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 🫶🏻
Hi All, I am new to this forum but was sent Marie 115's recent post by Julie Rudman for comment. I am a retired breast surgeon also trained in Integrative Medicine. What I would like to share is that monitoring with blood tests, whether they be tumor markers, "liquid biopsies", genetic testing or imaging, this is surveillance, not prevention. True strategies for prevention and reducing risk of recurrence or other chronic illnesses is rooted in trying to understand why the disease evolved in the first place. There are usually multiple contributing factors in play that causes a cell to go rogue, continue to growth, evade the immune system and cause harm. Risk factors just increase likelihood of disease. Genes are a blueprint but not a destiny. Everyone is an individual and thus I strongly believe in the value of learning as much as we can about one's unique bio-individuality. In this way, we can uncover excesses or insufficiencies that may be corrected, learn about weak biochemical pathways and support our stronger ones and learn how to create a more harmonious mind-body connection to support balanced wellness. Sadly, most conventional providers are not trained with this type of mindset. I am happy to help you on your wellness journey if you are interested in taking a deep dive.
Be well,
Dr. Cynthia Aks
www.integrative-wellness-llc.com
@cynthiaaks Yes!!!!! This is what I am searching for. I'll be reaching out soon. Thank you so much for the response. Marie
@cynthiaaks Thank you for your comments and sharing! This is such a lost opportunity from our medical community and I am so grateful for your acknowledgement of its importance! I would love more info / guidance to rebuild my body after such a long year!!!!