A few weeks ago I received a voice mail from my general practitioner. She stated my cholesterol was high and wanted me to go on a strict plant based diet. I looked up my numbers and yes they are high but still within normal range….for a normal person aka one without METs. My chemo increases proteins thus increases my cholesterol. At chemo last week I talked to my nurse about the message. She rolled her eyes and exclaimed, “No! You need those proteins to fight this. You need strength and energy.” She went thru my diet and stated I ate better than most non METs people. She went and talked to my oncologist and he stated absolutely not.

Today was chemo thus the insomnia. I spoke with a different nurse and expressed the need for communication between GPs and oncologists when regarding treatment and preventative care. She sighed and stated this was an ongoing issue. She is heading up a program that addresses side effucks during and after treatment. Part of that is educating GPs on how to treat cancer patients during treatment and for those lucky ones after treatment. We have side effucks that last a lifetime and how to manage those should be a part of our wellness plan. Unfortunately, the communication just isn’t there even in the best hospitals.

When I think of my “team” I reference my oncologist, my nurses, my radiologist and my surgeon. I rarely if ever think of my GP. One she’s new to me. Aside from cancer, I’ve been a healthy woman. Rarely did I need to see a doctor. As I tell the medical staff, I’m the healthiest dying person you will meet. The other reason I don’t think of her is she just isn’t there aside from the “don’t eat a blue cheese burger with a side of fried mushrooms and an old fashion” call. And she hasn’t learned that you can’t tell me what not to do…I have a rebel heart.

There is a gap and one my cancer team recognizes. It’s communication and collaboration between oncology and other departments within the hospital. I looked online to see if this was an issue large enough for articles. Yes it is. In fact it seems like this is a common problem. My nurse today said this lack of collaboration leads to the patient feeling like a number and unheard. I will state that my new dermatologist reached out to a colleague he trusts in oncology regarding my arm issue. This made me feel important and cared for. (PS stress was the cause further triggered by immunity issues…) On the opposite spectrum, the lack of dare I say knowledge on needs of a cancer patient by my GP has me feeling like simply another file.

There is a silver lining to this cloud within the medical field. They have diagnosed the issue, confirmed the need and are taking action. There are classes now for GPs and other non oncology doctors to take that educate them on approach and the needs of their cancer patients. These classes qualify for their CE credits. Should you encounter this same frustration, be your own advocate and encourage your team including those ancillary doctors to take these classes.

We deserve a team that communicates and collaborates. It’s our right. It’s our life.