Doctors and such!!...

[kimmywah]

I don't post here very often and this isn't really a question so much as an observation, and I guess my own experiences..., but I have noticed that too often Doctors and/or technicians are being terribly insensitive and sometimes just downright rude when it comes to dealing with their patients.  This can cause unnecessary heartache and worry.
Please.....if you are not happy with your Doctors opinion/treatment/way of dealing with you...and we all have that little inkling that tells us when something just doesn't sit right.....then get a second or third opinion, or until you are happy with the way you are being treated.  They are there to provide a service for you, not the other way around.
Sometimes we think that whatever one Doc has said is absolute gospel, but if you are not satisfied then do change until you are.
I go to the GP with my mother in law (as she is hard of hearing) and her Doctor didn't even look at her or speak to her, just to me, until I told him he was being totally inappropriate.  She does not wish to change Doctors as she is old school and totally trusts him, but I totally make sure I am with her now and make sure she gets the service she deserves.
Too many Medical professionals get away with stuff that they really should not get away with, just because patients do not want to make waves or complain, when really we should be questioning them or other people may get treated the same way.
And please don't get me wrong, there are many many wonderful and incredible Doctors, Specialists and medical professionals out there that DO an amazing job. And there is definitely a time when straight talking is needed, but it can be done with compassion.  I pray that everyone has one of those Doctors!

Just an opinion and I continue to pray for everyone and a cure for this beast.  
Peace and Love.....Kim

[alanpvegas]

I agree also, but the sad fact is 50%(+) of the U.S. has no choice...they are lucky to even be treated for Cancer.  For instance, my mom had no insurance and NOBODY (oncologists) here would even talk to her outside of the hospital (where, of course, you get chemotherapy).  Luckily, her GynOnc taught at the County Hospital so she was able to get it there until she got Medicare.  But even then her care was substandard and abusive...but...what do you do?  Say goodbye to the only GynOnc in the entire city and die?  Second and Third opinions are great if you have insurance and/or money...for those without, it's like wanting an Aston Martin car when you are working for minimum wage...an impossible dream.  :(

[Sunes]

I would like to say that my first Oncologist was terrible..she  poured statistics in my face and when I asked questions about cancer she was giving me one word answers, yes or no...more no's than yeses. I went for second oipnion to another City and got the bad one again who send me back to my GP because I was asking tooo many questions. Here in BC Canada we do not have many chioces of doctors. We have to be  reffered to specialist (Oncologist)  by GP's and of course they stick together and cover one another.

What I don't understand is  WHY they read your whole story-reports tests etc. from previous doctor when you ask for second opinion....it should be based on tests and  more tests not on what previous doctor said or did and that's what gets me.
I had no choice but go to naturopathic/Medical doctor  (he is a genius) who is very knowledgeable, sincere and helpful. I see him every 4 moths and do my thing at home. I can also call him for consultations over the phone.
So yes, I agree with you ladies that there are good doctors and bad doctors everywhere. I wish that ALL Oncologists would have a training on dealing with people not their  disease only.... Sunes.

[silver&gold]

Hi Kim,
I totally agree with you , Im very lucky my GP is an absolute angel and treats his patients with total respect and compassion however,I  have been to many appointments with an elderly relative of mine , and its true they have spoken to me and acted like she was invisible !!! . I soon put them straight though , I won,t tolerate the lack of respect just because shes an old lady and a bit hard of hearing

Angie

[marie3B]

I agree.  My first oncologist was absolutely horrible.  I described a bad pain to her that i was having under my right rib area.  I asked her if she thought it was caused by the I/P chemo, scar tissue or tumor growth.  She gave me a look like she thought I was out of line to even ask, and said, "I have no way of knowing."  That was that.  I had numerous other problems wth her, so I switched.  The new one is better, but not great.

My surgical team was great.  All 3 of them were kind, skilled and very supportive.  Marie