PCP does not recommend tx or certain tests for other matters

singlemom1
singlemom1 Member Posts: 434
edited May 2018 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

I met with my PCP today about getting my cholesterol checked as they were monitoring in the past before my reoccurrence. She told me she would not recommend we treat it if it is high. She stated since I was stage iv and they would not recommend something else for my liver to process. I am on letrazole and Ibrance. She also said she does not recommend a colonoscopy even though I am over 50. She stated again since I am stage iv and she wouldn't want to put my body through it. Has anyone else been told the same thing by a doctor? I am currently doing very well and have responded to my treatment. I am currently NEAD at best and stable at worst( unsure if nodules are cancer- but team does not think so. They are too small for biopsy).

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • PattyPeppermint
    PattyPeppermint Member Posts: 11,162
    edited May 2018

    is cancer in your liver ? Sounds like they have given up on you. I would def see a new pcp.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ElleOnWheels
    ElleOnWheels Member Posts: 75
    edited May 2018

    I'm with Patty. I'd find a new PCP. Mine is my biggest cheerleader and the complete opposite of yours. She wants me to get every test known to man. We've had some lively discussions about a few of them. ☺️ She wants to keep the rest of me as healthy as possible so my body just has the cancer stress.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • blainejennifer
    blainejennifer Member Posts: 1,848
    edited May 2018

    My MO has stated that I do not need a colonoscopy or a mammogram because the PET/CT scan I take every three to six months would pick up on a new primary.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • scoobie
    scoobie Member Posts: 30
    edited May 2018

    MD Anderson does not encourage cancer patients to maintain a relationship with a PCP. It's not a question of "giving up" on anyone, just that the risk/benefit tradeoff of preventative treatments are very different for a cancer patient. And as was mentioned, any treatment proposed by a PCP may be duplicative or worse may interfere with cancer therapy. I would at least recommend you speak with your oncologist before pursuing any treatment.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited May 2018

    My insurance requires me to see my PCP but my MO takes care of most things. Like the knee MRI tomorrow because I think I tore my meniscus.

    At our last visit she suggested I ask my MO about colonoscopy. I too assume that the PETs would find colon cancer so no need to do it. But she did test my cholesterol and checked for diabetes and all that sort of thing. They're all normal so I can't comment on treatment.

    One point along the way I was seeing so many doctors that I finally asked who is in charge. My MO says he is in charge. So I wouldn't start any treatment of any sort (hypertension/cholesterol, etc) without talking with him first.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kkrenz
    Kkrenz Member Posts: 100
    edited May 2018

    Hello, I developed high blood pressure and my MO would not treat it, he sent me back to my PCP.  Crazy how different every place is.  I guess if my PCP didn't want to treat things like high cholesterol or blood pressure, I would find a new PCP or ask MO to take care of it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories