what was your follow up plan after chemo?

I see the onco and my BS every 3 months this year, then every 6 after that for a while (not sure how long). The onco runs basic blood work, including a tumor marker, but she says it's not really worth much, she just does it since we're already doing the CBC and liver stuff. But as far as scans, it's what you said, nothing unless I'm having symptoms. She cited the bit about no increased survival when you compare mets diagnosed first by symptom or first by scan.

So, your follow up sounds normal to me. Although I think all of us are a bit surprised that it isn't any more extensive when we first are told about it!

I've never had a scan.  I did have an ultrasound once for abdominal symptoms.  This is all normal especially for someone who was stage I.  Your onc will move quickly if you have any symptoms.  

Yes, I asked the same thing and was told to go and live my life.   He said if I develop a problem, I should call him and we will deal with that then.   It seems a scary thought after all the chemo and rads and then you are left look after yourself.   I am booked to see my onc in May which will be a 6 month checkup.   I guess we have to get use to this now.

I asked my onco about follow-up, especially since I'll be on Arimidex for at least the next 5 years.

She said routine follow-ups would be at 6 month intervals, and I could alternate between seeing her and seeing my breast surgeon (a surgical onco) who is in the same medical center.  I saw them both in August, when I had my 6-month post-surgery mammogram on my remaining breast.  My next appt. is in February '09, with my onco.  In August '09, I'll have another mammo and see my surgeon again...assuming nothing else happens in-between.

Scans are not used for routine screening at my cancer center, at least not for women with Stage I BC.  I did get a DEXA bone scan to check bone density when I started on Arimidex this past summer; my onco wants another DEXA in 2 years.  There are no routine scans for mets, though, and there is no blood work to check "tumor markers".  My onco does order blood work for liver function testing, but apparently that's done only once a year or so.  (I'm not sure.)

I've read some of the papers containing guidelines and recommendations for follow-up after BC tx, and they say routine screening with CT, PET, bone scans (other than DEXA), or tumor markers, is not worthwhile in early stage BC.  One paper said most mets are discovered because of symptoms that develop between scheduled follow-up visits.  Most of the papers say there is no survival advantage in women who receive regular screening--they just don't live any longer than women who aren't getting screened.

I know there are exceptions to all this, and I know there are oncos who follow a more rigorous schedule.

otter 

Member_of_the_Club

How long should you wait before you go to your opthalmalogist?  I'm finished treatment 10-24-08 and started tamoxifen 10-29-08  I was wondering if anyone was considering a body cleanse?

I have been looking at Arbonne's  any suggestions?

KKing  I'm just starting to look for a body cleanse or detox....Arbonne is a product my daughter ask me to look at.....but I found out it is not FDA approved.  I feel like I need to do something but not sure what. 

I wish they would give you instructions on this is what you need to do after treatment!?

I did start taking vitamin D & calcuim also eveing primrose for the hot flashes.

Thanks carolsd  I am soo glad to be done! 

Sometimes I feel like I have gone thru all of this with my eyes closed...just hoping for the best!

Well I'm done and so far so good!

Have a great week-end

Deb