DCIS - did you get referred to an oncologist?

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ps0705
ps0705 Member Posts: 122
edited September 2018 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I am 6 months past mastectomy and 3 months past reconstructive surgery. I wanted to avoid radiation so had mastectomy instead. My breast surgeon told me I didn't need to see an oncologist since I wasn't having radiation and chemo wasn't indicated with DCIS.

Today my ob/gyn was shocked that I never was referred to an Oncologist. He asked me 2 times and then clarified again.

Does this seem pretty standard to you?

My dx was 1.5 cm DCIS grade 3, ER-/PR-

Thanks

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Comments

  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited August 2018

    I had an RO with DCIS but not an MO. I didn’t need an MO until I got the IDC dx.

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  • VegGal
    VegGal Member Posts: 507
    edited August 2018

    I was not referred to an oncologist and I went to an NCI designated cancer center. 

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  • Puzzlewoman
    Puzzlewoman Member Posts: 171
    edited August 2018

    I was not referred to an MO either. I do think you need to see one if it’s hormone positive, but you’ve stated yours is negative and so was mine

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  • mountainmama406
    mountainmama406 Member Posts: 99
    edited August 2018

    I saw my oncologist for a 6 mo visit. She left it up to me to come in for next follow up in 6 or 12 months. Even though this is all over with I’d prefer someone is keeping an eye on things other than myself

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  • Jelson
    Jelson Member Posts: 1,535
    edited August 2018

    I agree with Puzzlewoman, you were not referred to a Medical Oncologist because you were diagnosed with er-/pr- DCIS, the treatment for which requires neither chemotherapy nor hormone therapy, the areas of a medical oncologist's expertise. I am sorry that you were unduly alarmed by your ob/gyn.


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  • ps0705
    ps0705 Member Posts: 122
    edited August 2018

    Thank you everyone for peace of mind.

    Best to you all!

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  • Nursepatient35
    Nursepatient35 Member Posts: 166
    edited August 2018

    I was not referred to an oncologist either since I had a bmx. However my plastic surgeon asked me if I was seeing one since my margins were close. That scared me thinking I was overlooked. My nurse navigator also mentioned maybe I should see one. I ended up asking to be referred to one just to make sure I had my bases covered. It helped ease my fears and I will be followed by an oncologist for 3 years. It does make me feel better that I'm being watched for a few years since I have no idea what I should be looking for if I'd ever have a recurrence.

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  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited August 2018

    I was referred to a MO but I had trouble finding one who thought my diagnosis was serious enough to follow. I finally found someone, and it has been useful to have someone to check in with annually, to order an MRI every year or two, and to see when something seems amiss. She told me that my DCIS being PR- might indicate that the molecular change to invasive cancer may have been close, but I don't have any citations for that.

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  • tlfrank
    tlfrank Member Posts: 199
    edited September 2018

    I am ER/PR positive and did not get referred to a MO.

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