What is your onc like?

Jennyboog:  I know where you're coming from for sure.  I've had several things I wanted checked out and have been referred to my 'family doctor' and if they felt I needed more attention, they would recommend it. I also had a sore throat for a month and still have ear pain but had a head CT and also throat scan which showed nothing suspicious.  But then my PET and MRI prior to mastectomy, showed no positive nodes either, and I had four.  We would all feel better I think if testing were better and more precise. 

I'm starting rads soon.  I pretty much try to stay away from everyone because I acted like such a lunatic (and not a nice one) after being diagnosed that I'm waiting for them to forget about that part. But I think that if you're concerned you should be able to make an appt.  The oncs are certainly trained to diagnose simple things and refer you if that's all they think it is.  Especially in the beginning, I think they should give more reassurance and be there for you.

My onc is older and rather traditional.  He never brushes me off and calls me back during his off hours if I have a concern.  When I started Arimidex, I had horrible back pains.  They kept me awake at night.  When I called him, he said, "we will send you for an x-ray--maybe we missed something".  Turned out to be combo of arthritis and side effects of the AI, but I felt better knowing it was nothing serious. 

I called my onc about a pain in my armpit area (same as bc side) that started unexpectedly...though I couldn't feel a lump.  Spoke with the nurse who said my onc was out for the week ~ then she asked some questions, then said it was probably due to my fat grafting (I had one month prior) or I pulled something exercising. She said to watch it, know my body..see if anything changes and call back if it does.  I guess I was expecting her to say , "OMG..come in NOW"... so I suppose I was a little relieved when she didn't.  Sure enough it went away on its own. 

I can't imagine how many calls they get per day like that.   

Jenny,

I think the reason the onc. want us to go see the family doc. is just simply the fact that they have so many active cancer patients. I called my onc. about bone pain, finally he did order a bone scan. Also when I had stomach probs, He referred me to a GI. I think they know the red flags such as cancer related pains. I don't think they want us to come running for every cough or sneeze, but I am sure if something is persistant longer then 3 weeks and they feel it could be bc related, they would get you in. Remmember, we see them every 3 months, so hang in there, we had aches and pains before bc, we are going to have them after right? They just take on a whole new meaning!! your doning great sweeti, that first year after finishing treatment is a bit hard, no one really tells us about this part. i think I kn ow why, we got through treatment, huge accomplishment!! It's after that the adjustment period begins. I know i am going to finish that first year post treatment in sept. Lets all just keep believing, praying and perservering!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love and really long live's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steph