six month visits after 3 years

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jonee
jonee Member Posts: 4
edited September 2019 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Hi

Even though I've referred to this site many times for insight and support, I've never have been active on the board. I do feel bad about that since as a survivor I might have info to share.

I am 3 1/2 years out from my diagnosis. ( yay) About a year ago I was switched from my oncologist to his assistant. My original oncologist retired and I miss her but I was happy with my new one. He was on top of the latest info on breast cancer and very personable. His assistant isn't a doctor and she now is the person I meet with every 6 months. She has been helpful, and a good listener, but I wonder why I dont get to visit with my oncologist ? I have many issues with fatigue, depression, and bone loss. But I know my health is good considering. I lost weight, exercise, and lead an active life. I do everything to keep healthy. Is it the usual protocol for survivors who reach the 3 year mark to be assigned to a physician's assistant??

Thanks ahead of time for any response.

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  • juniper
    juniper Member Posts: 110
    edited August 2019

    I don’t know if it’s normal or not, but I don’t think I would be concerned as long as the PA is addressing your health issues.

    I still get regular treatment and see my oncologist every other 9 weeks. On the alternate 9 weeks, I see the nurse practitioner. She addresses my concerns in a proactive manner.

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  • jonee
    jonee Member Posts: 4
    edited August 2019

    Thank you for your response, Juniper. I have a lot to ask her in my upcoming visit so I'll see how that goes.




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  • trinigirl50
    trinigirl50 Member Posts: 343
    edited August 2019

    I see a nurse every six months for my Zometa infusion. I see the BS once a year. My Onco is available for questions on whatsapp if I get worried about something, but I don't go into see him.

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  • hapa
    hapa Member Posts: 920
    edited August 2019

    I think it really depends. I am fine with seeing a midlevel so long as I have no concerns. I have found that NPs in general are more dismissive of things than doctors, and can't adequately answer a lot of my questions. I ask a lot of why questions and midlevels just don't have the depth of training to answer a lot of them, and when they do their answers are often inaccurate and/or at odds with what my doctor has told me. A midlevel can handle anything that can fit neatly on a flow chart, in my opinion. Like if I am having a particular side effect that is a well known side effect of a medication or treatment, I would trust a midlevel to prescribe a medicine or suggest a lifestyle or behavioral remediation. But if I'm having some weird issues or side effects, I would want to see my actual doctor.

    The last time I saw my MO, I was like "why am I even here"? I could have just seen the midlevel, or just not even gone in that day. I would like to see him again when my current course of treament ends to discuss what, if anything, is next, but for just check ups a midlevel is fine.

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  • jonee
    jonee Member Posts: 4
    edited September 2019

    Thankyou. It helps to see the variations in support post treatment!

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  • jonee
    jonee Member Posts: 4
    edited September 2019

    Thanks!

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