repost: 3-month post-tx check-up--what to expect?

bluewillow

Hey there ladies, I just posted this in the HER2+ forum and haven't gotten any replies yet, so I thought I'd post it here too-- sorry to be a pest, but I need some answers soon, since I'm thinking of re-scheduling tomorrow's 3-month appt. for later on next month...  Thanks in advance for reading! 

I am due for my three-month post-treatment check-up soon at my oncologist/breast surgeon at the cancer center where I was dx'd and had chemo.  What is the usual protocol for a three-month check-up?  Do they do blood work, or just poke around?  I have never had tumor markers done in the past and blood-work only pre-chemo, so I'm not sure what to expect.  I guess I am really wondering about the importance of this dr. visit, since I am feeling fine, except for the usual aches and pains. I am due in May for my six-month mammogram, which I will go to without fail.  I'm just not sure about this three-month visit.

(I had a lumpectomy/SNB- finished chemo in Jan 2008, finished rads in April 2008, and completed my one year of Herceptin in November 2008, had my port out and last check-up December 2008)

I might add that I so dread going back to the cancer center.  I hate the decor, the smells, and my doctor!  But duh, who in the world would like being at a cancer center? 

Thanks for any input you can send my way!

gramadeb

Hi bluewillow - my 3 month check up included the routine " how are you feeling", breast exam, listening to lungs, palpating abdomen. No blood work for me. Then scheduling of next 3 month appt and mammogram. It was benefical for me because I was feeling so fatigued so needed some answers. I thought the fatigue was related to all my treatments - turned out I have sleep apnea!

Deb

bluewillow

Hi Deb and thanks so much for your reply!  I'm glad you found the cause of your fatigue.  As it turned out, I went ahead and rescheduled it for later on next month, and it has worked out for the better.  And now I won't dread it as much. I hate being such a chicken! 

mzmiller99

Hi bluewillow - of course you're not being a pest!! 

 My med onco does blood work and tumor markers.  I see him every four months.  And, my BP is always over the moon!!  He's the NICEST, cutie-patootie, but just being in his office makes my heart race.

But, I'm just having my first digital mammo this week!  It's been nearly a year since my last one.  Guess no one was worried....?

Brenda_R

At my 3 month, my onc did blood work and tumor markers, he might have felt my neck nodes. Hard to remember. At my 6 month he did blood work, tumor markers, and did physical exam neck, underarms, boobs, stomach.

bluewillow

Thanks, Susan! I had to giggle out loud when I read your post about your cute dr.!  Lucky you! Mine not only is not attractive, he has no personality.  Don't doctors know that being cute and nice is nothing but a big PLUS for them?

And Brenda, thanks to you too!  It sounds like your dr. is very thorough.  It is interesting how some get tumor marker tests and others don't.  I also have to go back to my radiation oncologist for a check-up next month too.  A lot of doctors and a lot of poking!  (and a lot of co-pays!)

Hugs,

Mary Jo

mzmiller99

Mary Jo - I think it's a matter of docs.  Many don't do tumor markers because they aren't that reliable. 

 Amen to the co-pays!!  I'm so glad I have insurance, but the daily radiation co-pay almost put me in the poor house!!

If they're not cute, they better have a great sense of humor and compassion!  Or be female, 'cuz I love all of my women doctors!!  Love 'em all!

Maire67

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