Oncology follow up?

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mrenee68
mrenee68 Member Posts: 383
edited October 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I have seen my medical oncologist 3 times since diagnosis and completed treatment. My treatment involved MX with no chemo, radiation and no tamoxifen. I just found out my Dr. will be leaving and I need to reschedule with a new Dr. My question is, should I continue to see an oncologist since I am not taking any medications and have completed all other treatments. My BS said I no longer need to see him unless I find something of concern. At this point is it really even necessary for me to be seen by an oncologist? Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

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  • Jelson
    Jelson Member Posts: 1,535
    edited October 2014

    I don't see the point of your starting up with a new medical oncologist, esp. if you have had a DCIS diagnosis and are not taking/did not take tamoxifen. I assume you are getting routine mammograms? who is ordering them for you? Does that person do physical exams of your breasts? on a routine basis? I only saw the BS once after surgery and was followed by both the RO and the MO. However, when I thought I had an issue, the BS saw me immediately and followed-through with testing, I was still her patient and it sounds like your BS is giving you that assurance.  I may be facing this same issue soon since I am 5 years out. who will follow me and what will the nature of that follow-up be?  I started with my current primary doctor post- lumpectomy, she has never palpated my breasts nor ordered mammograms for me- so I have too been thinking of what I want my future follow-up to be.  So the question is, what do YOU want?

    Julie E

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  • MsPharoah
    MsPharoah Member Posts: 1,034
    edited October 2014

    Hi mrenee68,

    I assume you currently have an oncologist who is leaving, right?  If so, inquire with your current oncologist what follow up was planned for the future had they continued to practice in your area.  That will answer your question about finding a new oncologist....and by the way....your current oncologist should be able to provide you with a referral.  When my breast surgeon retired, he referred me to another breast surgeon who I see today.

    Oncology follow up differs from doctor to doctor, but if I were you I would want to have regular follow ups with either a surgeon or oncologist who specialize in breast cancer treatment.

    Best wishes, MsP


     

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  • WinningSoFar
    WinningSoFar Member Posts: 951
    edited October 2014

    There is a practical reason to continue to be seen (say yearly) by someone on your cancer team.  If there are new medical advances, this is how you'll be made aware of them.  Some drug may be developed that will reduce your chances of recurrence, or new insight might be available on existing drugs.  I didn't see any one on my team for 13 years, and I think that was a mistake. 

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited October 2014

    I had my one and only chemo infusion last Nov. I saw the oncologist 4 months later and today (6 months after last visit). He told me today there is no obvious progression and to see him in 6 months. I am not sure how long this will go on but I do feel more comfortable knowing I am being seen by a breast cancer specialist. I have had a rash near my mastectomy incision that my PCP thought might be yeast. When it tested negative she had no idea what it was. The oncologist said "that is definitely not cancer". No more worrying about it.

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  • mrenee68
    mrenee68 Member Posts: 383
    edited October 2014

    Thank you everyone for the advice. It's just so hard to change Drs. after see someone for so many years. I guess there is nothing wrong in seeing a new Dr. and getting a new perspective. Thank you all again for the advice. Take care!

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