Did you see a medical oncologist or gynaecological oncologist?

[sad1]

My mum was diagnosed with stage 3/4 ovarian cancer 2 months ago and we have a meeting with the onclogist in Belfast tomorrow. All the information I have read says it is best to see a gynaecological oncologist and I just wanted to know if there is a difference?

[sad1]

Thank you for your reply. I am new to this and only joined at the weekend but have been looking at the site for a while and I think its great how you all support each other.

That's what I thought. We have been waiting this past 9 weeks to get an appointment with the oncologist and get treatment started and when I read the letter and saw medical oncologist my heart sank, I don't know if I should raise this tomorrow in the meeting for fear of delaying things further?

[ketchup]

I only get to see a general gynae and a general oncologist at my local hospital but they both attend MDT meetings at a cancer specialist hospital where my case and treatment is discussed. If the treatment isn't available at the local hospital ie debulking surgery I am referred to the specialist hospital. I don't think my treatment has been any different to anyone else's as there are nice guide lines that have to be followed. X

[sad1]

Thank you, I know I'm over reacting but I'm just dreading tomorrow in case its all bad news!!

[Hidden]

The large hospital that I attend has a team of specialists for gynae cancers. There's two consultant gynae/oncology surgeons and two consultant medical oncologists. They all work as a team and you see the most appropriate doctor for you at the time. They meet together to discuss the patients, with all having input into decisions.

I hope this helps.

Kat x

[ketchup]

You are not over reacting, you want the best treatment that is available that is understandable, your mum is lucky to have you supporting her. Fingers crossed you get some positive news tomorrow. X

[vipervictoria]

My understanding is that a gynae oncologist is a gynaecological surgeon who is specially trained to care for women with cancer. S/he will do your mother's surgery. A medical oncologist is a specialist in using chemo to treat cancers, usually medical oncologists specialise in certain cancers, e.g. ovarian, breast, etc.. Most med oncs seem to treat two - four different cancers.

Probably you will see a med onc first, because often treatment starts with chemo before surgery.

Hope this helps. Vx

[Lily-Anne]

I saw a gynae/oncologist, but I was then referred to an oncologist who specialised in ovarian and lung cancer while I was treated with chemo. When I dropped out of chemo I was referred back to my surgeon who was a gynae/onc.

LA

[charlie12]

Hi there

I think that as long as oncologist is some where in the doctors job title you should be fine.

Hope it goes as well as these things do....I know how scary these appointments are.

Love and hugs xxx

[sad1]

Thank you all so very much for your replies, they are all greatly appreciated. xx

[thesilent1]

Hi, sorry about your mum. I live in Belfast and would be happy to chat to you at any time. When people talk about gynaecological oncologist they are meaning their surgeon. The medical oncologist is actually the doctor who specialises in chemotherapy. Don't worry too much about all this. In BCH the drs and nurses are amazing. They are a great team of staff, and I couldn't sing their praises highly enough. I take it from your post that this is her first meeting with the oncologist. At this meeting your mum will get her staging and treatment plan. Keep in touch and if you want yo chat, please PM me and I will send you my phone number. Ann xo

[Willies]

I believe from what I have read and heard from ladies in a support group that having a Gyn/Oncologist do the surgery and direct the chemo gives a woman with ovarian cancer the best chance for survival.