LACK OF COMMUNICATION WITH NEW ONCOLOGIST

So, it’s been a minute—actually, more like three months. I really hate that my first post after all this time is just me venting, but I’ve got to keep it real.

I have discussed in previous posts how the anxiety of a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, or any cancer diagnosis, is always present. While it may not always be overwhelming, it never completely fades.

Certain triggers can significantly elevate those anxiety levels, such as waiting for test results or noticing a new ache or pain.

Over the past couple of months, I have experienced several triggers related to my health situation, but one thing weighs much more heavily on me than the others...... 

LACK OF COMMUNICATION=Stress 

Currently, the biggest source of my stress is the lack of communication with my new oncologist and her staff. When I say "lack," I mean it is virtually non-existent.

When I began my breast cancer journey with Dr. Saker and his nurse practitioner, Wan, following my initial diagnosis in early October 2016, I was overcome with fear. I understood the importance of having a medical team I could trust, and I quickly realized how essential it was to maintain open communication with them.

I quickly learned to trust that Dr. Saker and Wan were doing everything possible to provide the best care for both my physical health and mental well-being. I knew I could always rely on them to address any questions or concerns I had.

But now, Dr. Saker and Wan have both retired, and my journey continues with a new doctor at a new location. 

Although my new oncologist seems like a lovely woman, the level of care provided by her and the staff at the new location is not sufficient. 

It's nearly impossible to address my questions or concerns outside of my regular monthly visits. I have called the office several times with different concerns and/or questions and left messages, but I've either received no response or gotten a call from a nurse who can't seem to get answers from the doctor.

Unfortunately, I have to come to terms with the fact that I need to either accept the lack of communication and care from this new doctor, advocate for better care at this facility, or find another doctor altogether.

None of these options is ideal, and I feel very vulnerable right now. I'm also feeling a bit angry. Most importantly, I miss Dr. Saker and Wan.

Perhaps I am wrong to expect the same level of care from this new doctor, but I feel I deserve more from an oncologist and her staff. 

So now, I have a decision to make......