Medical oncologist

Thanks Karen, I always take hubbie with me, and I always have a list of questions and try to tick them off.  He also made hubbie feel like he shouldn't be there.

I do question if they know everything, I mentioned from reading on here about Iodine levels, he said there wasn't a test to check for this.  

He was surprised when I said the fish oil was giving me a better quality without as much pain.

I did read another post where the lady said "remember we are paying for his service and are entitled to get answers".

I do find this site wonderful for sharing a yuck experience, I don't feel so alone.

Candy  xxxxxxx

 

Hypochondria cannot cause elevated levels in test results. The onc sounds like an arse! I'm feeling quite angry on your behalf. If it were me, I would take someone with me to the appointments for support and back up. I would also take a list of questions and would not leave the room until they were answered to my satisfaction. The fact is we all react differently to the drugs and were don't always fit into the square. You cannot change the onc's personality or bedside manner but you can change how you react to him. Don't allow him to push you aside. You have the right to know and understand what is happening to your body. Yes he is the doctor and yes he probably knows more than we ever will but it doesn't mean he's always right nor does it mean he has the right to brush your concerns aside. Hang in there. Love Karen xox

Saw Oncologist this week, due to bone pain and achy joints I requested a break from Femara and asked should I go onto Tamoxifen, response I got was Femara only causes pain in hands and feet. Stop Femara for 2 weeks and get back to him if I want a script for Tamoxifen.  It was all left so open ended with no answer.  I am also on Zoloft for the hot flushes and I remembered someone saying you cannot take this with Tamoxifen but ok to take with Femara.

Blood tests were high with calcium and liver/kidney function readings, Oncologist said it was ok as it was all even higher last time ( failed to mention this). 

Feel like I cannot question anything, made to feel like a hypocondriac.  

When I said my GP was very worried about liver function test he said it was the Femara.  I am ok with that. Then next minute he is telling me I should have a body bone scan, expects nothing from it but get it done soon.

Why is it all so difficult, my first Oncologist was good until she had a personal breakdown, I think this new one cannot be bothered.  

It really is too hard some days. I think they prefer us to have our head in a bucket of sand and not ask questions.

Candy sad girl.

 

 

 

Saw Oncologist this week, due to bone pain and achy joints I requested a break from Femara and asked should I go onto Tamoxifen, response I got was Femara only causes pain in hands and feet. Stop Femara for 2 weeks and get back to him if I want a script for Tamoxifen.  It was all left so open ended with no answer.  I am also on Zoloft for the hot flushes and I remembered someone saying you cannot take this with Tamoxifen but ok to take with Femara.

Blood tests were high with calcium and liver/kidney function readings, Oncologist said it was ok as it was all even higher last time ( failed to mention this). 

Feel like I cannot question anything, made to feel like a hypocondriac.  

When I said my GP was very worried about liver function test he said it was the Femara.  I am ok with that. Then next minute he is telling me I should have a body bone scan, expects nothing from it but get it done soon.

Why is it all so difficult, my first Oncologist was good until she had a personal breakdown, I think this new one cannot be bothered.  

It really is too hard some days. I think they prefer us to have our head in a bucket of sand and not ask questions.

Candy sad girl.

 

 

 

Hi Sarah,Yes, I do,  I too get weepy and fatigued the day after my Herceptin. It may be purely psycosomatic, a response to being confronted once again with the fact of having cancer and of losing the sense of being immortal that we take for granted. Or it could be part of the inflammation of mucous membranes/flu-like symptoms that are trotted out as standardly part of Herceptin. Or it could be just that suddenly my health and energy levels drop and it is distressing to feel more fatigued etc.

best wishes

Jessica

Hi Sarah,Yes, I do,  I too get weepy and fatigued the day after my Herceptin. It may be purely psycosomatic, a response to being confronted once again with the fact of having cancer and of losing the sense of being immortal that we take for granted. Or it could be part of the inflammation of mucous membranes/flu-like symptoms that are trotted out as standardly part of Herceptin. Or it could be just that suddenly my health and energy levels drop and it is distressing to feel more fatigued etc.

best wishes

Jessica

Thank goodness we have this forum Sarah....where others understand & share experiences & support! 

As Karen said, you should let him know how upset he made you....it is not right to make you feel even worse than before you went in to see him!

Sending you positive vibes for next visit....Jen x

My oncologist says some just plain stupid things. Think it is what ever pops into his head. You are not alone.

If you are unable to change oncologist, then I would call him on it at your next appointment. As someone who very often does not react to medications like the norm, I refuse to be talked down to. If you are experiencing pain, whether it is the herceptin or something else, it's something they need to look into. They are doing all of this treatment to you. You know your body better than anyone else. You may well be clinically depressed. That is a separate issue. That doesn't cause pain. I would also make a point of saying how this fellow made you feel and that you need him to change his attitude to you. I too have people tell me not to go onto websites for support. You know what? Whatever works for you I reckon! This site and the ladies on it have been a huge support for me. At least they know what I'm going through. I don't think of doctors as anything but normal people. They have bad days too and sometimes I think they lose site that they are dealing with people not just a disease. Tell him you want someone who is going to listen to your concerns and take them seriously and not make you feel silly or as though you are making things up. Look after yourself and I hope that by being honest with him you can improve the relationship so that you feel more comfortable. Karen xox

Thank you Candygirl I have more faith in this site than any one appointment I have to meet in WA Perth.

Cyber hug and good luck