DOES EVERYONE NEED AN ONCOLOGIST?

[Mocna]

So I have a question. Does everybody need an oncologist? Or is your surgeon / urologist enough? My stage 1 cancer RCC was surgically removed in July of 2018 and no follow-up treatment was necessary besides biannual MRI / CT scans. The stage 1 RCC was grade 3 on the Furnham grade. It was contained, no lymph involvement and clear margins. I had a partial nephrectomy and I had my first follow-up MRI one week ago and it came back clear. No recurrence.

[MICHIGANDAVID]

An Oncologist understands cancer. Some doctors don’t...

[Mocna in reply to MICHIGANDAVID]

Should I ask my urologist /surgeon for a referral? Does it need to be an oncologist that specializes in kidney cancer?

[MICHIGANDAVID in reply to Mocna]

Should be one that specializes.

What state are you living in?

[Mocna in reply to MICHIGANDAVID]

I am in Illinois, 40 mins from downtown Chicago

[MICHIGANDAVID in reply to Mocna]

doctors.amitahealth.org/lee...

[Mocna in reply to MICHIGANDAVID]

Thank you. Do you know this Dr?

[MICHIGANDAVID in reply to Mocna]

Yes...

[greg1976]

I had stage III, grade 4 and asked for a referral for an Oncologist. Most Urologists are also trained in Oncology but I wanted an Oncologist to follow me. Think of it this way, if your transmission went out, do you want your mechanic to fix it who does it maybe once a week or a transmission specialist who does several a day? That was my thought process.

[Mocna in reply to greg1976]

Thank you so much for your response. I am definitely going to contact an oncologist

[oncowoman]

Mocna if your urologist is ordering scans routinely usually it is the urologist that follows you. Think the thinking goes at this point there is no more cancer evident (NED) so no need to see oncologist. Where are you located? Saw you posted near Chicago? Will try to find someone who specializes in kidney cancer which is what you want. Sounds like you were stage 1 grade 1?

[Mocna in reply to oncowoman]

Yes I'm in Chicago. And yes there is no more cancer. It was stage 1 grade 3.

That grade 3 scares me. Ugh.... I had clear margins so that's good, and I had my first MRI and it came back all clear. Yet still I'm crying everyday and living in fear that it might return. It's messed up

[Mocna]

Yes I'm in Chicago. And yes there is no more cancer. It was stage 1 grade 3.

That grade 3 scares me. Ugh.... I had clear margins so that's good, and I had my first MRI and it came back all clear. Yet still I'm crying everyday and living in fear that it might return. It's messed up

[oncowoman]

Stage 1 is good but get the concern about the grade 3. Wish it had been grade 1 or even better benign! Sending a virtual hug your way.

[oncowoman]

And grade 3 probably don't need oncologist now but it may give you some piece of mind to see one. Make sure it is someone who is an RCC specialist. Not too many around.

[Mocna in reply to oncowoman]

Yes the grade 3 is the part that scares me. Do you know what's a stronger determining factor as far as reoccurance goes? Is the stage or the grade more important? This is all so confusing

[oncowoman]

That is a good question. Will try to find out.

[Mocna in reply to oncowoman]

Thanks so much

[Mocna in reply to oncowoman]

By any chance did you find out?

[oncowoman]

Mocna yes! Walt Stadler. He is an RCC specialist. Here is his info: uchicagomedicine.org/find-a...

And you are in 1-2-3 group? What is your name there? I'll say hi to you there too!

Hoping this turns out to be a one and done!

Debbie

[Mocna in reply to oncowoman]

I am in the 1 2 3 group. It's through Facebook so it's just my name.... Kinga Kaczmarczyk 😊

[Mocna in reply to oncowoman]

And thank you SO MUCH for sending me the link to the oncologist. Do you know if I need a referral to see him? I have Cigna PPO so that is not an issue... I saw he accepts Cigna

[oncowoman]

Kinga you should not need a referral but ask when you call. I think as long as you have a ppo (which is what I have as well mine is with BC/BS) you won't need one. That's what I like about ppo's. Another name for you is Scott Eggener. He is a urologist. He is tops in the field. He is out of U of Chicago. uchicagomedicine.org/find-a... Says he specializes in prostate cancer. But I know he has done research in kidney cancer.