Worried about new treatment plan!!!
I had my mastectomy in Adelaide on September 6th and the needed to relocate interstate for the chemo and radiotherapy due to my support network being stronger where I am now living. On Friday I met th...
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What a world of difference it makes when you stand up for yourself ...
The past week has been a difficult and scary time changing oncologists right when I was due to start chemo.
But throughout the journey - all respondents in this thread have helped and supported me.
I can't thank the BCNA Online Network enough. You gave me courage and practical advice.
Thank you for telling me to not settle!
And Cath (socoda) thank you for recommending Dr Baerin Houghton, my lovely, new, dreamboat oncologist.
Today I met him and thankfully, Baerin has taken me on as his patient so I don't have to travel to Sydney or Newcastle for chemo. He's implementing the 5-month AC-Paclitaxel which he said is longer and more ardous, but with TNBC he doesn't want to take chances. And I don't have to take as many steroids (less 'roid rage ~ gotta love that!).
Baerin is authorizing the BRCA-1 gene test and he supports me getting a power-port.
He's personable, clear, concise and thorough (ordered baseline blood tests - the other did not), and is referring me to the local radiotherapy oncologist (instead of dismissing the need for radiotherapy as the other did).
Plus, he asked me questions and actually seems to care.
The first question was "What's important to you, and what do you want?", and I replied, "Continuity of treatment and the level of care I was receiving in Adelaide".
Now it looks like I'm going to get it :-)
And, isn't that what we all really want!? To simply be treated with respect, dignity and compassion.
So, I start my regime next Friday, and although it's crap having to undergo this toxic process, at least I now feel I will be well cared for on the journey.
Wishing you all a great weekend ~ Peace & Love fellow travelers <3
The past week has been a difficult and scary time changing oncologists right when I was due to start chemo.
But throughout the journey - all respondents in this thread have helped and supported me.
I can't thank the BCNA Online Network enough. You gave me courage and practical advice.
Thank you for telling me to not settle!
And Cath (socoda) thank you for recommending Dr Baerin Houghton, my lovely, new, dreamboat oncologist.
Today I met him and thankfully, Baerin has taken me on as his patient so I don't have to travel to Sydney or Newcastle for chemo. He's implementing the 5-month AC-Paclitaxel which he said is longer and more ardous, but with TNBC he doesn't want to take chances. And I don't have to take as many steroids (less 'roid rage ~ gotta love that!).
Baerin is authorizing the BRCA-1 gene test and he supports me getting a power-port.
He's personable, clear, concise and thorough (ordered baseline blood tests - the other did not), and is referring me to the local radiotherapy oncologist (instead of dismissing the need for radiotherapy as the other did).
Plus, he asked me questions and actually seems to care.
The first question was "What's important to you, and what do you want?", and I replied, "Continuity of treatment and the level of care I was receiving in Adelaide".
Now it looks like I'm going to get it :-)
And, isn't that what we all really want!? To simply be treated with respect, dignity and compassion.
So, I start my regime next Friday, and although it's crap having to undergo this toxic process, at least I now feel I will be well cared for on the journey.
Wishing you all a great weekend ~ Peace & Love fellow travelers <3