Blood tests

Thanks Christine,

I hear you re the worrying about symptoms.  Apart from the radiation, I've only had a few 2 min appointments with the doctors (mostly registrars) since my op and whenever I say anything they say to get my gp to check it.  I'm reluctant to tell them anything now, I feel like I am wasting their time just being there.

Good luck with your CT, I'll have my fingers crossed for you :)

cheers

Mira

Hi Mira, I am 18 months post lumpectomy chemo and radiotherapy for 6 weeks. I have never had any blood tests either which I too thought was odd. Oncologist or GP have never did them I suppose if they were concerned they would. I have had lower pain radiating into hp and knee and as you already probably know , first thing I worried about is is it the C back there asked my GP for an x ray told her what I was worried about and she ROLLED HER EYES!!! and said NO not worried a bout it being that. Anyway I had a CT scan on Friday awaiting results Tues or Wed scared!! but hopefully it's just my weight too heavy. Or arthritis I will let you know so anyway looks like they only do blood tests if you have new sypmtoms which I hope none of us get Christine xxx

Thanks Tonya,

My gp usually sends me for a blood test annually in Feb as well.  I have to see her soon for a script so I might just mention it to her.

I think your right about the specialists and gp assuming the others are doing things.  I rarely see doctors but when I do they all say to go and see the other.  Its a good thing I'm healthy!

cheers

Mira

Hi Mira, I have a full blood check once a year.My GP organises it. You should have liver enzymes and cholesterol checked when taking Tamoxifen.I sometimes think that the specialists assume the GP is overseeing all this and vice versa. Tonya xx

Thanks Robyn, now that I know its normal I'm okay with it.   They forgot to tell me about a couple of appointments so I was just a bit concerned that they had forgotten to do something else :)

cheers

Mira

I am 2 years past chemo and mastectomy,and I take Tamoxifen.I thought like you in the beginning,but my oncologist said there is no need for regular blood tests.I have a yearly mammogram and ultrasound,and a 6 monthly check with the oncologist.She doesn't really do much,so I think it's up to us to let them know if we feel ANYTHING at all different.I actually decided to have a 6 monthly full blood test with my  GP.He is more than happy to do it,and I go over the results with him.I feel that by doing this,I can keep an eye on things like blood sugar levels,iron levels,etc and anything else that might stand out as a bit strange.It just gives me peace of mind.Mayb this is something that you could do? Cheers Robynxox

Thanks Mona, it seemed strange to me but I guess they know what they are doing :)

cheers

Mira

Hi there.  Yes that's been my experience I did have blood test around time of lumpectomy but only as I had path form from 6 months and thought 'might as well. Oncologist says blood tests, scans etc not indicated: tamoxafin, yearly mammagram and ultrasound and physical exam and I've read this in a medical journal as well.  Best wishes