to relax and took hours to fall asleep.  Eventually my medical oncologist prescribed Lyrica.  I'm only on a low dose but it certainly helps take the "edge" off the painful sensations of the neuropathy.

My GP is not happy about me being on Lyrica and wants me to go off it.  No chance! 

A recent blood test showed increased cholesterol which resulted in a scolding from the GP.  I asked if it could be caused by the Exemestane as I'd been working hard on eating well.  "Absolutely not" was her answer.  At my next oncologist appointment I asked the same question.  "Absolutely" he said.

I'm supposed to be losing weight but it is a real battle just maintaining my current weight.  I work hard on eating well but struggle getting enough exercise.  Painful feet and joints.  I often manage to lose a kg only to find it jumps right back on a day or two later.  A constant yo-yo!! 

I feel my GP isn't very supportive and doesn't seem to be educated enough about BC treatment.  I'm disappointed. She was kind and gentle but I now find her less so and she seems exasperated by me.

I need a GP who understands that some days are a struggle but that I'm trying my best.  Someone who supports the efforts I am making to alleviate the side-effects so I can live life.  Hoping someone here can recommend such a GP?
  • Hi @GratefulGranny What you are asking for is fair and reasonable. I don’t live anywhere near you so hopefully someone else on here can help. I have just moved to a country town where the only good GP has closed her books and the other good one just moved away. I know how frustrating it is. The other option is to look for a local BC support group who may have recommendations.