Finally met my new Oncologist

After losing my long term oncologist from Gibbs, and many delays later, finally had my first meeting on Wednesday.

The guy is from India. For the record, my VA PCP is from Egypt. He has been with Gibbs for over 18 years, but most of the time he headed research for bone marrow transplants, and is considered an expert in that area. Didn't claim to have much specific PC experience, more of a general oncologist.

He said my file was huge, and hadn't had a chance to go fully through it, yet. Said it was way too long since I had any meaningful scans, so to my delight, he ordered contrasted CT scan of lungs, contrasted CT scan of entire pelvic area and prostate bed, and a full body bone scan. These scans are being arranged.

Finally found out what my June PSA reading was, was never told, despite me requesting to know. It had gone up a full six points since March, yes, 6 points, not .6. So he ordered a new PSA test, waiting for results.

In general, he was ok with how my former doctor and I were doing things. However, he wants to meet in 3 months to re-evaluate my situation, and of course, perhaps sooner if anything is found or lights up with these new scans.

My opinion? Jury is still out, didn't spend enough time for me to have a good opinion. He was way short on the personality part, but I realize that's not the most important part. I have very complicated medical history, so to be fair, he needs time to get familiar with my myriad of issues

I know what you mean, Purgatory. I also have a "checkered past" in my medical history. It especially irks me when a doctor acts like he is in full knowledge and control of my situation, then says something that tells me the opposite is true. I've been blind-sided that way already in my PCa journey, and I will not allow these docs to join my team.

It sounds like a good step, though, for the new doc to openly admits that he knows you have a complicated history and also admits that he has not yet absorbed it. That seems to indicate that he agrees that he cannot be fully effective for you until he has a full understanding of the situation. As long as he gets up to speed fairly quickly, I'd give him the chance to show you what he can do (assuming that you're comfortable with his timetable). Having the intent to understand it beats having him brush you off with statements you may already know to be untrue (had that happen to me with one of the RO's I interviewed).

Let's hope he's a "keeper."

Todd,

I thought you went to Gibbs in Spartanburg. Didn't realize you went to the Greer Gibbs like me. I was there at 11:15 on Wednesday, almost the same time as you!

Yes, Curran. Before his private practice was bought up by Gibbs, he was a great doctor and spent lots of time with me. The staff told me, he was not happy with the extreme patient load given to him by Gibbs, they didn't allow him enough time to service his patients in the way he thought was proper. Worked with Curran for about 5-6 years, lost track. Heard he is working at Am Med in Anderson, while he figures out things.

How's your weight holding up?

Just thinking about you and wondering if you're still on your cruise? David, you are in our thoughts and prayers. *HUGS*