How to find a doctor that will look out for your best interests?

Pat94 · 10-08-2015, 03:57 PM

I am so sorry you are in this fix. I started out thinking my first doctor was great based on recommendations and initial meeting and surgery. Turned out he screwed me so badly it is absolutely scary. Being an excellent cutter doesn't mean he didn't cause me harm in the long run. When in crisis I tend to exist in inertia but I had enough time before my recurrence to know I would never deal with that group again. I am certain if I had remained with the first group I would have died from my chemo side effects.
When I did recur I switched to a new group. The team assigned to me has been terrific. The new practice is part of a NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center; the difference is just amazing.
Never settle for mediocrity or worse. You are a unique human being, not just a bc patient. Try a new doctor; if he/she doesn't work for you try again until you get one that is right for you. You will be in my prayers; let us know where you are looking and see if any of us have any suggestions.

SpitFire · 10-09-2015, 09:23 AM

Juls - You say you don't have anyone who cares? Well - there are many here!
That is why I am here. I am very grateful for the encouragement and very useful information shared on this forum. My husband works all the time. I have no other support and I was made fun of for asking about other support groups, websites or even books to read, even for asking simple questions. I was just made fun of the whole time. I gave everybody else the benefit of the doubt all the time. They knew I was isolated and they took advantage of it. I am not letting anyone do that to me again.
I am happy you have a sensible son to help you.

Pat94 - I am so glad you found a good team. I am glad I have this time between doctors also. I had to rely only on my team of doctors, it was really scary the simple mistakes they made and they are so disconnected with reality. I am so glad I had the courage to walk away, that was a turning point, but I can't stay away from doctors forever even though I want to. I will have to drive far in search of better doctors.