Medical Oncologist Visits

Options
issabgm
issabgm Member Posts: 1
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I was dianogosed with DCIS in 2003, a mastectomy and no other treatment.  I've been seeing my Oncologist for 9 years and just learned she is retiring.  Do I still need to continue to see an Oncologist after all this time?  I get yearly mammogram screenings and they have all been ok.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • JamieB86
    JamieB86 Member Posts: 397
    edited November 2012

    The only reason I see my MO is to monitor my Tamoxifen, so I would say no, but you should probably call her before she retires.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited November 2012

    I only saw my oncologist twice, the first time to discussion the pros and cons of Tamoxifen, and the second time to discuss my decision to not take Tamoxifen (which was in agreement with what the oncologist had recommended during the first visit). He was willing to continue to see me after that but we both agreed that since I was not on Tamoxifen or any other treatment, and since I needed no screenings or blood tests or anything other than normal breast exams (manual for the MX side, mammos for the remaining breast), there was no need. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • blainejennifer
    blainejennifer Member Posts: 1,848
    edited November 2012

    IMHO: Yes, you do. You need the yearly baseline bloodwork, and some specific breast cancer oversight.

    When I moved, I neglected seeing an Onc for two years. I was feeling good, and had a primary physician I trusted. I should have been getting the routine CA 27-29 done, because by the time I had overt symptoms, my tumor markers were in the 800s.

    Your chances of progression are really small, due to your primary DX, but they aren't zero. Best to be proactive and spend a day a year bowing to the cancer gods. Plus, it's always nice to get a fresh new oncologist, and develop a relationship, just in case.

    Best,

    Jennifer

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited November 2012

    Jennifer, DCIS is not invasive which means that the cancer cells cannot travel outside of the breast. So most of us never get bloodwork, either at time of diagnosis or as part of the follow-up.

    The NCCN treatment guidelines suggest medical history and physical exams every 6 months for 5 years (moving to once a year after 5 years) and annual mammograms (for those who've had a lumpectomy or who have a remaining natural breast) as the only follow-up after a diagnosis of DCIS.  For those who take Tamoxifen, a yearly gynecological exam is also recommended.  There is no suggestion that this follow-up needs to be done by an oncologist.  

    http://www.nccn.com/files/cancer-guidelines/breast/index.html#/62/

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Summer2recover
    Summer2recover Member Posts: 171
    edited November 2012

    I agree with you, blainejennifer, it is nice to have someone handy just in case.  With a favorable primary DX myself, my Onc left the practice and I was sent a letter advising me to call and reschedule with someone else.  I didn't, but just about 6 months later was able to get in to a new & much more "compatible" Onc the day after finding a new lump in my non SNB armpit.  It doesn't appear to be anything problematic, but just to satisfy any tiny doubts, I will continue to follow up with the Oncologist.  The location is fairly nearby and I really like the new Dr. 

    Best wishes to you, blainejennifer, I hope that you continue to respond well with your meds!

      

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Summer2recover
    Summer2recover Member Posts: 171
    edited November 2012

    I should add that I wasn't feeling concerned about a reoccurance of BC, I also had a weird rash and was going more down the lymphoma line of thought.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories