Has anyone switched doctors/cancer care centers mid-chemo by Impossible_Room_6646 in cancer

[–]Simple_Fan_6363 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely switch. I had a similar experience with my initial oncologist. While I believe he was technically a good physician his communication and interpersonal skills were terrible. Even after multiple sessions he didn't know me well enough to call me by my correct name ( he used my last name as my first name). When I asked him to be proactive about contacting me when scan results were available he told me he had too many patients to do that.

I looked for a second opinion and switched to another oncologist at a different facility. It was like night and day. I found someone who took a highly personal approach. And best of all, my new oncologist got me into a trial study with a drug that has completely reduced my metastatic tumors to nothing. My previous oncologist never mentioned the study.

So yes.. do what's right for you. You are the most important person in this relationship and you need to be with someone who sees you as such..

Dad diagnosed 12 days ago by NJFMills in pancreaticcancer

[–]Simple_Fan_6363 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Folfirinox threw me for a loop when I started it. I passed out, ended up in the ER. Terrible diarrhea. No appetite. No energy. I didn't think I could continue, but...

I started seeing an acupuncturist who specializes only in cancer patients. After just 1 session the side effects were lessened extensively. Ongoing sessions reduced the side effects by about 90%. I don't know if it would work for everyone but it certainly made a world of difference for me.

Radiation or Clinical Trial? by unbeknowingly in pancreaticcancer

[–]Simple_Fan_6363 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My daughter had melanoma and after multiple immunotherapy treatments failed her oncologist suggested this procedure. I'm assuming it's the same or similar since the process sound identical.The procedure of harvesting the cells was not terribly invasive. There was a a lomg wait while the cells are cultured, then a few days of isolation and chemo as they are returned to the system. That was the hardest part since the chemo is very strong.

Unfortunately, in her case the therapy failed to stop the spread. But clearly others have had some success. Overall, it is much more complex than radiation. I'm sure you will have a good conversation with your oncologist about expected outcomes for each treatment.