Thinking of Ditching the Onc.

SandyAust

Hi Ladies,

Come July 7 it has been six years since my diagnosis.  I was 36.  I was Stage 1, a couple of mm off Stage 2A.  18mm Grade 3 ER+PR- Her2- IDC plus 4.5 cm of high grade DCIS. Node negative on SNB of 2 nodes. I did 4 x EC (like AC) and 5 years of tamoxifen.

I had an appointment to see my oncologist at 6pm last Friday night for an annual checkup.  His office called and said could I come at 6.45pm and hopefully I wouldn't have to wait too long.  It was dark, my son was sick so I cancelled.  You wouldn't believe how hard it is to reschedule.

I have moved interstate since my diagnosis so I have only seen this guy once before last year when he said he would follow me to the 10 year mark.  In the meantime I have had my thyroid removed by a breast and endocrine surgeon.  She is happy to arrange my annual mammos and see me for a breast check once a year.  I also have a good GP.

My question is, do I really need an oncologist?  Yes I know due to my young age, family history, ER+, grade 3 etc I have an ongoing risk of recurrence, but what does the oncologist really do? 

Anyway I have pretty much decided to stick with my excellent GP and my breast surgeon.  I figure if I get symptoms my GP can do the scans and if need be go back to an oncologist if something is found.

I have pretty much made up my mind but I am interested in opinions.

Thanks,

Sandy

AussieSheila

Coo-ee Sandy,

I live in QLD, about 3hrs drive from Brisbane.  During my primary tx in '95, I was attending the out-patients clinic for a 3 monthly check-up by the visiting Oncologist. 

While waiting in the consultation cubicle, out of sight, I was privvy to a debate between the Oncologist and the general surgeon who did my mastectomy. The Oncologist believed that it was a 'total waste of time for us and the patients, to have these periodical check-ups.'

According to him, 'the patients were more likely to discover new growths by self-examination, husband, or when they attended their GP's for an unrelated matter.'

Most mets were discovered by these means than by scheduled appointments with an Oncologist!

I nearly shouted out, "What's in it for you, then?" Obviously not job satisfaction.

It took 13.5 yrs, but I eventually proved him right after not seeing an Oncologist for 8 of those years.

Sheila.

SandyAust

Hi Sheila!!!

I am in Brisbane!  I lived in WA for many years and that is where I was diagnosed.  I had 18 months in Hobart after my Mum died (of cancer) and moved to Brissy in January last year.

Thanks for sharing that story.  I think what I am doing is right for me but it's nice to talk about it.

I am happy to chat more but got to rush up stairs now and put the little ones to bed.

Take care,

Sandy

AussieSheila

G'day again Sandy, you should do what feels right for you.

When my DD was sick years ago, she had to go to a radiation onc and a neurosurgeon.  When we left Bris to come here, I had to arrange both their app'ts for the same day, preferably during school holidays.

One day I mentioned to the Neuro that we had to see the rad Onc later, he was quite perturbed that we were still going to see him for check-ups.  Seemed to be a little professional jealousy happening there.

When I was dxed w/ mets, I had a choice of local/original hospital or Brisbane.  I chose Brisbane to get more on the spot consults where they have everything handy. Up here it can take weeks to get scans/path reports done.

Sheila.