Changing oncologist mid-stream

[Fontaine]

My oncologist, whom I adored, merged his practice with another because of negative fallout from the change in the way Medicare reimburses for chemo drugs. Apparently, it runs smaller practices out of business.

I hate the new office. I had an appt. w/ my doc prior to my infusion (Herceptin + Taxotere this week and those two plus Cytoxin every 3 weeks). So, I show up and am told he can't see me and to continue with my infusion. I'm NOT a happy camper about that, especially since I still have some pneumonia symptoms.

Turns out my WBC is so low they cut out the Taxotere and only proceed with the Herceptin. Today all pneumonia symptoms are back but now I have a negligible WBC and no antibiotics left (Levaquin which is supposidly one of the most effective for pneumonia).

I am furious. Fortunately, I found some Keflex and started myself on that and had a friend call (my phone also isn't working--when it rains it pours) for a refill on the Levaquin. Won't find out if they filled it until she stops this evening at the grocery store pharmacy to pick it up. (She's also doing my grocery shopping--bless her heart--because I'm terrified to be out in crowds, even if I had the strength. I'll find out if they even called it in.

This was the last straw in many similar screw ups on their part. I've got a new appt. with another oncologist and am wondering if anyone has had any experience changing oncos in mid-stream. If so, what has your experience been? Any don't or don'ts to recommend? (Plus, the new guy--recommended by my radiation oncologist) is only 3 miles away rather than 23!

Thanks in advance for sharing!

[Lisa]

My onc also had to merge with a larger practice because of insurance. But I still see him (or his NP) everytime I go in. It took me awhile to get used to a big, chairs side-by-side chemo room, rather than small private rooms, but now I actually like it.

You should contact your onc and find out why you couldn't see him. Maybe it was just a fluke. If you really like and trust him, don't switch till you've talked to him. But if you aren't that crazy about him anyway, why not check out the 2 v. 23 miler?

Remember you're part of a team. So you deserve to be told what's going on.

Love and light,

Lisa

[*_BonnieT_*]

Hello
I switched after I had my bilateral mastectomy, I didn't like that he was only going to check me once a year after that. I was 38 years old. So I had a second opinion with a different Oncologist and loved her, so I switched.
You have to be completely comortable with your dr. and be able to voice your concerns , my Dr.had me sign a form that I would call her day or night while I was on Chemo. if I had any problems or ?'s !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and not be afraid to contact her. having cancer is hard enough you have to trust your Dr .. and if you find out you don't care for this next Dr you see, keep searching. Someone on this form might be able to recommend someone in your area .
Good Luck and keep us posted.
I have to drive 3 hours to see me Dr. but she is worth it.
Take Care
Bonnie T