Hi Nancy,
You are not alone on this. And, sometimes it is hard to find a new doctor.
I am here for a friend a male just dx'd with it. I know very little about that type of cancer.
But, I am not a newbie to cancer. I was 43 when diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma.
I have had six relapses in 19 years. I still got a port in until, my next PET/CT's coming up. Hopefully,
if nothing is found this can come out. I will clap!
Nancy, I know what you are saying. I know what you are feeling.
It could be a lack of respect but, it is also, a lack of sensitively on their part.
They never walked in our shoes. Especially where it concerns a doctor. Male or female I found
it makes little difference.
I will tell you of an experience I had once years ago. It was no laughing matter. I cried.
My first onc had done a bone marrow test as an outpatient which I highly recommend.
It may seem like a pain going to the hospital but, due the the lack of empathy at times
in offices it is way better to go in as an outpatient. They sedate you lightly, you are covered up
and less pain physically and psychologically. Less traumatizing. I do think.
To go on.
This onc retired. So, i stayed with his associate. A little bit of a younger man.
Well, he did the bone marrow in his office. My husband was there with me.
I was told to literally, bend over the table and drop my pants.
Yes, he numbed the skin. Only. And, I was so embarrassed I started crying and could feel that needle
before it hit my hip. I am sorry it was no laughing matter. I was scared, embarrassed and traumatized.
And, he started saying, " she is crying i didn't even touch her yet!" and, started... laughing.
My husband didn't know what to do.
Nancy, it is not an easy but, it all is doable.
I stay with this onc, because he is one of the best and I have been beating the odds!
Would I switch to an onc with " personality" but, not the skills?
Not smart.
So, I say things when I have to. When I do not want to be exposed to others. I speak up.
I do not cause a stir, but, I have learned to become alittle more assertive and not let others
not realize they are damaging me in anyway. I will stop them right then and there.
I used to be shy. LOL.
But, like when you have a kid, that kind of goes with the wind.
But, to keep switching oncs or doctors that are good otherwise may not be in your best interest.
Just be honest with them.
Say, like I do... and, this made one laugh, " i am not a porn star."
And I do not like pain. Thank you... Honestly, honesty works.
I know sometimes, they will take shortcuts, try to save time on things, and, this is where
' KNOWLEDGE is power."
Know beforehand as much as you can,what to expect.
Wishing you the very best,
hang in there, Nancy, you can do it.
If i can, you can.