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Good morning from Ottawa!

I was diagnosed in 2022 and my treatments including surgeries began in February 2023. I am currently recieving Mirv, my 10th infusion scheduled for Oct 8th or this coming Thursday.

Over these past months and years I have been seen by many different Gyne Oncologists. I am noticing the gender of the oncologist makes a difference in follow ups i.e. treatments, responses to questions etc. and I am wondering if I am alone in this. Moving forward I have requested female Oncologists only which I've been advised by Onc nurses that this is a reasonable request.

In terms of my treatment the Mirv is a bit of a let down I now have 10 cancerous lymph nodes which are growing at a very slow rate. At my last follow up with Gyne Onc I was told that there were two I was referred to radiation again and did book an appointment with a radiologist. The radiologist was extremely helpful and informative. He showed me my scans explaining that the last Onc had likely not looked at the scan and only read the report as I had. He also told me that when the Rads are reading scans they will concentrate on a couple of instances and report on that. Please ask to see your scan when sitting for follow up.  

I am now considering radiation along with the Mirv and waiting to discuss with gyne onc prior to decision. There would be 5 treatments every other day.

I will admit meeting with the Onc Radiologist has put a chink in my armour however the fight continues for us all.

Huggs

Hi @Vonnie_613 

You pose an interesting question relative to oncologist gender. I was referred to a female oncologist at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in Toronto so do not have experience with a male oncologist. I do know of a fellow Teal Warrior who had two separate male oncologists throughout her treatment (both associated with Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, Ontario) and she thought their support and care was outstanding. Perhaps it's not necessarily a gender item rather it's the specifics of care that each oncologist provides? During my chemo infusions I had six different male and female oncologist nurses. I would attest that the treatment by both was equal. All were interactive, engaging and supportive. I'm definitely curious as to the perspective of others on the question you pose especially those that have had a male and female oncologist in the course of their treatment.

Your point on the Radiologist is also interesting. I remember asking my GP once if she looked at the scans themselves. She said no, that's the role of the radiologist who are the experts in that area. Plus they just don't have the time to review the scans. Having said that, I'm going to ask my oncologist the same question (I hope not to see her before my six month follow up next February but it's now noted in my journal).

I am sorry to hear that the Mirv is not producing the results you were hoping. I'm interested in the radiation they have suggested. My understanding is that radiation is not often used to treat OVC however if it's becoming an option, that is good to know. I'm assuming that surgery isn't an option on the lymph nodes? I know they can tend to be in tricky places and that it isn't always a feasible.

I am glad to see that you continue to fight and you have that word in your last sentence above. Clearly you have a warrior spirit and it sounds like there are still some treatment options available. I hope they will be fruitful in your continued journey. Thank you for continuing to share. Send you hugs back. 🤗

#Supportandencouragement #Treatmentandsideeffects