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Recommendation for Oncologist at Yale/New Haven

hellored
0 Recommendations

Hi there,

I have just joined this amazing group. What inspiration! My father has just started his fight. He is on his second round of Chemo (Taxotere/Cisplatin).He seems to be handling it okay with mostly fatigue and a few incidents of naseau. He definately isnt drinking enough fluids!!!
I have SO many questions....but the most pressing at the moment is finding a new oncologist. If anyone has a recommendation, I would be most greatful. He is in Monroe, CT and I was hoping we could find someone at Yale/New Haven since it is only about 25 minutes away. I do NOT care for his current Dr. and more importantly, my Father doesnt either - and is now open to talking to someone else.

Thanking you in advance.
Holly

Explore topics in this discussion:

Cancer Lung cancer Folic acid

17 replies

cards7up

Hi and welcome. Sorry you had to find us but glad you did. You will get responses regarding an onc at YNH, but I can't help you there. I do want to say that your Dad must stay hydrated, especially with the cisplatin. This can lead to renal failure. If he's not a big water drinker, give him sports drinks, popsicles even watermelon. He should be taking in at least 3 liters a day. Also, has his doctor given him folic acid? B12 shots? These help with side effects and building the immune system. Good luck to all of you, especially Dad. Take care, JC

hellored

Thank you SO much. I have been trying with the popsicles, sports drinks etc... but will continue to stay on him. Perhaps letting him know how serious not hydrating really can be will help!
That is exactly why I am looking for another Dr. I feel this one doesnt care and is really just going through the motions. I saw the suggestion regarding the B12 and Folic acid. I will make sure he gets that! He has one more treatment next Friday and then he gets his scan. Hoping after this protocol - we can get him treated by someone else. I am so greatful to have found a place where I can ask questions and not be made to feel like I am 'taking up' time.

Again...thank you SO much, JC.

-Holly

linnea

My former oncologist is now the head of the Yale Cancer Center. His name is Tom Lynch and he is an expert in the field of lung cancer--and couldn't be a nicer guy either. I do believe he is still doing clinical work, but I would certainly recommend starting with him for a referral if nothing else. I credit the fact that I am still here 4 1/2 years plus post dx to him. Best of luck, Linnea

Granny888

No recommendations here, but just so you know -- a second opinion is ALWAYS in order, you don't need a reason. Seriously, my own doctor insisted I get a second opinion and even helped me arrange an out of the immediate area appointment with a specialist in lung cancer, both for my own peace of mind and for another opinion. You can never have too many. Most worthy doctors will actually talk to each other about treatment, etc., on a patient. It's when you get one that balks at second opinions that you know it's time to go somewhere else.

Like my specialist in Baltimore says, now I have him and his whole round table of doctors plus my doctor and whoever my doctor consults within his practice to carry a voice in treatment suggestions. That's a lot of doctors!

Marylou1

Holly:

Just a thought that I wish I had known in the beginning. When you take Dad for a scan, ask when you can pick up the CD of the scan and the report. It's usually a day or two afterwards.

They have to give it to Dad. He will have to fill out a paper, but they usually ask what it's being used for. You or Dad can tell them it's for Dad's records in case he wants another opinion which is VERY common these days.

I have a small suitcase with all my scans and reports and if I need to go somewhere else, it has wheels :)

Good Luck, God Bless you and Dad,
Marylou

Heinke

My oncologist went to Yale with Dr. Lynch and still consults with him. As Linnea said, if he is not personally available, he will point you in the right direction. He has done some pioneering work in the field of personalized medicine.

Good Luck and God Bless!

hellored

Linnea,
Thank you SO much for the recommendation. I am going to check him out first thing tomorrow. I am so happy to hear from you.

-Holly

hellored

Such good advice. Thank you for that.

hellored

Heinke, thank you for your info. Can I ask you the name of your oncologist? Do you like him/her?

Thanks, Holly

Pat8

Holly - I have been on a clinical trial at Yale for the past 16 months with a wonderful oncologist who is an assistant professor at Yale and specializes in lung cancer. His name is Dr. Scott Gettinger and I would recommend him highly. Also Yale just opened up a new cancer center. In my opinion, it's the place to go.

Good Luck - with prayers and always with hope -- Pat J

linnea

You're very welcome, and best of luck. Linnea

Munker

Scott Gettinger. Love him

Bats

Yes Dr. Scott Gettinger is my thoracic oncologist. I love this guy, he really cares and makes you know it. I highly recommend him.

hellored

WOW!!!

Thank you all for your recommendations. Certainly sounds like between Tom Lynch and Scott Gettinger Yale will be our next stop. I am looking forward to sharing this information with my Father. Cant thank you enough for helping me with this very important next step.
Thank you SO much.

Sending blessings to all
-Holly

kmhppl

I go to Yale also. Dr Scott Gettinger is wonderful. I am currently on a clinical trial there and have been going there for 3 years. I did not care for my previous doctor at all in Hartford.

Karen

owesly

It is so heartwarming to see everyone help each other out on this web site. It sounds as if these docs who everyone has recommended, Drs. Gettinger and/or Lynch, either of them would be great for Hellored. Just to add a little something, Dr. Vincent T. DeVita is one of the doctors at the Yale Cancer Center. I don't know if he actually sees patients or not, but he is the LEAD AUTHOR of the oncology textbook that pretty much all oncology doctors everywhere consider "the bible" of oncology textbooks. "Everyone" reads "DeVita's book". So, if Dr. DeVita, the lead author of one of the most famous oncology textbooks, is a the Yale Cancer Center, one would imagine that the people who he is with there have to be good docs too. Thus, I would imagine that the two doctors that everyone has recommended here have to be good guys. Best to you, Doc

Barb723

My oncologist recommended me to see Scott Gettinger because he was starting a new clinical trail that my doctor thought I was a good candidate for. Dr. Grttinger was a great doctor!
I go to Dr. Sladter in Norwich, ct. He is 40 mins from me and yale is a lot closer, but I really respect him and the decision he makes for me.
Good Luck in finding the right doctor for your dad.
Barb

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