'out of the blue'

It should read Complaining apologies for misspelling x

Dear m-j,

 I am in the US, so do not know the rules in the UK.

However the same thing happen with my oncologist  here.  For 3 months my appointment was in my chart then BAM! 3 days before the appointment  it disappeared!  I had fallen through the cracks. I called and found out he had transferred  to another medical center leaving me without an oncologist  for my first 2019 quarterly check. I panicked.  I called and the Department had transferred my care to an oncologist that I do not like ( I had  already fired him back in 2015). I talked to Oncology and got one that was first rate.

Do you have the right to interview the new one or change if you do not like him?  Regardless, try and get a GP with whom you are comfortable.

Best

Millie

Thanks for your reply Millie. If only we could interview gp's here in UK. Unfortunately we are rather dictated to who our gp is and if you dare to ask to change you can be labelled a 'difficult patient' and you run the risk of still not getting the gp you want. I just feel like the rug has been pulled under my feet and potentially have no time to develop a good relationship with a new gp. 

It is the same with our oncologists as we get very little choice with those and to change l believe you have to ask for a second opinion. That must have been awful for you Millie as you have the build up of anxiety to the appt  beforehand and so pleased you were able to get an oncologist you are happy with x

Dear m-j,

That is so tough, when you have a great GP to take care of details the journey is so much easier. 

Fingers crossed that you can make a good connection with your new GP. Sometimes I take in a box or 2 of chocolates for my GP and her staff; they are usually overworked and need a burst of energy. It seems to cheer them up.

I'm afraid that i may already be labeled as the "worst patient ever" since I read everything about the disease (really everything) and its treatment, including  I read the infusion bag label, amount of infused targeted drug and its dilution before I let infusion start.:-)  - Huh, maybe I should start taking chocolates to my infusion staff too...

Warmest wishes for a good outcome with your new GP.

Millie

Thanks Millie. 

You have got me thinking about the differences in healthcare  between UK and USA. Here we can go privately and pay or use medical insurance but that is to usually see a consultant not a gp. I do wonder if we had to pay like you do if medics would improve their service to their patients. I dread to think if l had to pay how much my journey with cancer would have cost. I would like the freedom to choose but ultimately l am grateful for a free NHS.

I don't think you are being difficult reading labels on the infusion bags. You are just being sensible as mistakes do sadly happen. Like your idea of chocolates as medics always appear rushed of their feet.

I am over the shock now and once the Easter holiday is over will speak to the practice manager. I could also have a word with my hospice nurse and ask her advice. 

Thanks Millie nice to 'chat' x x

Hi m-j

I had a new GP a few years ago. He’s turned out to be a wonderful younger man - very responsive and takes me seriously. I couldn’t be happier. I’ve also gone through a change of consultant. I was surprised at the deep sense of abandonment I felt on hearing that Dr V had moved on. Hell, he didn’t even say goodbye! But again, the new consultant was fantastic.

Give your new guy a chance.  Change is always difficult but often it’s good. 

Xx

ps I always stop at the fruit stall outside Goodge Street tube station on my way to the trials unit for my chemo. I buy a punnet of fruit for me, and one for the nurses. Currently it’s strawberries 

Thanks Daloni. Sorry for late reply. I went to stay with a friend and discovered l was allergic to her soap powder  Had an itchy rash on face and everywhere down to feet! Anti - histamine helped but l react to it and it works like a sleeping tablet. So what was supposed to be a change of scene ended up me just looking at a different set of walls! Came back today.

Decided l am going to give new gp one chance if he speaks to my face then will stay with him if he talks to his computer then l will ask to change. 

Gosh that was tough for you and thanks for your understanding x

Oh no! Horrible. I’m sorry you didn’t get the kind of break you hoped for.

They give me antihistamines when I have chemo. My eyeballs roll up into my head within five minutes of the nurse starting the IV drip. 

Xx

Oh my goodness Daloni how frightening the speed of your allergy. It was more embarrassment and awkward as l couldn't use my friend's towels and l didn't pack one. I was worried about my breathing so l put my dressing gown over the pillows so second night only had a rash on body. Thanks for understanding it did rather spoil my trip away but on reflection it was only an itchy rash and we still managed a good natter, a welcome change of scenery and l was spoilt not having to cook etc x 

Hi m-j

I am glad your able to see the positives. I don’t get an allergic reaction- the antihistamine prevents it. I just get a jolly good sleep for a couple of hours. The nurses have to wake me up so I can tell them my mans and date of birth when they put the chemo up. They think I’m very funny. 

Xx