Paul,

I wouldn't be full of confidence, either, after what you described. As I think back over the many different doctors I've dealt with since my initial diagnosis, I think on the (few) occasions when I was seen by a relatively new doctor there was also an experienced one looking over his/her shoulder at the time.

It's really important to have a sense of comfort with the people who will be treating you, so if that means traveling to one of the major cancer centers, it's probably worth it in the long run. I guess the nearest one is Roswell in Buffalo -- then you also have options in Cleveland, New York and Boston (a bit farther away but with solid reputations).

Cathy