Checking In

Aweing

I went to an Oncologist 2 weeks post surgery. I had 3 tumors removed along with 1.5lbs of breast tissue. I had a breast reduction along with a lumpectomy. Stage 1-2.

The first thing she said to me was you should have Chemo because you don’t want Cancer of the bones, I was shocked since I have early stage breast cancer and my surgeon thought that I was headed for radiation and hormone therapy.

At the end of that visit she talked about getting all 3 tumors Oncotyped. I was suppose to wait 3 weeks for the results.

I contacted her 2 weeks later to find that my Oncotyping was just sent out. She flippantly said thanks for the reminder and recontact me in 2-3 weeks. during our visit she talked about an important window of treatment being most effective from 6-10 weeks post surgery. I was really furious and upset with the Oncotype delay putting me at 7 weeks post surgery pairing down my time to make an educated decision and start treatment.

My question is what kind of a relationship should I be looking for with an oncologist? How often do you see them if you are on hormone treatment? I felt very connected and trusted my surgeons. I was hoping to feel that way about my oncologist. Needless to say I don’t after the Oncotype Incident above.

Please give me any feedback you have.

Thx!

Georgia1

Good morning and for sure you need doctors you can trust. Ideally after a lumpectomy you would see both a radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist, with the latter helping you make decisions about chemo and antI-estrogen pills. My RO and MO have coordinated so I see one of them every six months, and I think that schedule will last for two years. So I would "interview" new doctors now if you don't like yours.

That said, it's pretty common sadly for Oncotype testing to be bungled or delayed since it requires coordination among the surgical, pathology and oncology departments.

Best wishes and hope that helps.

RiRi11

Georgia1 I want to thank you for explaining about the oncotype. I had my lumpectomy on April 6th, I received my pathology report on April 18th (clean margins negative node) but at that time they had me sign the paperwork for my OncotypeDx & now I have to wait an additional 3 weeks for that number. I am worried sick that it was because something showed up on my pathology report (of course thinking the worse)

I just want to tell you that you gave me some comfort saying that it is common practice to wait. THANK YOU ((hugs))

Moderators

Aweing, Sorry to hear what you are going through. Georgia1 is correct. Trust in your oncologist is very important, and coordination of care with the team.

If you aren't satisfied, we too suggest that you talk with others this week.

Hang in there! We're all here for you!

Georgia1

Hi RiRi and glad I could help. Best wishes to you.

Aweing

thanks for the reply! Your input was very helpful! The oncologist called and apologized profusely. Not sure she is right for me so I have feelers out for a new one.

Thx again!!