Not seen oncologist

adrachim

After MRI they have confirmed that tumor is 3 cm x 6cm.  Doc said that since it is this size I have to have a mastectomy.   I am scheduled to see the plastic surgeon on Tuesday.  Breast surgeon said that surgery will likely be two weeks after I see ps, and she will do a lymph node biopsy 5 days before the mastectomy.

I have yet to be scheduled to see an oncologist.  Is this normal?

Falconer

Adrachim, sorry you're here at bc.org.

That was my experience; no oncologist until the pathology comes back from your tumor. Many hospitals have a tumor board, which includes doctors of oncology. My BS discussed my case at the TB to see if everyone agreed about the course of treatment. Good luck to you!!

LisaAlissa

Sometimes they now have chemo before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor, as well as to find out what chemo works on your tumor. Note that if the tumor size is reduced, you medical team may be able to offer you other surgical options (assuming you want them).

You'd need to see an oncologist before surgery to see if pre-surgery chemo is suggested for your BC (there are lots of different kinds of BC, so it's hard to say...you'd need personalized advice from your med team).

Are you at a ncic designated cancer center? a university-affiliated cancer center? If not, you might want to get a second opinion from that sort of facility. Then if you like, you can go ahead with your surgery.

There's no reason not to ask all of the questions you have before surgery (and get them answered!).

HTH,

LisaAlissa

Beatmon

I would want to see onco prior to surgery

Meshell5324

Hi Adrachim,

Maybe this will help. I have a larger 3.6 x 4.5 cm grade 1 tumor. Originally my surgeon suggested neoadjunctive chemo to shrink the tumor, lumpectomy followed by radiation and hormone therapy. Then he referred me to my oncologist. I love my oncologist! He was the one who really explained the pathology of my tumor. There are so many pieces that go into choosing which complete treatment is best for your individual situation. I feel the oncologist is a VERY important piece to have. You need to be comfortable with your team and what is happening to you. It may be that the outcome doesn't change. In my case it did. I'm going with a mastectomy instead of lumpectomy. The size of my tumor was only one of the pieces in the puzzle. It's pathology and placement were also key to my treatment plan. You have time.

Tara17

would definitely request an oncologist consult before surgery -they may, depending on the chartaceristics of your tumor, suggest chemo to shrink the tumor , and then if the tumor shrinks substantially, a lumpectomy may be an option for you, if you desire to have the option of lumpectomy. All the best to you