Continung Seeing Onc 6 years after BC DX

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RCL
RCL Member Posts: 16
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer
Continung Seeing Onc 6 years after BC DX
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  • RCL
    RCL Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2009

    Hi there.  Am wondering why does my oncologist still want to see me once a year?  I am almost 6 years out.  What is a reasonable amt of time after DX?  He asks me the same stupid questions: Any shortness of breath, Any sudden weight loss etc. and then that's the end of the appt.  How long do some of you ladies continue seeing the onc if you are doing well?  I am sure I will know if/when I would need to see him again.  Thanks for any replies as I really do not want to see ONC any longer but my spouse is giving me a hard time - "You had/have BC and you need to see a specialist once a year".  Just curious......  Thanks!

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  • RCL
    RCL Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2009

    Hi there.  Am wondering why does my oncologist still want to see me once a year?  I am almost 6 years out.  What is a reasonable amt of time after DX?  He asks me the same stupid questions: Any shortness of breath, Any sudden weight loss etc. and then that's the end of the appt.  How long do some of you ladies continue seeing the onc if you are doing well?  I am sure I will know if/when I would need to see him again.  Thanks for any replies as I really do not want to see ONC any longer but my spouse is giving me a hard time - "You had/have BC and you need to see a specialist once a year".  Just curious......  Thanks!

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  • greytmom_17
    greytmom_17 Member Posts: 162
    edited August 2009

    My breast surgeon will see me once every 6 months for 5 years then once a year for 5 more.  Oncologist too.  I think the 10 year mark is standard.

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  • idaho
    idaho Member Posts: 1,187
    edited August 2009

    I think that by now you know what to watch for-- if you want to continue to pay him to ask the same questions I am sure he will keep scheduling appointment....  I you don'[t feel like going any more then don't.....It is your body...  you are the boss..   Definitely get your yearly mammos and do self exams though.  Tami

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  • hollyann
    hollyann Member Posts: 2,992
    edited August 2009

    It is so you can catch any recurrence a lot sooner to where they can treat it better and keep you alive longer.....That is the explanation i get from my oncologist......I would much rather see her as often as needed and catch it early than go a long long time and find it too late.......

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  • roseg
    roseg Member Posts: 3,133
    edited August 2009

    Are you seeing a GYN or a Primary Care Physician regularly?

    In this day with reimbursements for Primary Care Physicians so low they may be concerned that you don't have a regular doctor who is doing check-ups.

    I am at 5 years and have been released to my GYN. If I have a problem I'll be back to the Onc in a heartbeat, but he's busy and it's ok with me to see someone else.

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  • RCL
    RCL Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2009

    Thanks for the feedback.  I actually see my gyn annually & the breast surgeon (who also does the mammo)  also annually.  See my PCP for any other issues not BC related.  So I am pro active with my health, just not sure to continue seeing the Onc which I will discuss with him this year.  Thanks again all for the feedback. 

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  • dreaming
    dreaming Member Posts: 473
    edited August 2009

    I see once a year my oncologist, once a year my surgeon, that way I see one every 6 months, I am over 15 years from diagnosis.

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  • abbadoodles
    abbadoodles Member Posts: 2,618
    edited August 2009

    My breast surgeon told me I don't need to see anyone but him for follow-up even though the onc would have been happy to take my money for years.  As you say, they don't really do anything but ask you questions.  In my experience, if you comment/complain about any little thing, they just tell you it's not related to chemo anyway and go see your PCP.  You can tell I loved my onc. LOL

    The first time I had BC I went once a year for follow-up, for five years.  This time around, I'm 2.5 years out and my bs, whom I saw last week, told me next year would be the last time he had to see me. 

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  • acarr
    acarr Member Posts: 104
    edited August 2009

    I still see my Onc and it's been 19 years since my diagnosis.  He knows me better than my PCP or GYN and continues to be interested in my well being.  He listens, isn't threatened by my internet research, and takes any health complaint I have seriously.  I can't imagine not seeing him for check ups. 

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  • Veryhopeful
    Veryhopeful Member Posts: 35
    edited August 2009

    I just celebrated 6 years out (IDC, chemo. rads) and I haven't seen an onc since 3 years out.  I honestly felt that the visits were a waste of time and money.  My med. onc and rad onc. would ask the same questions as yours.  No scans or anything.  Just a very quick breast exam and listen to heart and lungs. 

    I feel that if the cancer returns I will know just as soon as they would have known.  Of course, I continue to do my self-exams and mammos.

     It all depends on what your comfort level is.  Also, if you like your docs.  Didn't especially like mine.

     Wishing you the very best,

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  • dalycity
    dalycity Member Posts: 248
    edited August 2009

    I see my breast surgeon every 6 months for the first 5 years; and then annually, I guess rest of my life; or rest of his life.  He answers any questions I have and he does a manual breast exam. I trust him to do that well because he can tell which part is thick or regular.  I don't have an onc.  And I see my PCP once a year for everything else.

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