In normal circumstances before Dx we just went to our GP for anything that we were concerned about healthwise.
Once Dx with breast cancer who do we go too?
When i went to a ‘living with BC’ day the breastcare nurse who spoke said 'oh dont go to your GP, contact us.
I think that once chemo or rads is over the follow up and support we should have is not there.
I often feel that if i had someone to go too when i have pain or am anxious it would help.
I have just had some sessions with the psychologist and i think its helped.
However 3 days of intense pain and i am panicking again. I know i will leave it and see how it goes but who do i contact if it doesnt?
My Gp misdiagnosed me but yet they are still very dismissive when i go to see them.
For anything that is not cancer related, I automatically go to the GP.
Can you change GP? Is there another GP surgery within reach? Trust in your doctor is vital and you have every right to shift to another practice if you are not happy. Also, in our practice, you do not have to see your “own” doctor, but can select which one you want to see.
Phoebe is right about your GP - does your practice have any alternative female doctors? I have been extremely lucky with mine. I thought I has secondary IBC before xmas and could not get the support from the radiotherapy team, who were supposed to deal with my problem. My GP fully understood that my symptons would lead me to that conclusion, and not only tried to allay my fears but also got me an urget referral back to my breast surgeon in order to reassure me.
My problem turned out to be blocked lymph channels in the breast. Whilst I was there, the MacMillan nurse was in attendance. She gave me a hug and asked why I didn’t call her first and I explained that I thought she was only there for me at the time of diagnosis and up to surgery, whereby I was passed to an Onclogist through my chemo etc. She assured me that her job is to be there at all times, post-treatment included, and that any time I had a problem, or even just needed a chat with someone who understands, I was to call her.
I don’t know if all hospitals allocate a MM nurse, but if so perhaps it would be worth having s chat with yours!!
Dear Liverbird - HI there, I always read your postings, but know life is pretty tough for you at times. Just wanted to say how much I agree with Carol and Phoebe. You have every right to change your GP and it is so important that you are with someone you feel will listen to you and understand your concerns and that you feel is 100 per cent on your side. Why not ask around your friends locally and see if there is a name that comes up. Your GP really remains your first “port of call” for medical things in general.
Equally, I am sure your breast care nurse would always be happy to help if you explained any symptoms that were concerning you, and would either advise you to see your GP, or if appropriate get you an earlier appointment to see your consultant. Do you have a MacMillan nursing service near you? I am sure they would help as well, and give you extra support. Equally there is always the NHS Healthline or BCC helpline if you have symptoms that are concerning you but you are not sure whether you need to get medical help. The bottom line here is that, inevitably, sometimes you will experience pains/symptoms that frighten you and that you don’t understand. It is a absolute need for you to be able to receive either further investigation, or reassurance, by a medical person. The worse, worse thing is worrying, or not knowing where to turn. Good luck. Thinking of you. Love Sarah xx
Hi
It does seem to depend so much on how supportive your GP is, doesn’t it? Ever since I was diagnosed 4 years ago my GP has been really helpful and sympathetic - he has reassured me when possible but has also sent me for any tests that might be necessary and doesn’t treat me like a hypochondriac when nothing serious is found. He has always been willing to spend time with me. I know that everybody is not so lucky in their doctor and I agree the best thing to do might be to look around for a more sympathetic GP. We are all bound to be worried at times and to need someone who understands this and doesn’t just dismiss us.
I have a wonderful GP…but in saying that he took 18mths to refer me…but he is wonderfully supportive, and always there for me and my family, also my BCN is fantastic and is always willing to listen, offer support, advice…I appreciate not everyone is as fortunate.
A Gwyn said we all need someone who understands and doesn’t just dismiss, hope you find someone to help you Ruth.
my gps have been awful, i went for the first time since october last year last thursday, but only because they had a new female doctor, she was ok, but i do think that they are worried more about the cost of drugs we need rather than our quality of life, i was only diagnosed last June, i hadn’t been to the doctors for years before then, i do hate to be made to feel like i am a fraud when all i want is a good nights sleep!!!
love
My GP hardly looks up when I go to see him just taps into his computer and issues a prescription. Occasionally takes my BP as he gets an extra fee for that. Never has the courtesy, or time, to ask how I am doing on Arimidex or how sorry he is to hear my BC has recurred. Don’t think he even reads the letters from my onc and breast surgeon.
Hi,
I so agree with you that having a supportive G.P is a real life-line to us. I completely trust my G.P.(whom I had never met before bc) not to dismiss any of my health problems whether they are related to my breast cancer or to other conditions. I visited her in 2005 because I felt there was something not quite right - she examined me and said there was nothing there, but routine screening picked up invasive lobular three weeks later and I had a mastectomy. I am so lucky about the timing of my screening, as the letter inviting me for it arrived after my appoint. with her and even my breast surgeon couldn’t feel it although it was clearly showing on mammogram and ultrasound.( I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without that screening ). I relate all this because I have trusted that same G.P. to do her best for me throughout the bc journey and also with subsequent other serious dx which incidentally, were as a result of her prompt referrals to several consultants. She always listens, never assumes that my existing health conditions are the cause of a new symptom and has said she wants to give me the best quality of life possible. I have never mentioned that first appoint. but when I told her I had bc she was shocked and has been a pillar of strength and shown genuine compassion from that day on. I feel so fortunate that I have such a good relationship with my G.P. and I am so sorry to read the posts from folk who have such awful treatment from theirs. I know it’s not easy, but do try and seek out a good alternative - there are many good ones, who are worth their weight in gold to us, particularly after a cancer dx. I have had no automatic support offered from my bcn and unit regarding follow-up ( guess financial restraints are to blame) so without my G.P. I would have no-one to turn to when the need arises.