Surveillance Plan

EastcoastTS

I'm not sure if this is the correct area to post this. The only reason I chose the Stage 1 forum is I realize our treatment post-surgery may differ greatly with stage of BC. I need advice/assistance as I find myself mildly anxious about how best to manage my future care. I've done so much research to date -- and it's overwhelming at times. I don't want to miss something and I, unfortunately, think I have to manage my care completely with my doctors. I'm sure this will fade as time goes on and I settle into this routine. Yuck.

• What type of blood panel/bloodwork is your MO ordering and how often? (My MO is fine with seeing me every 6 months...but I told her every 4 works better for me right now.) See what kind of patient I am??? Mine is checking hormones levels, VitD and comprehensive (typical) metabolic blood panel.
• I know they are controversial, but are tumor markers of any assistance to monitor?
• Are there any scans I should request to have on a yearly basis? (Or only done if symptomatic?) I have had CT and bone scans done recently.
• I have gyno on board for trans/vag US and pap as I'm on tamoxifen.
• Where does a PCP come into play? Additional bloodwork? (Another doctor but what do they do for us!)
• Am I missing something key here?

Thanks! As you can tell, I'm trying to organize my thoughts around future planning so I can let this go somewhat. At least by the end of 2017 -- my promised year of BC/BC/BC.

kira1234

EastcoastTs my oncologist did 4 month visits for 3 years then 6 month visits.

He runs a complete blood draw at each visit which for me includes tumor markers. Since I'm on thyroid meds he runs that test as well. He doesn't run estrogen levels as I'm on Arimidex.

Only scans he runs is a yearly mammagram. If I have symptoms he'll run at that time.

EastcoastTS

Thanks, Kira!!! I think this is great information for lots of us out here.

kira1234

You're very welcome

ChiSandy

My MO doesn't do tumor markers for early stage patients, nor does she draw estrogen levels. She draws a “complex metabolic panel" (or “chem panel") before each semiannual Prolia shot. Imaging is limited to mammograms (my breasts are fatty, so no US or MRI necessary), which are my surgeon's turf; and biennial DEXAScans to see if my osteopenia has progressed to osteoporosis because of being on an AI, of if the Prolia has prevented that. No other kinds of scans unless there are symptoms that warrant further investigation. She defers to my PCP for lipid panel and CBC. (She says treating cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes/metabolic syndrome are not in her wheelhouse). They do swap copies of all tests & reports, despite being at different health systems.

gb2115

No blood work or scans for me unless I become symptomatic and I am stage 2. Was worried about that until I looked up the standards of care. Mammograms restart in the fall and it will be up to my surgeon if she wants to do MRI. Haven't seen my PCP since this mess started so I don't know what he might want to do once I show my face there. I thankfully haven't needed him, only my specialists who have been able to handle things.

Lisey

I get my endoxifen levels checked yearly to make sure tamoxifen was therapeutic -my MO orders it and it's free from kaiser. (Tamoxifen turns into endoxifen when it's metabolized).

Checking for lumps or changed every 6 months. Vag us every year for uterine lining.