I am struggling with whether or not to switch Dr.'s.

I haven't been happy at my own hem/onc over the past year because I can't stand his Physician's Assistant. I mean I REALLY can't deal with her and his staff sucks too. I really like him but he's too busy now so he has her do the exam and take all the info and he runs in at the end, looks it over, and makes med changes etc.

As some of you know, my mother is being treated for lung cancer. There is no hope of remission or a cure but the care she is receiving could prolong her life.

She goes to Moffit Cancer Center -- which is a research and teaching hospital -- and it's always a very long and tiresome day.

Anyway, yesterday while we were there, I asked her Dr. if they deal with Myeloproliferative Disorders and she went into this whole thing about them doing research studies etc to find a cure.

She gave me the phone number to the Hematology Department with a bunch of oncologists that could help me. The dept is broken up into sections. Leukemia-Lymphoma-Myeloma so that each disease has it's own specialists. I LIKE THAT PART.

http://tinyurl.com/57z8of

The problem I have with starting over is that Moffitt is very depressing. I don't know if I could emotionally handle it. I'm comfortable finding my way around and I KNOW I would be in good hands but I'm just not sure.

[katheryn]

no advice for you im sorry, a list of pros and cons there,

(((((((((((((((orange_blossom))))))))))))))))))))))))

Thanks for taking the time to read, lil' bird.

[ECHOES]

((( Orange Blossom )))

Can you talk more to those at Moffit and go ahead and see a doctor once to see how that goes?

I had a doc who's PA I could not stand, but I was lucky he has 2 and I could tell them who I wanted to see. Eventually I became too complex a case for her and had to see the doc each time. But if I'd been expected to see the 'other' PA, I would have been looking for another doc.

Change is hard though and I hope you find the answer that's right for you.

[free2beme]

i did change drs. to a teaching hospital where there were specialists who only dealt with my particular area of concern. i found it to be a very successful move for me. the clinicians and nurses were all very supportive and knowledgeable and took the time to answer all of my questions-no matter how dumb, and calm my fears.

maybe you could try an initial consult just to 'test the waters'.

(((((((((((orange_blossom)))))))))

((( ECHOES ))) ((( FREE2BME )))

Thanks buddies.

I'm also concerned that they'll ask my Dr. for my medical records.

Plus they LOVE to do bone marrow biopsies over there. The though of someone drilling into my bones while I'm awake freaks me out. But being sedated raises havoc with my PTSD.

Argh! I know I'll work it all out. You just might have to listen to it for awhile, lol.

[SweetSunshine]

Gosh, IDK this is a really hard thing to figure out. I guess, if it were me, and I had that much of a problem with the PA, I'd ditch the place. But it really depends on if its stressing you out so much to go there that its affecting your well being.. ya know?

But on the other hand, like you said with them being biopsy happy. I dont think I'd like that either. Is your mom getting good enough care? I mean do you trust them enough that you think you'd be better off there?

I guess the best thing to figure out is which place will be the best for your over all wellbeing. No one likes tests and such, but if its something you can move past to get better care with more personable people, I think I'd have to do that.

Sure do wish you the best in what you decide Orange. We all just want you to be happy and healthy hon.

I had a nice long reply and poof. You brought up some good points Beth.

Anyway, shorter version.

Yes, it probably is affecting me only because I am avoiding calling them back to rescedule and I am way overdue for my labs.

And yes, my mother gets great care. It's an amazing place.

My concern is the long term effect of my chemo. I've been on it for seven years now and it keeps getting increased. Yes, it keeps my bone marrow in check but what else is this POISON doing for all this time? Maybe they would have different options.

I'm thinking I need to at least set something up and go see.

((( HUGS )))

Moffitt Cancer Center recognized as one of the best hospitals again in 2008
Moffitt Cancer Center has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best hospitals, No. 16, for the treatment of cancer in the country, as well as being the best in the state of Florida. This is the 10th year in a row that Moffitt has appeared on the newsmagazine’s cancer list.

((((orange)))))))))))))))))))))))))))
imo go to Moffit Cancer Center give them a chance...
#16 is nothing to sneeze at. My ((sister))))
they may very well have differnet options. You will not know till you go
Give them a chance...awwwwwwww
I truly do know how hard it is to go to a hospital that does only cancer...
That makes them specail thou and you will get the best of the best..
They will walk you threw each dept...each stage....
I know its along day....I truly do...
Mircles can happen at these hospitals((maybe there is one there for you ))))))))))))))
you know i care very much about you .....((please get your labs done))) awww

my prayers are with your Mom and you always
Muffin

[Justgiving]

Decisions are sometime so hard to make depending on a lot of things.

In this case maybe just give it a try. Ask questions and decide by the answers they will give to you.

I am sorry you have so much going on.

((( muffin and JG )))

Thanks for your advice. I think I will set something up and see what they have to say.

Originally Posted by Orange_Blossom

((( muffin and JG )))

Thanks for your advice. I think I will set something up and see what they have to say.

(((orange))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
I am so happy awwwwwwwwwwww
muffin

I think I might be having one of those "Oh woe is me" days. I hate those.

[Fuzzybear]

(((((((((((((((( Orange )))))))))))))))))

[ECHOES]

OB, reading your previous post, I'm wondering why does the possibility of them requesting a copy of your medical records from your doctor is something you wouldn't want?

A good doctor welcomes a second opinion and sometimes even suggests it.

It's like I'm a two-timin' cheater havin' a secret affair!

[ECHOES]

Feeling a loyalty because of the care you've received and the lenght of time you've been receiving care from this doctor is understandable. But it is still your body and the choices are yours to make. Maybe it would feel better if you told your current doc that you would like to sign the authorization to release information because you are going to check out Moffit's services. That way all is out in the open. I would think he would support your right to explore treatment options and to decide what's best for you. It doesn't mean you're judging him or his treatment, but that you have an interest in learning more about what's out there and especially from this specialized and highly regarded facility. It's about you and you're worth it!

Ummm..you're right down the street from me, sort of, maybe you'd like to drive over the bridge and tell him?

Originally Posted by Orange_Blossom

I think I might be having one of those "Oh woe is me" days. I hate those.

aw((orange)))))))))))))))))))))
been there done that awwwwwwwwwwwwww

I'm tired of Dr.'s.

I don't want to go back to any of them.

Originally Posted by Orange_Blossom

I'm tired of Dr.'s.

I don't want to go back to any of them.

ummm MS ((((orange)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[SweetSunshine]

(((((((((((((( Orange Blossom ))))))))))))))) I'm thinking of you....

[katheryn]

Originally Posted by Orange_Blossom

I'm tired of Dr.'s.

I don't want to go back to any of them.

((((((((((((((((orange-blossom))))))))))))))))

[oksomaybeimnuts]

{{{{{{{{{{{OrangeFloweryBud}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[Justgiving]

((((((((((((Orange_Blossom))))))))))