Medical Oncologist who focuses on prevention
Hi fellow warriors. I was diagnosed at age 41 with DCIS. I underwent a bilateral mastectomy last September. Final pathology found invasive carcinoma as well. Estrogen+. Sentinel lymphnode was negative. I am currently taking Tamoxifen. I declined Zoladex injection after weighing the risks and benefits. Since diagnosis I have completely changed my life style. I follow a very toxin, inflammatory free way of life (vegan, no alcohol, no toxins/plastics in the home, I make my own soap, weight train, red light therapy, just to name a few). My current oncology team has no follow up for me. No pet scans, no tumor markers. I have been told to "come back if you think the cancer is back". I very much will and can do whatever it takes to prevent a reoccurence. I need a medical oncologist who can understand and value that. I currently have a tele health provider I see for tumor markers and help with my lifestyle, but I need someone local who will help!
If you have experience or know of any oncologist in the area who has a similar mindset (focus on prevention, lifestyle, ongoing labs, ongoing scan/imaging) I would greatly appreciate the recommendation.
Hugs to you all, Sincerely
Marie
Dr Pluard at St Luke's is the best. I highly recommend him. Good luck!
+1 to Dr. Pluard. He is amazing! I actually was moved over to Dr. Hensing in the same practice and she is just as great as he is, too.
@marie115 ~ I too am so deeply interested in finding an oncology team that supports and has a proactive approach. Can I ask you who your current team is/was? I feel “stuck” with where I am (on paper it would be the “best place for me”) but my current experience has been a “patient driven” (me) plan of care & the pressure for me to diagnoses myself or “catch it” before I’m stage 4 is so terrifyingly frustrating.
following the info shared and so thankful for you fellow warriors 💕
@hollysmith sorry for your experience. I love Dr. Hensing/Dr. Pluard at St. Luke's because even though I'm on the other side of cancer, I still go in every 6 months for an oncology follow-up with labs. I also go in once a year for mammograms and once a year for an MRI. They said some people elect to stop these preventative oncology checks/MRIs after awhile, but they would support me continuing for peace of mind, which made me feel like I'm still being cared for.
@aborniger Thank you for your response. Since I had a bilateral mastectomy I no longer qualify for mammograms. I have asked for MRIs or Pet scans and this can been declined. I go every 6 months for a refill on Tamoxifen but no other testing. It's been really frustrating just waiting around for cancer to come back 🙁
@holly this has been my experience as well. My current team is at KU. I have seen several providers in the system with all the same closed mind set. From previous responses it seems like a move to St Lukes for a second opinion is in my near future!
I was curious about this questions also. My insurance doesn't include St. Lukes.
@marie115 do you mind sharing the names of my team members you’ve had or have now?
you can text me too if that seems more appropriate w the forum: 816-509-7701
i also am at KU & trying to decide if it is worth the move or if what I have experienced is just what our ontological medical systems are.
feel this with you….
thankful for your question 🫶🏻