What's the Point of Radiation Follow-Ups

Spookiesmom

I only went once, he just looked at my skin, asked some questions, discharged me. Told me to call if I needed him. No mention of further tests.

rebakoosh

Your diagnosis seems similar to mine. The 6 week follow-up was a VERY short skin check. Everything else is being handled by me BS. My RO said to follow-up in 6 months but didn't say why.

From what I can tell on this thread not everyone has the same experience,

callmegenie

Thanks for your answers. Do you also need to get breast exams from your BS? I was told I would see one of the two every three months (they will alternate)

Spookiesmom

My BS said he would follow me for 5 years the first time. After the 2nd visit, I was discharged because he was so busy. 7 years later I was back. He did the surgery, no mention of follow up.

Now stage 4, see MO every month. He will direct my care from now forward.

rebakoosh

I see my MO every 3 months. And my BS after 6 months I go back for my 1 year. My BS said I should plan to see her for life for my annual mammo

MinusTwo

callme - everyone has to pick the doc they think communicates the best and does the best follow up exam. My MO was first choice for anything until he retired. Prior to that, he ordered all my testing & coordinated with everyone else. The BS and PS are surgeons. They need to follow up on their surgery, but may not be the best for long term. Both of mine dismissed me post surgical appointments. My RO was fantastic - actually caught my LE and correctly referred me to a trained, certified LEPT. She did really good clinical breast exams & followed up on skin issues every 6 mos for awhile.

Basically I still see the replacement MO once a year, but I've turned breast exams and Prolia shots back to my OB/Gyn. She orders DEXA and can order ULS every 2 years. My PCP now orders all my blood work. I find out what all the others want (including heart & lung & Gyn & MO, etc) and she writes the orders for all of it. Then I follow up with the blood lab to make sure the other docs get copies.

callmegenie

spookiesmom, rebakoosh, minus two, thanks for the answers. It seems that every patient gets different types of follow-up. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one having to see a doctor every 3 months. I just want the best breast exam possible.