THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE GP IN BREAST CANCER CARE | Why you need a good GP after Breast Cancer

[@mssdn8976]

I’ve struggled to get any appointments with a GP (in England) every appointment has been by telephone. It’s next to impossible to actually see a GP here. I think that so many people have given up trying to get an appointment. I had to wait two weeks for my GP to report my dexa scan result. I think the NHS is falling apart

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thanks for commenting. It is a frustrating situation. I think it is time I spoke to the Practice Managers to discuss the most effective way to communicate with GPs. Jen x

[@debbieolagues5283]

I know what you mean. I'm having the same problems here in California.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

@@debbieolagues5283 very frustrating indeed. I've launched a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to provide more interaction with everyone on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@debbieolagues5283]

Hi Jen, Greetings from California. I am so frustrated with my GP! I won't go into the whole story because there isn't enough space here and your viewers don't need to hear it all. At one of my appointments, I asked my GP a question about something that was related to my breast cancer. He told me that if it has anything to do with my breasts he is not going to discuss it and that I should ask my breast surgeon or Oncologist about it because they are the breast experts. It was a simple question and not something that required a big technical answer. Personally, I think he was trying to cover his back side, if you know what I mean. It is like doctors are so afraid of law suits that they fob their patients off on the "experts" instead of answering the questions themselves. When are doctors going to start practicing real medicine again instead of just doing band aid medicine and take two pills and call me in the morning kind of stuff??? It seems like the doctors at the breast clinic are the only doctors who are listening to me and the only doctors I can trust. Your advice about looking for a GP that has a special interest in breast cancer and a GP who will lead the way instead of me telling him what kind of treatment I need was really good. Who's the doctor here anyway?! Thanks again for all the good advice. God bless you

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Debbie, I am really hearing you. Have you considered switching to a new GP? When you feel you aren't being heard or your questions aren't being answered, I truly believe it is time to seek a second opinion. Jen

[@pamelahotarena588]

Thank you for your comment and I agree! I’m in Texas and it seems most GP are only interested in their careers or protection from lawsuits. I blame the court system but that’s another story. Real doctors are hard to find these days.

[@carigalla811]

😊 Thankyou Jen For all you do You always give such great advice . Sorry to hear about the shocking lack of interest. Please keep on doing what you do. Looking forward to hearing and seeing your next project❤

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thankyou Cari!! Really appreciate your encouragement! No giving up here! Not sure if you've seen it yet but I've launched a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to provide more interaction with everyone on this platform . If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@barbcove5211]

Thank you Jen! ❤️

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

My pleasure Barb! I've just launched a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to provide more interaction with everyone on this platform including treatment demonstrations. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@ayhantokcaer8404]

What I have experienced in my country,Turkey,is that the role of physioteraphy is a bit underestimated.People around me are talking about friends who cannot move their arms and bodies efficiently.Either they have not been warned by their cancer team or patients don't think it is necessary. Right now I am warning the people around me (doctors,patients,friends) how much I learned and earned from excercise.Also doctors,except oncologists,don't know about the side effects of the medicine we use.I am warning every dr I see about the situation.Doctors (of every branch) should listen to their patients more so that they can learn from us as well.:)

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thank you for commenting Ayhan. I agree with you - there is still a lot of work to be done to improve patient outcomes after Breast Cancer. I've launched a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to provide more interaction with everyone on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@michellerichardson7611]

Thank you ! I really appreciate the advice!

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thanks Michelle! Jen :)

[@lymphsavvy]

I'm sorry to hear your GP evening didn't turn out well. That would be so disappointing. As to why you had a better turnout a few years ago & what has changed, a therapist in the National Lymphedema Network private practice group mentioned articles coming out of an Australia newsfeed she frequently read that were saying MLD isn't effective. (She couldn't tell me what newsfeed it was.) I'm sure we both know there is research to support the efficacy of MLD & patients can offer anecdotal evidence. But that may be why GPs weren't as receptive. :-( Best wishes to you and Andrew in your business & advocacy.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi, thanks for your comment. I'm not sure why GPs were not interested in attending the event but I suspect the main reason they would possibly give is that they're overworked / burnt out particularly from the pandemic. Professional Development still needs to continue though so it can't stay that way forever. Jen

[@mahasaadalah5978]

Thanks from canada 💐

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thankyou Maha! I've launched a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to provide more interaction with everyone on this platform including treatment demonstrations. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@carolineowen7846]

Em, imagine Dr's having healthy patients ... now that would seriously impact their ability to prescribe life long term medication.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Haha ah yes! I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@crispykmm9646]

How dissapointing .Thanks for trying to reach the GP's.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Very sad Crispykm. We'll keep trying though. Not sure if I've already sent you this message but I've launched a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to provide more interaction with everyone on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@dianecoull664]

Shhhh

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Diane, not sure what you mean by your comment? Jen