I'm going to have to research cancer treatment centers here in the midwest because the doctors I'm caught up with now are far too 'clinical' for my preference.
The doctors and nurses call themselves part of MY cancer team. Only they keep handing me off, changing...
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Your mental health
Maria Gifford
Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 05:17 PM -
Finding the right doctor
Phyllis Johnson
Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 06:56 PMDear Poteet,As you consider your choices, don't forget your local oncologists. You don't necessarily need a big cancer center. Ask around and talk to cancer survivors in your community. You might find exactly what you need in a small practice down the street.I was very happy with the care I got from local doctors and my local hospital. When we hit a snag in treatment, my doctors encouraged me to go to a big cancer center for a second opinion. I liked the doctor I met there, so big cancer centers can also have good folks who will treat you well. As it happened, the research center doctor said my local doctors' treatment plan was the way to go, and I received the rest of my treatment about 15 minutes from my house.It's important to find doctors who fit you. Good luck with your search.Phyllis Johnson
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A tough audience
Karen Condon
Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 09:59 AMI agree with you. To stave off the intense anxiety that I brought to every appointment of every kind, I made jokes. i thought they were good jokes. They made me laugh. They made my sister laugh, and my friends, and, sometimes, the nurses. But the doctors didn't even crack a smile. Ever. You just have to treat them not even like human players in the football game of cancer treatment, but as machines. Because that's what they act like. I finished my treatment almost six years ago, and your post brought it all back. Just know that there are scores and scores of people like me who empathize with you, and if we knew you, we'd laugh at your jokes. Take care.
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Dear Poteet,
Good for you. Your mental health and how you feel about the way you're being treated is VERY important. You deserve the level of care and concern you want and expect - and nothing less. Remember: You are your best health advocate, always.
Keep us posted on your progress. I hope you find the right "team" soon.
Best,
Maria
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