Recommendation for an oncologist

Hi DianaSon and welcome to the online community

I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community and my husband is currently going through treatment for pancreatic cancer which was diagnosed a few months ago.

It sounds like you're all going through a very hard time and I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.

We have been happy so far with the oncologist my husband has seen but my husband's overall treatment is being overseen by a consultant whose specialities include pancreatic cancer. Does your mum have a consultant who you could speak to if you're not happy with her oncologist. Another avenue is to speak to PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) at the hospital. They provide a point of contact for both patients and carers.

Wishing you all the best

Hi

I'm really sorry but I can't recommend an oncologist, because my consultant has retired, but I wanted to get in touch and let you know I will be thinking of you and your Mum. I don't have a corresponding situation regarding pancreas, because I had treatment a long time ago, but I really identify with the worry and frustration you will be experiencing just now as you try to navigate the way forward. My Dad's cancer journey (different type) was similarly delayed and frustrating.

My first question (obvious I know and you may already have tried this): Would the private consultant you saw (and whom you trust) be able to signpost you to a suitable person perhaps? I'm guessing that person wasn't an oncologist or you would be asking to see them in their NHS clinic, but you could call their secretary and ask if they can help you find someone. I found that people were very helpful when I rang and explained our situation.

Second, while Dad was ill, I found the Macmillan phone helpline was helpful in talking through options and where to go for more help.

Third, this is an awful situation for your mother, but it is also an awful situation for you. I didn't realise or acknowledge that at first as I was just ploughing through getting things done, but when I visited my local cancer support centre to get some information for Dad, I was very surprised when they offered me access to their services including counselling in order to support me as I was supporting Dad through the traumatic time. This was something I would never have thought of for myself, but they kind of insisted, and I highly recommend seeking out that type of support to help you too, especially when there must be so much to feel angry about. I had a quick look , and I can see there is a cancer support charity in Essex called the Helen Rollason Charity. If you haven't reached out to them yet, I'd think it could be useful, both for your Mum and for you.

I know all these things are skirting around the actual urgent point of finding the right person you can trust, but they might help you find your way through this.

And finally, when you have the energy (not the priority right now), please do raise this with the hospital as a complaint or incident, because something seems to have gone really wrong here and they need to look at their processes to find out why and to take action for the sake of other people who may be in a similar situation.

Wishing you the very best.