Update: MD Anderson & New Oncologist

We just returned from a 5 day stay at MD Anderson.

This was a really important visit, as we met our new medical oncologist. Our previous one took a job heading another cancer center. Mr. WW was also re-imaged so the new oncologist would have a fresh start.

We are a bit "iffy" on the new oncologist. He was very pleasant but he really rushed us through. We were used to having at least a full hour (usually 1 1/2 hours) with our other oncologist, and this one gave us all of 13 minutes!

That was 13 minutes to introduce himself, discuss and review all of the new imaging findings, discuss the blood work levels, and answer any questions we had.

The good news is that he switched Mr. WW to a 6 month Lupron shot, so we can eliminate two travels to MD Anderson per year. That will help offset some of the cost of having to fly out to Marina del Rey to meet with Dr. Scholz and Dr. Lam.

The other good news is that his PSA is still <.1 :)

We will certainly take that good news!

The only concern or potential concern is that his phosphorous and monocytes levels are HIGH. This is something new to the rest of his blood work being all out of whack. The oncologist said he would wait a bit before he decides to address those new highs. We didn't get a chance to ask him why, but from research I did, it could be consistent with the recent fractures. Perhaps that is what he is waiting to see before he addresses it. The only other thing that I could find through research was the possibility of Fosamax increasing the phosphorous level.

So, that's where we are! Overall, really good news.

If anyone has any thoughts on the elevated phosphorous and monocytes levels, your comments would be appreciated.

We now return to our previously scheduled program of Living Above Cancer! Rochester, here we come!

Sorry I can't help on the blood level part of your post either.

As a fellow Lupron patient, I woiuld be interested in how the 6-month Lupron works out for you. In my case travel is not an issue as I get the shot within a few miles from home.

Sorry to hear the new MO gave you the bum's rush. I had a primary urrologist like that before I was diagnosed, but after I came back G9 he was a different man and spent as much time as I and my spouse Karen required. Pakistani fellow who used to just talk real fast until he ran out of breath and then on to the next patient and DRE, but totally different bedside manner discussing options as we got each result biopsy, bone scan etc.

Looking forward to meeting the two of you and all the others at GFMPH in Rochester.

LupronJim

This is really great news MsWW, it put a big smile on our faces this morning. Mrs Water Guy says hello and she is looking forward to seeing you two on our cruise in December.

 

Terry

As the son of a doctor I can tell you that all doctors want to chat with their patients longer than they do. If they seem in a hurry its because they know that their nurses will fuss at them if they don't keep up the pace. Your new doctor is just more afraid of his nurses than the old one.

Looking forward to Rochester. See you guys there.

Sounds like a good report despite a quick appointment with the new doc.

Undetectable psa...yeahhhhhh

What are the normal ranges for those 2 blood tests and how close to the high end were his results?

Keep on living...

Jerry

Glad to see you all back home again, and for a good PSA reading.

I am with you on the "face time" issue with your oncologist. Of course, quality time is more important time, however, with complicated PC cases, such as yours and others, I would be concerned about a doctor spending so little time, especially being a first time visit.

Like your former doctor, my average visit time with my oncologist is easily an hour, even for a routine follow up visit. We always have so much to talk about, and when I am with him, he acts at least, like I am his only patient for the day. I think I had one 30 minute visit recently, but it was unscheduled - and he still made the time to see me, and his nurse used up part of her lunch break to sit in with us.

I don't like feeling rushed, and I expect to have any and all questions answered when I visit my doctors, to make it easier, like many do, I have written notes, to save us both time. I know doctors are busy by nature, and I don't like to waste time stammering around and trying to remember things.

Hopefully, he will end up being a good fit at this point for your husband.

David

Time to talk to director of admissions.

If enough people complain, action will be taken.

With this type of behaviour you either change the people or you change the people.

You have every right to vent and if you look through all the paperwork, sure you can find that patient bill of rights each institution is so proud of.

LupronJim

Good luck. So are you saying now he has to go get liver blood tests?

If so, I hope those results are good!

Also, you said you spent 5 days at MDA? But you only  saw the doctor for 15 minutes or so?

What else did you do there?

Mel

Good to hear the good things in your post!  Mr. WW remains in my thoughts and prayers.  Wishing him the best with the new doctor!  Take care of yourself, too!

Peace,

Aimzee

How frustrating but good that you have contacted the Oncologist to point out his errors.
Sending you both a hug.
Susan
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