HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Are blood tests really that important in follow up care?

Debbie L. · 01-02-2015, 08:20 AM

Spitfire, this is a great discussion. It's clearly (as you have now said) about more than just blood tests. It's about how important (or not) our relationship with our providers is. For some, it's enough to know that our providers are competent, especially I think if we have plenty of support and resources elsewhere (which it doesn't sound like you have, in your area). For most though, we want to be recognized as individuals, and to be able to initiate discussions and ask questions that are taken seriously.

As with all things, we are each different, and a provider who is a great fit with one person may not be a good fit with another. When I was being treated, I was surprised to find people raving about an oncologist I disliked, and dissing my favorite one. Different strokes . . .

You're actually in a good place right now (nothing urgently needing attention) to do a little shopping. Most providers will schedule a "get-acquainted" appointment at no charge. Sort of a meet-and-greet sit-down where you can get an idea of their style, and see if you think they'd be a good match for you. I think to get off to the best start, you'd want to tell them what you want from a provider (rather than what you don't want, or have experienced negatively in the past). I know this is a daunting task, but you could look it as a project to be undertaken and completed in the next few months (even set a deadline). There's no need to notify your primary care doc and ruffle those feathers, at least not until you've made your choice. And it's hard to imagine such a good doc would drop you as a patient because you seek the care of a different specialist. I don't like that part!

As for how to find local oncologists who specialize in breast cancer -- that may depend upon how large an area you're in. Outside of large cities, there may not BE such an animal, for example. One place to start might be your surgeon? They are the ones who often make the initial referral. Imaging centers likewise. You can always just call the office(s) and ask if they have an oncologist on staff who does only breast cancer. They may not, but they may know of other practices that do.

As for word of mouth, nurses' recommendations, etc -- that can be a place to start, but as I've said -- someone who is a perfect match for one may not "click" with the next person. There's expertise and competence, and then there's personality and style -- two different sets of criteria.

Which brings me back to the "get acquainted" appointment. I've never done it, but know others who have. You don't bring all your records and go into great depth, but just spend a few minutes sort of interviewing and getting to know the provider. You might ask how many patients he/she has with issues that especially concern you. What they recommend for follow up. Etc.

Maybe others who have chosen an oncologist (initially, or in a change) this way can chime in and tell us more about how they accomplished it.

Debbie Laxague
PS: Now that I hear your full story (liver issues, local recurrence), your initial questions make more sense.

01-02-2015, 08:20 AM	#12
Debbie L. Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 463	Re: Are blood tests really that important in follow up care? Spitfire, this is a great discussion. It's clearly (as you have now said) about more than just blood tests. It's about how important (or not) our relationship with our providers is. For some, it's enough to know that our providers are competent, especially I think if we have plenty of support and resources elsewhere (which it doesn't sound like you have, in your area). For most though, we want to be recognized as individuals, and to be able to initiate discussions and ask questions that are taken seriously. As with all things, we are each different, and a provider who is a great fit with one person may not be a good fit with another. When I was being treated, I was surprised to find people raving about an oncologist I disliked, and dissing my favorite one. Different strokes . . . You're actually in a good place right now (nothing urgently needing attention) to do a little shopping. Most providers will schedule a "get-acquainted" appointment at no charge. Sort of a meet-and-greet sit-down where you can get an idea of their style, and see if you think they'd be a good match for you. I think to get off to the best start, you'd want to tell them what you want from a provider (rather than what you don't want, or have experienced negatively in the past). I know this is a daunting task, but you could look it as a project to be undertaken and completed in the next few months (even set a deadline). There's no need to notify your primary care doc and ruffle those feathers, at least not until you've made your choice. And it's hard to imagine such a good doc would drop you as a patient because you seek the care of a different specialist. I don't like that part! As for how to find local oncologists who specialize in breast cancer -- that may depend upon how large an area you're in. Outside of large cities, there may not BE such an animal, for example. One place to start might be your surgeon? They are the ones who often make the initial referral. Imaging centers likewise. You can always just call the office(s) and ask if they have an oncologist on staff who does only breast cancer. They may not, but they may know of other practices that do. As for word of mouth, nurses' recommendations, etc -- that can be a place to start, but as I've said -- someone who is a perfect match for one may not "click" with the next person. There's expertise and competence, and then there's personality and style -- two different sets of criteria. Which brings me back to the "get acquainted" appointment. I've never done it, but know others who have. You don't bring all your records and go into great depth, but just spend a few minutes sort of interviewing and getting to know the provider. You might ask how many patients he/she has with issues that especially concern you. What they recommend for follow up. Etc. Maybe others who have chosen an oncologist (initially, or in a change) this way can chime in and tell us more about how they accomplished it. Debbie Laxague PS: Now that I hear your full story (liver issues, local recurrence), your initial questions make more sense.