Tuesday, March 30, 2010

New Docs

I was referred to the medical oncologist Dr. O. I met him and his colleague Dr. T on Monday. I told them openly of my frustration with working with Dr. C. They explained, off the record that this was a complaint they had heard before. His surgical skill is his strong point. Trying to be both a surgeon and an oncologist means he is limited in the time he can devote to researching and planning treatment. Medical oncologists do this full time.

It never occurred to me until that point that I should have a separate medical oncologist who is only responsible for that part of my care. It makes sense. They have agreed to work with me. I gave them a copy of the most recent scan. I have an appointment with them at the end of April where I will give them the follow up scan. They will make their own separate, independent interpretation of how I am responding to the clinical trial and advise me of their recommendations. I like this because it's a check for the folks at sunnybrook. The most recent scan report was mixed results at best. However, they told me overall things were stable or getting smaller. I don't have much confidence in what they are telling me. This way provides another opinion as long as I am in the trial. Should I need to be taken off the trial, Dr. O and his team will then take over my care.

I feel so good about the meeting with them. We spoke for over 30 minutes. They gave me their time compassionately and without rushing. I feel good about this partnership. I feel good that the next steps are outlined should the trial prove less than effective. I feel like I can be more confident that I am getting the appropriate care.

Additionally, the recommended that I get genetic testing... For the women in my family, but also because some treatments are tailored to genes, and should I have a particular gene I should be making use of the gene therapies available. Furthermore, it calls into question Dr. C proclamation to my sisters that they have just as much chance as anyone in the population of getting ovarian cancer. What was he basing that information on?!?!!? I called Ingrid, Dr. C's nurse and asked if I'd had genetic testing and she said if I had, I would remember because it involved an interview. Definitely never happened. When I go for chemo tomorrow I am going to get a referral for genetic testing at PMH (where Dr. O works out of). The wonderful thing about being treated there is that it's walking distance from my house! :)


Today, I also procured a new family doc. She introduced herself as Sarah and the informality of it all made me realize this would also be a great partnership. She's lovely and down to earth, and game for taking me on, a patient riddled with serious problems, and a history of various complications. She is also open to alternative therapies and seems very supportive and willing to partner with me in HOPE!

The categories of optimism and pessimism no longer exist for me. I am a prisoner of hope.

1 comment:

  1. So happy about the new family doc. And for uplifting appointments. HOPING with you! xoxo

    ReplyDelete