Do I Really Need an Oncologyst?

Dustien

Of course I understood needing the Breast Surgeon and he did a good job removing my tumor.  I understand needing a Radiation Doctor to give me the treatments (even though he can't get me in until March 28th, 5 weeks after surgery) that will lower the chances of reoccurrence.

What I don't understand is, after that, they are saying I need to hook up with one of their Oncologists.  My surgeon and rad doctor both said I won't need Chemo Therapy, thank God, but they both recommend I be on Tomoxafin for 5 years.

My question is, can't my own Doctor prescribe the Tomoxifin and do any follow up needed?  Do I really need an expensive Oncology Specialist since my cancer was small, margins and tumor clean?  Thanks for your thoughts!

Dustie

Veeder14

Dustien,

I had the same question then the issue of my seroma came up and neither the surgeon or the radiation doctor were there to address it, and I was pushed off to the surgeon's NP. Not sufficient so I requested a medical oncologist. Haven't been to the app't yet but I wonder what service they would provide. Surgeon actually saw me this morning for the seroma and drained it so I just follow up in surgical oncology for that problem.

Georgia1

Hi Dustie. The medical oncologist is yet another specialist, this time in treatments that reduce the rate of recurrence outside of the affected breast -- like Tamoxifen, aromotase inhibitors and chemo. He/she is also able to order and interpret tests like the Oncotype DX, which predict your rate of recurrence. And the MO monitors you for side effects over time. So yep, given the multiplying options you will need to choose from, all with different side effects, you will need an expert in the field. Primary care physicians don't keep up with the research.

When I was diagnosed I got a book highly recommended to me called "Navigating Breast Cancer" by Lillie Shockney. It is excellent! And it explains all of the members of your treatment team in a super helpful way. Highly recommend.

Dustien

Thank you guys.  I'm thinking I'll need the oncologist, but hubby is bulking at the idea of yet another doctor.  He's not even keen on me taking the Tomoxafen with it's side effects for just a couple more % points off of risk.  I have to admit he's got me questioning both the doc and medicine too.

Peregrinelady

Dustie, you are posting in the DCIS forum which has a much smaller chance of recurrence than IDC. Either way, you should see an oncologist as he or she has more expertise in the treatment side as opposed to surgery or radiation. Unless your tumor was less than 5 mm, you should probably get the Oncotype to make sure it is not an aggressive type. The oncologist should be discussing with you whether or not you have chemo, not the surgeon and radiologist.

Dustien

Thanks PERE...you've given me a good reason to at least visit with the Oncologist...to get that test.  I also didn't notice I was in the DCIS forum.  I thought I was in the IDC forum.  That's what I get for being in a hurry when I first posted.  Thanks!  

Peregrinelady

No problem. Take care and let us know how your visit goes.

Dustien

Thanks again!  ;-)  I'll go ahead and delete this thread and plan on meeting with the Oncologist.  Thanks for your help!  Now I'm hopping over to the Lump Lounge...just had to take two tramadol.  Wondering how much pain and swelling there should be three weeks out...

gb2115

Yup, see an oncologist. That is your best doctor to monitor you on tamoxifen, and honestly the others probably won't do it. It's oncology and doctors don't like to practice outside their specialty. They work as a team for a reason. It looks like you already decided to see one so that's great!! If your husband continues to balk at this, explain it this way: would you take your car that has a tire problem to a transmission repair shop? If it were me I would not want to navigate cancer survivorship without a cancer doctor on board.

Let us know how everything goes!