Whose in charge? Surgeon or Oncologist?

Anonymous

Whose in charge? Surgeon or Oncologist?

Jimiwithani

Hi and thanks for reading. Super thanks if you reply.

For six years I’ve had beign lumps/biopsies and even a lumpectomy. I have now been diagnosed by my surgeon of six years with invasive ductal and lobe cancer. I had another biopsy of my lymph nodes a few days ago when he gave me my news. I’m schedule for MRI and oncologist next week. The following Monday I’m schedule to go back to the surgeon.

I requested an onocologist that I’ve heard great things about and I know my surgeon works frequently with her. My question is who leads my treatment? To whom should I follow guidance if I get conflicting recommendations?

I realize I’m projecting, but it at least keeps my mind busy until all my testing/results are finished.

Thanks in advance for all you do,

Meow13

You lead the treatment. You work with the surgeon on your surgery choice, radiologist for radiation therapy and then usually afterwards with your oncologist on treatment. You can decide if you want second opinions but ultimately you choose.

JosieO

Jimiwithani,

I think because you have been dealing with a surgeon, the surgeon will probably continue to take the lead through any planned surgery. But given that 1) you’ve requested an oncologist and 2) your surgeon has already worked with that same oncologist, you are in the best possible position. It’s not likely that they would disagree, and generally the oncologist drives the overall treatment plan, but should you hear conflicting information, just ask for clarification.

My surgeon, oncologist, and radiation oncologist all know each other and were in constant contact. I knew this and it gave me tremendous confidence. I knew I was receiving excellent care.

I think you’re in very good hands-have faith and confidence.

Best wishes

sm627

Hi Jimi,

I first of all want to send you lots of hugs and the best of luck on your BC journey. That is a very good question to ask. From my own personal experiences I consider my oncologist and breast surgeon to be like one main team regarding my breast health. I ask them both questions (sometimes the same questions) to help clarify information. Like you both my breast surgeon and oncologist work closely together and I think that is wonderful.

I do have a story to share with you about conflicting information my oncologist told me that I would need to get MRI's and not worry about mammograms until I was 40. However, my breast surgeon said that I should get a mammogram and a MRI ones a year. I went ahead and got a mammogram in May. It was a good thing I did because the mammogram picked up a cyst.

How are you holding up overall?

Sending you good thoughts and lots of Hugs!

edwards750

Oncologist makes the call for treatment. In my case the BS said a micromet in my SN would get me chemo. My oncologist was undecided and ordered the Oncotype test. Good thing she did. My score was 11 so I dodged chemo. BS decides surgery - oncologist decides treatment. Just saying.

Diane

Dhanno

Here in Brisbane after biopsy the Breast Surgeon takes charge of you .I was sent to him first .Although the oncologist decides the line of treatment my BS was pretty sure that chemo will be needed in my case . Although my lymph nodes are negative he still insists that my Oncologist should recommend chemo .I am keeping my fingers crossed .

Jimiwithani

Thanks everyone - that is what I thought but having it affirmed is great. FYI for clarification to JosieO since my post wasn't clear - the surgeon said I would need an oncologist and I requested this particular one - I didn't request to have one - just who it was. Hope that helps.

Like many of you shared, I feel like I have a solid team and I know of others in my area who have had great success with them so I'm hopeful this will continue.

For - sm627 - I am actually holding up better than my family. I don't feel sick nor do I have any symptoms but they are being so sweet and gentle its endearing yet kind of scary too. I tend to have an odd way of looking at things. If (a big if - as I hope it isn't) cancer is what I die from I feel blessed that I will have some time with family for closure for them and me too. I guess what I'm saying I could die from a car crash tomorrow - there are no guarantees - whatever the outcome is, I plan to make the most of it and if God wants to give me a heads up or a post in note, I'm going to take advantage of it.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you - I really had no idea - again no idea that breast cancer was so ...hmmm...vast in the various types, etc.

Thank you again for posting back, perhaps one day I'll be able to share some wisdom with someone too.

JosieO

Jimiwithani,

Thanks for the clarification, although I thought that’s what you were trying to explain. I think it was a good sign of sharing that the surgeon said you would need an oncologist, and you were able to suggest a good one that the surgeon has a history of working with. The seeds of success, for sure!

Agree that I surely did not really understand the impact of breast cancer until it hit me. I’m amazed at what I have come to know, and am very grateful for the outstanding medical care given to me. One day you will be a resource for someone.

Best wishes as you move forward

Sumi_teddy

hello.my mother is having a lump in UIQ at 2'o clock attached to the pectoralis muscle. From Trucut biopsy doctor said she's having a rare type of a cancer . Once the pathology report it says ' possibilities are fibromatosis , phyllode, low grade sarcoma '. Also doctor said it its a low grade . Now waiting for the excision biopsy result .

Trucut biopsy reveals she's having fascicles of spindle cells with bland nuclei extending from strophic skeletal muscles . No mitosis , necrosis or epithelial islands. CK7 negative and Vimentin positive

Is she having a tendency of getting a local recurrence of a distant metastasis ??