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I searched but didn't find a thread addressing this.
I'm in Portland, Oregon, USA. My insurance plan is limits me to only a few Providence providers. I've had a lot of diagnosis and prep procedures but no actual treatment. It's been 2.5 months and I'm losing faith in my limited team. I don't meet the oncologist until Oct 31
It's October 11, 2017 and I can switch my insurance to one that would let me go to a different network, OHSU, which has a very good cacer center. But I couldn't start until Jan. 1, 2018. I want to, but it would mean postponing treatment until then.
I'm PSA 15, Gleason 9, but no evidence of spread beyond my prostate. I am otherwise a healthy person and have no symptoms. I've had prostate biopsy, CT, bone scan, bone density scan, and colonoscopy.
Any opinions for holding off for 2.5 months to make a switch?
Earl, you have a very aggressive cancer and should be getting treatment NOW. I advise working out best how you can secure that. A delay of 2.5 months would be daft.
Earl:
For me dealing with PCa has always been a crap shoot,BUT there may be some truth to the adage: "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."
Another thought: Does keeping your Oct.31 appointment rule your opportunity to switch insurances? Perhaps your Oct.31 appointment could be regarded as a first opinion.
Best wishes Don O.
Thanks again, guys. I've decided to stick with my current provider for treatments after your thoughts and speaking with the other provider. Everyone agrees I should get treatment asap.
I am relieved to hear that, Earl. As others have advised already, I also think it is the better option. 2.5 months wait at 15 PSA, would not have been the right way to go.
Good luck, you will be fine.
FCB
