Joelswife Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 We met yesterday with our new onc and can't believe the difference. He spent almost 2 hours with us, was extremely detailed and thorough and very kind and caring. About halfway through, when he was examining Joel, he put his hand on his shoulder, looked him in the eye and said "I'm so sorry that this has happened to you and that you're having to go through this. I will do everything I can to help you and make life better for you." My eyes instantly filled with tears. When the dr left the room for a few minutes, Joel said "Do you know that's the first time in all of this that a medical person has said something like that to me?" It was so powerful and both of us felt like a huge weight had been lifted from us and that we had a friend and ally and that Joel is not just a patient file. He was very straightforward, not wildly optimistic but has a plan and told us to call him any time of the day or night. Joel is having a complete body and brain scan, MRI of the jaw and mouth and bone scan to find out where we are. He finishes radiation on Monday and will start carboplatin/Gemcitabine on Wednesday. Sorry so long, I'm just feeling so much better, I had to share. If I have learned anything from this, it is to listen to your gut and change drs if you're not getting the support and care you deserve. Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 Wonderful news to read, here's to bedside manner and compassion! (and listenin' to your gut!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 Joel and Pam, you have a goldmine there! So happy for you both. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 Pam, You sound so much better. Yes, having a medical professional that makes us feel confident plus displays compassion at the same time is very comforting. It sounds like you have a plan ahead. Wishing you well. Know that we will be here for you. Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 Thank God for doctors like you describe. Blessings. Pat and Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 Pam I am thrilled by your post. You guys are so lucky such a compassionate doctor. There are plenty of them out there, Iam just glad that you took the inactive and search out another doctor, that he turns out to be just what you were looking for. Look at the difference in Joel's attitude already, Way to go... Keep us posted on these tests. Fingers crossed for good ones. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pammie Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 How wonderful to have some compassion and concern from a doc. He sounds like a special person. So thankful you finally have someone you can talk to. praying for all of you. pammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eppie Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 Post again to let us know how Joel does. We're pulling for him!! Eppie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail p-m Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 Your new oncologist sounds like "the one"; the one we are all looking for. Glad you and Joel found him. gail p=m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 A caring, loving doctor with a plan is about the very best there is in this game. My congratulations for finding such a soul. I am glad you decided to look further. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 You did the right thing and you know that you did. That has to be a wonderful feeling. You have to be aggressive with your health care. It is wonderful that you found another oncologist. Prayers. Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 Pam & Joel, I am thrilled with your new doctor. He sounds like the kind of doctor we all dream of. Smart and compassionate goes a very long way. Will continue to look for updates on how you all are doing. Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ma's kid Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 ((((Pam)))) Your news sent shivers down my spine! I am so happy to hear things went well with Joel's new doc. Many prayers for you both. Libby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 Having a doctor you feel safe with is so important. I am so glad for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SDianneB Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 Having changed Oncologists myself, I can relate to you. So glad you found a good one. I felt fortunate to find one I really relate to, so I know how that feels. My best to you. Di Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leslie221 Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 There are some wonderful human beings out there who also wear a doctor's white coat. I'm SO GLAD you and Joel finally found one. Having a doctor who really, really cares about you as a person makes such a huge difference. May his medical skills be as successful as his personal skills! Sending caring thoughts and strength to you and Joel! You're on the right track! Leslie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollyanne Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 Pam - That is GREAT news. Having a "plan" will change so much for you emotionally..and of course a doctor you can relate to. A lot of people on this board have had good results with gemzar/carbo (it is what my mom is doing right now.) My mom has had two full cycles with no side effects (and had it with radiation) to date (no hair loss, no nausea, no excessive fatigue, just pretty tired the day she gets both drugs - Day One.) I am really happy for you guys! Holly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted November 18, 2005 Share Posted November 18, 2005 That is very encouraging.Having a dr. or team of drs.you trust and are happy with means ever so much in this fight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mom110 Posted November 24, 2005 Share Posted November 24, 2005 It is great you have a wonderful doctor that is so compassionate. My mom will be getting a new dr. in January I hope she is as blessed as you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daggiesmom Posted November 24, 2005 Share Posted November 24, 2005 I was so happy to read your post. I love to read about GOOD doctors. Just the fact that he spoke to your husband as directly as he does says a LOT. This sounds like a GREAT doctor. When I was first diagnosed, I had HORRIBLE doctors. They wouldn't even tell me I had cancer. They left it to my husband. Can you image anything worse than that? I'm so glad you're in good hands. That's half the battle. Now don't forget to keep fighting, OK????? Best Wishes, Joanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darci Posted November 26, 2005 Share Posted November 26, 2005 I am so glad that you found a new onc...not only one who has a good plan for your dh, but one that is compassionate as well. Good luck. Keep us posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted November 26, 2005 Share Posted November 26, 2005 So glad to hear that, certainly makes a big difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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