After Care Protocol’s

Butterfly1234

I’m two years out from my lumpectomy with an ATM mutation. How many of you still see your BS? Who orders your Mammogram and/ MRI when needed? I’m hoping to eliminate my BS and let my MO order my screenings. Right now I’m seeing both every 6 months. I never see my BS and only see her PA.

Ingerp

My BS happened to retire shortly after my surgery last year. I had one appt with a colleague to officially become her patient at which she said it was up to me as to whether or not I continued to see her regularly. I figured between my MO and RO I'm pretty well covered, so I'll only go back to the BS if something else comes up. I just had my first follow-up mammo this week, which was ordered by my RO after I finished rads last October. I meet with my MO on Friday--I'm not exactly sure of the schedule going forward but I *think* they will alternate ordering mammos so I get one every six months.

Butterfly1234

Ingerp,

Thanks so much for your reply. I’m thinking I can skip the BS as long as my MO can order necessary screenings but will confirm with him and my insurance which is Medicare.

I wish you all the best with blessings.

JosieO

I’m one year out from my lumpectomy and still see my BS, MO, and RO, although at my last appointment my BS said I didn’t have to see him for one year. Last time I saw my RO he said he would alternate with my BS, so will have to see what he wants when I next see him in the summer. My MO had already established a twice/yearly plan with me.

When first diagnosed I had already lost confidence in my PCP, so removed him from any dealings with breast cancer. I eventually replaced my PCP with a much better one, but he seems to defer to my BS. But I know he does follow my reports and personally knows my cancer team. Part of the reason I switched to him.

My BS ordered my mammogram, and I think he will continue to do so. I have high confidence in his deep experience in analyzing my mammograms (and ultrasound when it was ordered during diagnosis)

I tend to think one can try to avoid “unnecessary” appointments, but I also think that 1) picking your strongest relationship is valuable and 2) it’s a very good idea to confirm with your doctors as you are doing. This way you don’t burn any bridges or miss any needed function within the different doctors. And I thick they will respect your asking the question.

My primary insurance is also Medicare, but i’m not sure Medicare plays a role in th decision.

I have an outstanding team who all worked together and communicated consistently. Personally, I would miss any one who I would not see. I am forever grateful for all that they did for me. Having them treat me was the bright light within my cancer experience.

Continued good health to both of you.

AliceBastable

My RO dismissed me after I finished treatment, but said to call if I developed skin problems. My lumpectomy was last July (with a re-excision in August) and I saw the BS in January, and I have an appointment with her after my 1-year mammogram in late May. I see the MO fairly often - the next appointment is in July, 3 months from the last appointment. That's the longest time between, but she's kind of working with my urologist to do follow-ups to last September's nephrectomy for kidney cancer. So I think she may be watching me a bit closely.

gb2115

I am also a couple of years out. I see MO every 6 months, BS has been every 6 but after the next 6 month one we are going to a year. I will see her yearly for mammogram which she does in her office which I LOVE. RO was every 6 but they just took me to a year. So far these appointments were nicely spread out. But with the frequency changes it looks like they will start getting bunched up in the late fall through early spring. MO said I need a breast exam every 3-4 months so I don't know if she will alter the routine for that. I also see GYN in the fall but bunched up with the other appointments.

DodgersGirl

My DX was in 2017 as was surgery, chemo, and rads. I no longer see RO. I see BS one final time in fall 2019, and I see MO every 3 months (soon to be changed to every 4 months). Will continue to see MO for a few more years. PCP orders mammo but both BS and MO could and both check to make sure there is an order. Mammo is annual.

No other scans unless warranted. Just blood work by M

Butterfly1234

Thanks all for the replies. It seems like the BS still plays a major role in recovery even a few years out.

I see my MO and BS every 6 months. I get a Mammo every year and now they'll be adding an MRI alternating with Mammo. I see my RO once a year. I like all my doctors, however, I only met my BS once and she was very brusque. Her PA is doom and gloom and I have a great deal of anxiety leading up to and at my appointments. They'll be adding MRI, and if something should show up, I can't imagine hearing it from this office. There's more to this story on why I'm dissatisfied but I want to keep it confidential.

I'm going to ask my MO for a referral to another office. I hope there isn't a problem switching as everyone is in the same treatment center. I don't need warm and fuzzy, but I also don't need the Grim Reaper either.

JosieO

Butterfly,

No need to say more-a positive, supportive attitude is so key to successful treatment. So making a switch is your prerogative and necessary for your continued good health. What you said is exactly how I felt about my previous PCP-if I ever get bad news again, I didn’t want him to be the one delivering it. So I replaced him. Glad I did

Go for it, and continued success in your treatment going forward. All the best...

Butterfly1234

Thanks Josie. I read your other post. I don't have a relationship with my BS because she didn't perform my lumpectomy. It's the PA I see every 6 months that puts me over the edge. So your advice is appreciated and well received. I'm removing myself from this situation. I can't imagine this PA calling me in the future with what could be potential bad news. So glad you found a PCP you like. The only positive thing about BC is this forum and the wonderful people I've “met." Best wishes

JosieO

Butterfly,

Yes...thoughtful responses to questions, caring support, and a shared journey whenever we need it. This site has meant so much to me. (Recognized it was the PA, not your BS,but bottom line is you don’t need that...)

It will be alright. Strength and support to you.

PurpleCat

I don't have to go back to my RO at all. My surgeon is a surgical oncologist, and I went back to see her 3 months after surgery, after radiation was done too. At that appointment we scheduled my next visit one for six months down the road, which will end up being just about a year after the initial diagnosis. Around that time I'll also be due for my first post--treatment mammogram, which will be diagnostic because we'll be getting a whole new baseline, but I won't be getting them any more often than once a year, nor any MRIs in between. I honestly would rather have a little more follow up than this, but am thinking that if "the best" surgical oncologist in town thinks an annual mammogram is fine, I should probably just be grateful.

Butterfly1234

Hi Purple Cat,

Thanks for your reply. I also had a baseline Mammo and I am getting Mammos once a year. With increased surveillance because of ATM, I'll probably be alternating Mammo and MRI. I see my MO and BS every 6 months for breast exams. My RO I currently see once a year. We have a similar Dx so this seems to be a standard protocol. Wishing you all the best.