My Visit to IU Health Goshen Cancer Center

First off, I would like to say that I know doctors are all different.  Some are very patient-friendly and you can talk to them easily.  Then there are others who seem to lack any bedside manner and make you feel like you are just a chart to them...however, these are the ones who are usually considered top-notch and the best at what they do. 

Personally, I want both, and really do not think that is too high of an expectation.  This is my health, my life, and my future we are discussing.  (A point which often makes me wonder how they would respond and react if given a life-changing diagnosis.)  I decided that since my endocrinologist and ENT surgeon both present very matter-of-fact and serious personas, that I would seek a second opinion (something I had never done before).

I had viewed IU Health Goshen Cancer Center's website (http://cancer.goshenhealth.org/) and sent an online contact form to inquire how to go about getting a second opinion.  A patient representative called a few hours later and said they would need a medical release form to obtain my records from the treating physicians.  After that, a review team would go over my records and determine if they would be able to help me.  The form was emailed to me so I could print it off, sign, and fax it back to them.

Yesterday, I received a call from Scheduling saying Dr. Henry would like to see me today, as well as a Naturopathic doctor.  It only took me 45 minutes to reach the center.  After reviewing my medical history with a nurse, Dr. Henry came in.  He told me that due to all the factors of my cancer, I am in a "grey area" where I can choose to go either way with treatment options.  There pros and cons to not having the rest of my thyroid removed, as well as deciding to go ahead.  The same holds true with a follow-up dose of iodine radiation to kill off any remaining cancer cells.

I am opting to go ahead and have the rest removed on July 27th, as previously scheduled.  However, when I see my endocrinologist 4 weeks later, I am going to tell him that I would like an iodine uptake scan done prior to radiation.  If cancer cells are found to still be present, getting the radiation is a given as far as I am concerned.  If none are found though, I will follow-up closely with both my endocrinologist and an oncologist at Goshen.  After being cancer-free for 5 years, I will just see my endocrinologist to maintain my thyroid levels.

The Naturopathic doctor discussed my lifestyle and eating habits with me, suggesting several things that may aid my body in staying strong and fighting off future cancer growth.  She gave me Magnesium citrimate supplements, stating it should help with sleep, pain, and relaxation.  Overall, I am very happy with my decision to go to Goshen, despite it being kind of scary to get a second opinion.  I feel much better after talking with doctors who seemed interested in me and did not seem bothered by my questions and concerns.  :)