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Meetings with oncologist

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User
Posted 29 Dec 2014 at 11:15
Is it normal to start RT without a meeting with your oncologist?

I have only met with mine once, just after biopsy, and have had bone scan, MRI & CT scan at planning session, all organised by letter or phone call but nil contact with Onco. I would like to discuss RT & beyond before they press the RT button in 14 days time, any info welcome.

Tamtoot

User
Posted 29 Dec 2014 at 14:14

Hello Tamfoot.

I don't have any knowledge of RT (other than seed Brachytherapy) but we saw two oncologists before treatment started.

If you have concerns I don't think it's unrealistic to contact the Onco's sec and ask for an appointment, or at the very least a phone conference with them to put your mind at rest. Why not try it

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails
User
Posted 29 Dec 2014 at 15:26

John saw the onco to discuss RT and then didn't see him again until a few days into treatment. He then met with us every Wednesday throughout, to review the scans and discuss any side effects etc. when we first met him, he explained that all of his work would be behind the scenes, planning the graduation needed based on the scans etc and writing the programme that makes the rays go in the right places at the correct dosage.

Keep the faith, it will all fall into place soon

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 29 Dec 2014 at 16:08

I'm presuming you decided to proceed with RT at the meeting you did have with the oncologist. If this is the case there wouldn't be anything much more to discuss. The radiotherapists will explain what is happening etc and as Lyn says the Oncol should meet with you during RT.

If you are having 2nd thoughts about this treatment then I would contact their secretary.

Bri

User
Posted 29 Dec 2014 at 18:59

" Is it normal to start RT without a meeting with your oncologist? "

 

Yes, in my case.

Initial meeting to agree that was the way forward. He ( Oncologist ) set it all up. Had treatments. Saw another Onco at the hospital where I had the treatments  after last treatment ; just to confirm what was done. Then back to Urology for psa test & chat six to eight weeks after treatment finished.

With hindsight, what else was there to discuss at the time ?

User
Posted 29 Dec 2014 at 19:56

Hi Tamtoot

The NICE regulations recommend that you see both a surgical oncologist and a clinical oncologist before treatment but after seeing a surgical oncologist I had to press hard to see a clinical oncologist. I was/am determined to go into whatever treatment with all the information that I need to be happy that the treatment I eventually have is what I am happy with.

If you need more information then it maybe a good idea to speak with your oncologists secretary and kindly ask him/her to arrange another consultation before you are treated (I did). If they don't arrange one or you are still not sure about the treatment etc then it would be a good idea to discuss with your GP, either over the telephone or in person (I did).

Let us know how you get on - it's your body and your life!

dl

Edited by member 29 Dec 2014 at 19:58  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 30 Dec 2014 at 01:14

I am having trouble imagining what a surgical oncologist is - at our hospital, the oncos are oncos and the surgeons are urologists.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 30 Dec 2014 at 09:51

I far as I am aware Lyn an oncologist is 'simply' a doctor whose speciality is treating cancer. However as you know there are at least 3 main types of oncologist - surgical, medical and clinical(mainly radiation) and then they would also usually specialise in a particular medical subject such as urology, cardiothoracic, gynecologic etc.

dl

User
Posted 30 Dec 2014 at 12:04

Nope dl, I have never been conscious of this and having checked our hospital website, they don't seem to have any surgical oncologists despite being a centre of excellence. You live and learn.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 30 Dec 2014 at 17:03

Thank you all for your kind replies to my query. I now understand I will be meeting with a clinical oncologist prior to my RT programme commencing, so any queries should be resolved at this time. http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/editors/tiny_mce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif

Happy New Year to one and all...

 

User
Posted 13 Jan 2015 at 13:24

The consultant I have been seeing since prior diagnosis is listed an oncologist and urologist - he was also the surgeon who performed my RP.

I must confess to wondering from time to time whether he was spreading his skills a bit too widely (!) but he has a good reputation.

The only other consultant I have seen (presumably also an oncologist ) was the person in charge of Radiotherapy at the hospital where I had my salvage RT

Not "Why Me?" but "Why Not Me"?
User
Posted 20 May 2015 at 09:11
How long has anyone waited to see oncologist

Am on hormone tablets got my first injection next week

run long and prosper

'pooh how do you spell love'

'piglet you dont spell love -you just feel it'

User
Posted 20 May 2015 at 09:40

My dad has had regular 6 monthly meetings for years now. He's been on HT for nearly 2 years.

Paul

Stay Calm And Carry On.
User
Posted 20 May 2015 at 12:54

Bladerunner, my brother had his first HT injection last week and won't see the onc again until early August (3 months).

User
Posted 20 May 2015 at 13:09
Same as BigSis.

My hubby has his first hormone injection in 2 weeks and will see the oncologist in August prior to radiotherapy.

"You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think." A A Milne
User
Posted 21 May 2015 at 05:30

oncologist must read this page, had a call wednesday 20th, appointment booked june 6th.

one week on from start of hormone tablets and it seems to have messed up my running, heartrate through the roof, a planed 6mile fast turned into a slow 5miler. not sur if its just the H.T. tablets or the wierd feeling throat.

of to docs friday for them to have a look and also have a chat re cancer care

run long and prosper

'pooh how do you spell love'

'piglet you dont spell love -you just feel it'

 
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