Hi Ladies, I was just wondering who has follow up scans after they have finished treatment? My oncologist refuses to send me for any follow up scans as he thinks the radiation is unnnecessary as i am well. I was well when i found out i had breast cancer so i am unsure as to how he can be so confident that i am well and nothing else is going on?? I just wanted to get some thoughts on this as my body has already failed me once its so hard to trust that its not going to do it again xx

I just go with my own feelings. If I feel like I need to "get things checked out", I just ask for a referral to have a CT scan. DEMAND if you have to or go to another doctor. Your GP can also give you a referral and send the results to the oncologist!!!!!. I have not had an ultrasound or mammogram since my Dec 2010 diagnosis. I suppose with all the treatment, my body should be okay. I did have a CT body scan a few months ago (can't remember why). Anyway I will have an ultraosound and mammo before I see the specialist surgeon (he is my primary carer) in June. I get to see the medical oncologist every 6 months as well so really I am having checks every 3 months. It gives me an opportunity to ASK in two avenues if I feel something is wrong. Just because you are small don't let them tell you what you need. XLeonie

Thanks so much Leonie, you are such an angel. Your kids/gran kids are very lucky to have you!! Yes i think i need to have the scan just one so i know everything is ok then it may be easier to trust my body. I am a push over i know it, (unless its about my kids) so i might take my husband with me to my next appointment he seems to have a way with words unlike me. I am always too worried about upsetting someone when i speak up but not speaking up this time in the end will only hurt myself and my loved ones if there is something going undiagnosed. I hope you are well and your shoulder is getting better. Danielle xx

My specialists have told me the same thing that I don't need any follow up scans or other tests. I've also been told that I don't need to see my oncologist anymore because chemo is finished. I just have follow up appointments with my surgeon. It's a bit hard to get my head around this after having so many appointments during the treatment period. If you feel that you need to "get something checked out" then do so with a specialist who will listen. My oncologist told me not to worry too much and start looking for problems unneccesarily and that if a problem is to arise it will present itself with its own symptoms. That makes it sound like we just panic for no reason. I guess if there was some sort of regular tests/scans it might be more reassuring that we are in control and something is being done. On the other hand, sometimes it's nice not to have to do continuous testing so that we can try to put it behind us (to some degree) without being reminded of our past troubles. Take care Liz :)

after treatment | BCNA Online Network

21 Replies

danielle_ghilar
Member
14 years ago
Thanks so much Leonie, you are such an angel. Your kids/gran kids are very lucky to have you!!

Yes i think i need to have the scan just one so i know everything is ok then it may be easier to trust my body.

I am a push over i know it, (unless its about my kids) so i might take my husband with me to my next appointment he seems to have a way with words unlike me. I am always too worried about upsetting someone when i speak up but not speaking up this time in the end will only hurt myself and my loved ones if there is something going undiagnosed.

I hope you are well and your shoulder is getting better.

Danielle xx
Leonie_Moore
Member
14 years ago
I just go with my own feelings. If I feel like I need to "get things checked out", I just ask for a referral to have a CT scan. DEMAND if you have to or go to another doctor. Your GP can also give you a referral and send the results to the oncologist!!!!!. I have not had an ultrasound or mammogram since my Dec 2010 diagnosis. I suppose with all the treatment, my body should be okay. I did have a CT body scan a few months ago (can't remember why). Anyway I will have an ultraosound and mammo before I see the specialist surgeon (he is my primary carer) in June. I get to see the medical oncologist every 6 months as well so really I am having checks every 3 months. It gives me an opportunity to ASK in two avenues if I feel something is wrong. Just because you are small don't let them tell you what you need. XLeonie

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