I need to vent a little

[dhealey]

Nitewind, First I would make an appointment with your primary care doctor, they should be cheking out your heart, EKG, Stress test, or Echo, alos check your 02 sats (oxyegen level) low potassuim can also cause these syptoms as well as low HGB. Then I would fire your onc. and get one with a caring attitude. Most times when I have problems I see the doc I work for before I call my onc. Doc I work for is the one who has ordered my CT Scans and Pet Scan and my tumor markers. I love my onc, but she too will not test like I think she should. Best of luck!

[Barbara2]

This is a great place to share concerns and to vent from time to time, too. The odds and ends of information that come from the replies are very helpful.

I see my (retirement age) family physician for many concerns, some cancer, some not cancer. He is easy to visit with, easy-going, a good listener, and offers good advice.

He has far fewer patients than my onc, which in turn increases my comfort level because of his relaxed manner and ear for my concerns.

[Sheila]

Susan
It sounds to me like your oncologist needs an attitude adjustment! I try to be understanding, I am sure their job is depressing, emotional, but hey, we deserve individual treatment! Your oncologist is only as good as they are for YOU! It doesn't matter what their credentials, if they don't have time for YOU and your concerns, find another....you don't need the added stress! As far as issues with being short of breath, B/P etc, I would take these to my PCP, if needed, they can direct you to a cardiologist or order an echo, stress test etc.... As far as being short of breath...I am truly wondering...I was very short of breath after my last treatment, almost a heavy feeling on my chest. I questioned whether it was fluid, an embolism (us nurses make the worse patients) or some major cardiac problem....it is better now, but I did go and have an echo done...60% so thats not bad after 4 1/2 years of Herceptin. Alot of things can cause the shortness of breath though, B/P problems, CHF (usually you would have extremity swelling), potassium levels being off, low hemoglobin..... if you don't get your answer, have your PCP refer you to a specialist. If you want your scans and your oncologist won't order them, have your PCP do it...it is important that you get them done at the same place for comparison though.
You deserve to vent....keep on venting and they will take notice!