She was very personable and forthcoming. Not sure how much that had to do with the fact that Jackie (her nurse) likes me, but she did make it a point to let me know that Jackie was glad I was now under both their wings.
Not sure how much she knows about MCL in particular either, but I will help as needed with her training. At least she did take the time to read my file, and even perused much of the literature I had provided my first two (actually three if you count the Fellow, who initially diagnosed my MCL) hematologists.
We talked about the diagnosis, plus a number of other things both related and unrelated to my MCL, and then she proceeded to give the obligatory physical exam, looking for enlarged lymphnodes, and other signs of disease advancement.
At the end, I asked a question regarding new tests to see if my MCL had evolved in the 4+ years since my diagnosis. I got the pat answer, which was since nothing is likely to change, as far as treatment plans go, she didn't think it was necessary.
I should have responded that depending on what the cytogenetic tests showed, that might actually indicate a change in treatment plans. But the more likely scenario is, based on the way I feel now, I don't think I would change my mind regardless, so I let it go.
I think the monthly blood work will point out any significant changes, which might indicate a deterioration in my health, in plenty of time to decide on a different plan of action, and I can bring it up again.
Anywaze, the first impression was good, and I go back in two months.
Not sure how much she knows about MCL in particular either, but I will help as needed with her training. At least she did take the time to read my file, and even perused much of the literature I had provided my first two (actually three if you count the Fellow, who initially diagnosed my MCL) hematologists.
We talked about the diagnosis, plus a number of other things both related and unrelated to my MCL, and then she proceeded to give the obligatory physical exam, looking for enlarged lymphnodes, and other signs of disease advancement.
At the end, I asked a question regarding new tests to see if my MCL had evolved in the 4+ years since my diagnosis. I got the pat answer, which was since nothing is likely to change, as far as treatment plans go, she didn't think it was necessary.
I should have responded that depending on what the cytogenetic tests showed, that might actually indicate a change in treatment plans. But the more likely scenario is, based on the way I feel now, I don't think I would change my mind regardless, so I let it go.
I think the monthly blood work will point out any significant changes, which might indicate a deterioration in my health, in plenty of time to decide on a different plan of action, and I can bring it up again.
Anywaze, the first impression was good, and I go back in two months.
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