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Do you have a GeneralPractice Dr.? Or only Oncologist?

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 5/22/2015 12:59 PM (GMT 0)
I need some advice, please. My husband who was DX 2 yrs. ago. Was never sick or any health issues. So did not have a regular Dr. He would go to. Until he started having some pain, thought he had a hernia or something. A friend he works with gave him a name. Prior, only went for work physical if required. My delima, his Med.Onc. Is with one of the Very large Cancer Centers. 4hrs. away.I told my husband I think he needs a GP, or Internal Med. Dr. That is local ,for monitoring and for issues secondary to his cancer. Monitoring him for side effects, problems as result of treatments etc. I don't think the Oncologist is the one you would go to for each thing popping up. They are "Specialized" . We have had much frustration with issues he's having now that we can't get to bottom of problem. Had to drive 4hrs to Cancer Center E/R, because Onc. Could not see him for sudden on set of Severe Back pain. Ear Dr. Ruled out Spinal Compression. scans would be read next morning. Gave him pain Meds.,10:00pm left went to hotel. Next morning call from ER Dr. 2 small lesions on spine, and to follow up with Onco., called and left messages. No call back. drove the 4 hrs home. After leaving 3 VM messages for Onc.'s staff.2 days later finally get a call from Dr...I feel that if we had a local Dr. We could have things checked here and if found cancer related then refer to Onc. For treatment. Then today he told me he's been having this weird rash around his groin area for about 2weeks and not going away.
I'm at a loss and need some guidance so we are handling his health issues that come up more effectively. Tell me please what the others are doing that are under "frequent" and aggressive treatments. Sorry for the babble, getting a little overwhelmed.
Posted 5/22/2015 1:21 PM (GMT 0)
Even more than a GP, he needs a cardiologist, as the hormonal therapy drugs are tough on cardio metrics, but yes I have both.

As serious as PCa is, the short term risk of dying is more from heart attack than from PCa.

Is he also on Xgeva or Prolia to prevent so called adverse skeletal events like spinal compression and bone fractures. He should get his dental work up to date before starting them as they can cause complications on tooth extractions.

Post Edited (LupronJim) : 5/22/2015 2:25:54 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/22/2015 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
Oddly enough, at this moment I'm in my new GP's exam room. My MO said I need a GP, since the MO doesn't work on stuff like blood pressure, cholesterol, GERD, all that.
Posted 5/22/2015 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, Barb! I believe it would make a big difference in your experience over the next few years. And, like surgeons (see so many other threads), GPs / internists / family practitioners come in a full range of experience, competence and compassion. I encourage you to do the work to find the best available. Folks in parallel/related professions often can give informed recommendations - dentists, nurses, etc.

Due to the schedules required of GPs in standard practices, I've opted for "concierge" practices for the last 10 years and am much happier with the experience (as are the MDs who practice that way). These are doctors who charge a flat fee per patient per year and take only something like 500 patients (not the 3000 that is common practice). Appointments are unhurried, scheduling is easy, research happens, you have their cellphone number to reach them 24/7 if that's ever necessary and the doctors and their staffs are relaxed, smiling, friendly, patient.

Might cost $1000 or $1500 / year. I find it to be money well spent.

Sorry to learn of your husband's diagnosis - there is so much we can learn right here.

Best to you and him.
Posted 5/22/2015 2:07 PM (GMT 0)
I have a GP that isn't really involved. And I have a Urologist who is primary point for the cancer. Right now receiving RT from an Oncologist who specializes in radiation therapy.

I was under the impression that the Uro is also an Oncologist. I get my Lupron shot next Friday, guess I'll be direct and ask if he is indeed an Oncologist also.
Posted 5/22/2015 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
I have a fleet of doctors I consult with. My GP only sees me once a year at most, but she knows which doctors I see. When ever I have an issue come up I start with her, if for nothing else a referral to the correct specialty.

3 years out from RT, my RO isn't involved in my health care and I consult my URO only for ED issues (that is he approves my prescription each year).

Andrew
Posted 5/22/2015 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
I've been going to the same GP for nearly 25 years. His specialty is family practice, so he was the pediatrician for my daughters as well. I see him annually for a physical...and he's the one who caught my PSA rise and sent me to the Uro. A good GP will coordinate everything and keep aware of what's going on. He or She is the one who can readily refer you to the specialists you need.
Posted 5/22/2015 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
To say I'm 'proactive' is a bit of an understatement.....

I have a primary care doc, an orthopedic doc (weekend warrior), a radiation oncologist, a urologist, a dermitologist, an ear, nose and throat doc, and a chiropractor. I also have a dr. I can call after hours who is an anesthesiologist that moonlights as a PCP. He'll see me if needed on a Friday night at 9 p.m. if needed.

And to think, most everyone looks at me and asks how I look and act so young and healthy (for a 49 yr. old)

My dad never went to the doctor before his colon cancer. My idea was to heavy load in the beginning before I have/had problems.
Posted 5/22/2015 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
I use to use Med Clinics found on almost every street corner.

I've been seeing the same GP for the past eight years a love it. Building a relationship with one doc is a good thing.
Posted 5/22/2015 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
I use a PCP who I have a lot of confidence in. He is test happy but I'm ok with that, when I was in my early 50s and first started with him, he started doing regular PSA tests and he was the one who ultimately sent me to a Urologist. Thank God he is test happy

Aside from that, Barb, to answer your specific question, yes you should have a PCP. MO's are obviously focused on one aspect of a patients health and its important to have someone who will take a more holistic approach
Posted 5/22/2015 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
I have an oncology urologist for the PCa and a regular family doctor for everything else.
Posted 5/23/2015 5:43 AM (GMT 0)
I would think a GP would be a must....in my case I have no choice as Im automatically assigned one but only see him as needed or once a year...he does a great job of following my cancer and has access to all my records, scans and blood reports from my cancer doctors.

hes just a captain in the Army but hes very smart on PC and I respect that...but he also knows hes not qualified to treat me so he never interferes and is very helpful. It really helps to have a local Dr. that can handle the small stuff that pops up.
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