Thank you both for responding.
Doc M was not my advocate. However, with that said, he did treat me according to accepted nationally recognized protocol for bladder cancer. He also has a good reputation as a surgeon. It was his bedside manner that needed much improvement and alienated me. At best, he was abrasive.
Yes, I live in Tucson. Phoenix may be too far for me to travel at this stage of the game; I am transferring care to another URO within the same professional group. I have already dealt with this new doc (Doc D) and have come away satisfied with his care. Patients have rated him at worst 4 stars. Moreover, he is well versed in the treatment of bladder cancer. In fact, my GYNO at the University of Arizona did recommend that I stay with this current group because they are the best game in town.
Right now at T1, I am willing to be treated here in Tucson; this doesn't mean I won't high-tail it to Phoenix if needed. The reason I chose Dr. Ahmann (UA) was because his multi-disciplinary approach to genitourinary cancer seemed appropriate at this time with a more aggressive stage of my cancer. Furthermore, the team consists of a surgical urologist who works closely with Ahmann. This being said, I am taking your input very seriously.
Please realize that I greatly appreciate everything you've contributed to my situation through this blog; you have all become friends with incredible insight, which I do not take lightly. I'm definitely keeping my scheduled appointment with Dr. D, and may just cancel the appt. with Dr. Ahmann. That being said my husband and I are going to push for an earlier appt. with Dr. D.
Thanks for weighing in...you have given me hope and a clear perspective.