How Long Do You Need Checkups For?

SandyAust

I did another post on this but I thought I would ask the question another way. 

I was Stage 1, Grade 3, ER+PR-, node negative, tumour just under 2CM at age 36.  I have a family history but no BCRA1 or 2. 

I have always been told I would be followed for 10 years.  Given that I have moved interstate twice, I have seen three oncologists and they have all said 10 years.  However I am wondering if there is really any point to this? 

I have a breast and endocrine surgeon where I live now who took out half my thyroid. She is happy to arrange my mammograms and do my annual physical check of my remaining breast etc.  I have a good GP and figure I would go to her with symptoms and she can order scans.  I would only go back to an oncolgist if there was a recurrence.

I feel happy with my plan but I would just like to know what other ladies (esp premenopausal) have been told and what they think.

Looking forward to reading your views.

Thanks,

Sandy

SandyAust

So have no other Stage 1 or 2 ladies been told for how long they will have follow up checks?  Or is it just the way I asked the question?

Thanks Sheila for your reply to my other post.  I think what that oncologist was saying was probably right.

cathmg

Hi Sandy,

Right now I see my onc every six months and my gp every six months. I don't see the surgeon. At five years out I will see the onc yearly. I believe he said I will see him ongoing-no end. Though he will retire at some point, I imagine! I am interested in continuing with my onc to discuss ongoing studies, anything new, etc. Esp. since I am premenopausal and we are sort of considering taking out the ovaries. 

All the best,

Catherine 

AussieSheila

Sandy, if you have faith in your GP and breast surgeon, you are in a good place.

When I had my primary I had a GP I got by default, my previous GP retired and I was transferred to his partner.  When my bones started to act up, I would preface every consultation with,"I am worried because my mother-in-law had a spinal tumour which wasn't discovered until it was too late."  I thought that might remind him that I had already had BC once and I should be vigilantly watched.

To my detriment, it didn't make any difference to his vigilance. There was none.

Each time, I was sent for an X-ray, told I had arthritis and so I adapted to coping with the pain. If my GP had ordered one scan I might not be where I am now.  My onc says I probably had the mets for a few years.

At least you have back-up with your breast surgeon being involved.

Sheila.

SandyAust

Hi Catherine,

Thanks for your reply.  Yes this new onc of mine (moved interstate) said I would be followed for 10 years.  Your reasons for wanting to continue with your oncologist are valid and cover some points I hadn't considered.  On the subject of ovaries my rheumatologist sent me to a genticist who told me due to family history I have a 20% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer and should consider an oopharectomy. 

I am not really stressed or worried about this, I just want to talk it through. 

Shelia I am sorry you had such a crappy GP.  Since we have been chatting, I have read your profile and you have definitely had a lot to deal with.  Arthritis is a difficult topic.  My Mum had breast cancer at 49 and a couple of years later she developed oesteoarthrits which became servere.  At 63 she continued to write off her back pain as arthritis, complaining that her GP kept wanting to scan.  Anyway the GP checked her liver, Mum yelped with pain and off she went for scans which revealed bone mets, liver mets, lung mets and a fractured rib.  No wonder she was in pain!  At first we thought it was recurrence of her breast cancer (which as a three year survivor freaked me out) but it turned out it was melanoma and she dead within three months.  That was three years ago this June and a terrible experience for our family.  So as someone who has psoriatic arthritis (autoimmune)  I know it is hard to balance the desire not to have too many scans against not ignoring pain.  Last year I had a serious thyroid cancer scare and had half my thyroid out due to a scan that was originally investigating swelling which I now believe was related to my arthritis.

I think I just want to simplify my life, but I think I can still be vigilant.  Catherines points were quite interesting.  I wonder what the studies say?

Actually Catherine did your oncologist discuss what surgical menopause would be like?  Since finishing tamoxifen in October last year my PMS has returned with fury.  Maybe menopause would not be such a bad thing???  Not sure, I am only 42.

Take care ladies.

LouLou40

Hi Sandy,

I have just finished my Herceptin treatment and will see my Breast surgeon and Med Onc every 6 months - arranged so I'm reviewed by one of them every 3 months. I was 39 at dx, stage 2b and now post menopausal from Chemo and taking Arimidex.

My Med Onc said at the 2 yr mark (Feb 2011) he will hand over my care to my GP and BS who will provide follow up care for 10 years and won't need to see him anymore.

My BS arranges my yearly mammogram and ultrasound and reviews them, my Onc is moinitoring my blood hormone levels as my period may still come back and might have to change my hormonal treatment, but by the 2 yr mark all should be sorted.

I think your arrangement with the BS and GP sounds reasonable.

LL

Sassa

I will see my oncologist yearly for the rest of my life (I am still in the every 6 month followup).