MD Anderson

Mary,

You do the online research first and hopefully find a few possible oncologists.  It’s true that you will know at the initial consultation whether you want to continue with the doctor.  However, you can check ahead of time whether the doctor has experience treating CC patients.  Also, this can’t be the only factor.  I chose someone who supposedly is experienced in treating CC, but when meeting, he could only offer the standard treatment of gem/cis which I did not like.  He could not provide any clinical trial options.  So if this is important, check ahead of time if the doctor is open to clinical trials and whether their facility has access.

If the doctor is far away, is there a way you can speak by phone or contact by email first?  I know this can be difficult as they like to bill for their time, but maybe you can get a few questions answered before spending the time or money for the visit.  Think of a few questions that are important before visiting the doctor and whether that will impact you choosing them as the treatment oncologist and see whether you can have them answered in advance.

This is a challenge for sure, but you can choose the right doctor, and don’t be afraid if you decide you need to change.  Sometimes, I felt certain doctors did not know what to offer either and they were limited with resources.  Again, have them give examples of patients treated successfully, and keep doing your research on updates for treating CC.

Hello Fay,

I don’t have experience with MD Anderson, but this is the criteria I have considered when visiting multiple doctors.

1. They have to be patient and not pushy for a particular treatment while not offering alternatives.  This means one doctor was so pushy in his treatment plan and made it seem if we don’t start right away we will face poor consequences, yet mentioned there is no guarantee with any treatment working.  I don’t like pushy doctors who have nothing to offer, but one mode of treatment and aren’t realistic by looking at the individual patient and treating all patients the same.

2. Easy communication whether calling their office, emailing them, and they being responsive and answering questions, not trying to dodge the questions or not being forthright.  Sometimes they can be negative, but if it’s realistic, so be it, but not in an effort to no longer help patient because they are at the end of stage.

3.  Are you comfortable with them and are they listening to all your concerns or do you feel rushed like you are just another patient?  If they are rude or overly negative in a very difficult situation, then reconsider.

4.  Find a doctor who is genuinely curious and wants to find answers or try clinical trials, not a close minded doctor.  Have him/her give examples of people they have treated with CC. Some can’t do this or not willing to give examples.

Hopefully this helped as a starting point, but be open to several doctors.  Obviously there will be a team and it is not just looking for an oncologist, but a GI doctor, perhaps a radiologist or surgeon, or any other specialty doctor for any other condition you may be experiencing as well as the CC.  It’s great you are doing the research!  It is really up to you if you want to meet this doctor and judge for yourself.  You will know if you don’t want to work from her.