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Torn what to do???

bellaandbarney1
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Hi, Im new to this I think I wrote this already in about me as unsure where to write. I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer last year and had an operation on the 19th December which was hard decision to make as I have three children at home (although one is 18 now). The operation was successful which was great to hear! My consultant still felt that I would benefit from having some chemo with my age being 41 and I am normally fit and healthy. My Staging was a B which I understand is a bit of a grey! As the 14 lymph nodes they took out had no cancer in and no cancer in the blood stream. My consultant referred me to an oncologist which I went to on Friday, I wasn't sure what to expect at this appointment although I did make a list of questions. The Oncologist that I saw was not the one on letter and to be honest I felt he was quite blunt when discussing my report andfelt he was trying to put me off the idea of having chemo. I didnt't feel comfortable to sign the paperwork as I was unable to make a decision and the Oncologist said to make another appoinment in two weeks and in so many words said he needed to go so my husband an I felt rushed! My family said I should ring the hospital on Monday and ask to see the Oncologist I was supposed to see as I'm unsure what to do and didnt have much faith in the Oncologist I saw. Has any bodyelse has this experience as I would have thought they would have been like my Surgeon who was so nice and understanding towards me and assigned a Nurse for me to speak to at anytime in Colorecotal dept.

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    Hi Bellaandbarney1, welcome to the forum. Great news that your operation went well. I think your family are right and you should try to make an appointment to see the oncologist who you thought you'd be seeing. You're entitled to get another opinion, especially as you have little faith in the Doctor you met. I think it's fair to say that all doctors each have their own 'particular' bedside manner and having had such a good experience with your colorectal surgeon, it's hard to comprehend that another doc can have such a different approach! I've been lucky with all the surgeons I've had to deal with, but I have to say, their personalities are all pretty different! (But I've never been made to feel rushed at any of my appointments!) You've got a big decision to make regarding the chemo and it's only fair that you have all your questions answered and the process discussed fully, to enable you to make an informed decision. Give the hospital a ring and explain that your last appointment left you with more questions than answers and please could you see another doctor. Good luck with everything and do let us know how things are going. Take care, Jo xx
  • Offline in reply to Meerkat@65

    Thank you Jo, I will phone tomorrow to see if I can see the Oncologist I was supposed to, as I dont feel I can make a decision at the moment, do you know would he be the one that I see all the time if I did start Chemo or do they assign you a nurse?

     

    Tracy x

     

  • Offline in reply to bellaandbarney1
    Hi Tracy, my experience of chemo was that I was assigned a Consultant Oncologist and although I didn't see her at every appointment, it was always someone in her 'team' and I built up a good relationship with all 3 doctors I met. I was also assigned a specialist nurse who I was able to contact at any time in between appointments or treatments and she was the common thread in the chain (always in attendance at each check up following the chemo) and I built up a very good relationship with her too. She was very knowledgable about the chemo and colorectal cancer. Hope you get it sorted tomorrow, Tracy. Take care, Jo xx
  • Offline in reply to bellaandbarney1

    Hi Bellaandbarney1 = my wife had bowel cancer with an op. She then went under the direction of the oncologist - who was a very nice lady. After the first appointment we only saw her when there was an issue or something = the rest of the time we saw someone from her team. They are all under stress - but were very efficient and knowledgable. They all listened to Annes needs and questions and were on hand for problems. We also had ( we still have actually) a specialist colo nurse to turn to. We also have appointments with her now and again and she pulls all the strings together and is an important team member. I dare say the chemo will go on for a few weeks and as you will be seeing the oncology team before each chemo = you will build up a relationship with them. It does have side effects in some people and you must feel you call the shots with the chemo regime. Anne had the strength reduced for example, as she found it strong. We both wish you the very best xx Steven

    do let us know how it goes and what you decide = its a big learning  curve we found!

    All the very best.

    The chemo was in an open ward with comfy chairs and cups of soup. It took a couple of hours and we browsed magazines and chatted to others. Then home - Anne felt the need for a snooze afterwards. Since then she strength has improved and she feels it was worth it - although overall she found it increasingly difficult as the treatment progressed.

  • Offline in reply to Meerkat@65

    Hi Jo,

    Thank you for your advice, I did ring the hospital and they have made another appointment for me with the Consultant I was supposed to see on the 6th Feb.

     

    Tracy x

     

     

  • Offline in reply to brighteyes

    Hi,

    Thank you for your advice, I did ring the hospital and they have made another appointment for me with the Consultant I was supposed to see on the 6th Feb.  Will know more then.

     

    Tracy x

  • Offline in reply to bellaandbarney1
    Hi Tracy, that's great news. Hopefully you'll feel more confident about getting the answers you need to make your decision about having chemo. Do keep us posted and I'll be thinking about you on the 6th. Jo xx

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