Forum Discussion

desinha's avatar
desinha
Member
8 years ago

Consulting Doctor on completion of Initial treatment

I have a basic and may be silly doubt. My cancer journey so far has followed following path: GP ----> Breast Surgeon / Specialist ----> Oncologist ----> Breast Surgeon / Radiation Therapist (depending upon the decision on next step) My question is who will be our Go To Person for the next few years whom we will consult on a regular basis to make sure that the cancer has not returned back? Is it going to be Oncologist or Breast Surgeon? Do we have a choice?
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    8 years ago
    I saw my oncologist and surgeon alternately, at widening intervals. I was a private patient though. Like LucyE I collected a fair few others on the way, including a lymphoedema therapist a gynaecological specialist and a cardiologist! I do have a choice - I'd go to my oncologist for anything about my hormonal treatment, or any odd symptom (haven't really had any) and to my surgeon about anything breast related or that may require physically checking - I had a little tag on my back that got a bit red and inflamed. Just a benign neurofibroma that probably got rubbed by my bra strap! But my surgeon took it off and biopsied it, just in case. I see them now only once a year, fingers crossed. 
  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    8 years ago
    It seems to vary. My breast surgeon is my go to person. I haven’t seen my oncologist since my final day of chemo. My GP is becoming increasingly important for treating the side effects of chemo. I also now have a cardiologist, dietitian, exercise physiologist, physio/ pilates instructor  and gynaecologist. There are a lot of health professionals in my life since having cancer. I know other people keep seeing their oncologist. I should say I’ve had ongoing surgery for the past 3 years so this might be why I see my surgeon. I only have a mammogram once a year as a check up with my breast surgeon. This will be the case from now on.