What questions do you have for the AdvancedBreastCancer.net community?
No one has to go through metastatic breast cancer alone . . . what questions do you have about your diagnosis or journey that the community can help address?
Hi Patty!
Great query for the collective!
I would love to start a conversation about changing doctors. Some people choose to do it, and some people are kind of pushed to do it for other reasons beyond their control. I guess my question is where do you start if you are choosing to switch it up? Do you stay in clinic or do you change clinics entirely?
I love my clinic and my doc, but I do consider finding someone purely out of curiosity for another opinion on the care I am receiving.
I know this is from a bit ago, so I thought I would try and get the ball rolling on the convo now!
-Stephanie (team member)Great questions, Stephanie. I'd be interested in hearing from the community about staying in a clinic or changing entirely. We do have some articles about seeking second opinions that could be of interest to the community but it would be great to hear what people's experiences are: https://advancedbreastcancer.net/living/take-control
https://advancedbreastcancer.net/answers/second-opinionBest,
Patty (Team Member)
Thank you so much, Patty! I appreciate the informed response!
Best wishes,
-Stephanie (team member)
My male oncologist of 32 years retired, and I was forced to find a new oncologist. I asked friends who had breast cancer who their doctors were and what they thought of them. Then, I read all the online reviews and made an appointment with an oncologist who came highly recommended. It was an enlightening experience. in hindsight, I realize that my previous oncologist was in a rut after treating cancer patients for 35 years. My new oncologist is like a breath of fresh air. She is female, has so much knowledge about breast cancer, relates well with those suffering, and always goes the extra mile. Changing oncologists was a good step forward for me.
Hi
Yes, I agree sometimes change is hard work but then something surprising like you said "breath of fresh air". Glad you found an oncologist that goes the extra mile. I am so happy for you!!
Best, Mallory (Team Member)
I have a very good general oncologist in my town, but I want a second opinion from an ABC specialist, so I’m getting one. My local oncologist is open to a team approach with the specialist, so I don’t have to travel hundreds of miles for treatment when that time comes.
good for you! Getting a second opinion, especially from a specialist, is never a bad thing. And how great that your local oncologist is open to a team approach. Being able to stay close sounds much less grueling than having to travel hundreds of miles. If you're comfortable, please keep us posted with how the visit to the specialist goes. We'll be thinking of you. Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)