Follow-up care for non invasive DCIS after treatment and radiotherapy

I just had my post radiation check up and was told I didn't need to go back unless I needed more radiotherapy.  I was fine with that as I continue to see my medical oncologist 6 monthly now and also my breast surgeon who will oversee my future breast screening.  I think my needs are being covered and one less medical visit is a bonus.

Don't worry too much as you are still seeing your surgeon and he will deal with any changes that may occur. 

I just had a chat with my oncologist about how I felt at the end of chemo and radiotherapy - very emotional - and really I think I felt that way because of the care they gave me at a very vulnerable time.  I think the letting go can be scary but you are not on your own.

Good luck. Maureen

Thanks Summer - it is what I thought would happen but may be because I have non-invasive DCIS I am not monitored as closely (I was classed as intermediate with comedo narcosis).  

I will wait and see what my breast surgeon will say when I see him in September - I am due for my first mammogram in December (1 year after I was first diagnosed).  I guess eit's normal to feel a little stressed and concerned when close monitoring ceases.

I appreciate your comment.

Sue

Thanks Paula - amazing how different states and doctors work differently.  Like you, I will not be having hormone treatment as my DCIS was in-situ and non invasive.  On reflection (after a good night's sleep) I realise that it is probably unnecessary that I see my radiation oncologist especially as I have healed so well (other than a tightness  under my arm where I blistered) but hopefully my breast surgeon will monitor me for the next couple of years - we will see.  It will be reassuring to at least see someone other than my local GP

Hello Sue

With my DCIS I have 3 mthly breast surgeon visits when he checks under each arm for signs of change.  This will happen for 2 years then go to 6 mthly for 2 years then annually.

He does the diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound annually for the five years.

I have private health cover for hospital only.  A friend said maybe the surgeon does it for the dollars but I guess it is reassuring to have him check the lymph situation.

He said he is happy to alternate with the oncologist if I prefer to see her.

Hope this is of assistance.

Summer  :-)

It's funny how different doctors work differently.  I did my chemo privately and my radiation publically.  As my BC was triple negative my medical oncologist told me he didn't need to see me any more as there was no more treatment for me (no hormone treatment).  Because of this my radiation oncologist continues to see me.  At the moment every 6 months.  I am really thankful as she gives me a thorough examination. checking under my arms etc as well feeling for lymph nodes etc.  I see my surgeon every 6 months also.  They try and time it so I am seeing them apart from each other that way I see someone every 3 months.  I had a recurrence 6 months after my initial treatment finished and I think they are extra cautious because of this.

Hugs all

Paula x

Thanks Mona63  for your post.  And yes, you're right, now I have had time to sit and think about it, a further appointment really is not useful unless there are complications  it was just the thought of being "cut loose" after 6 weeks after my radiotherapy has been completed.  In the Australian guidelines for early breast cancer (DCIS) it does mention a follow-up schedule but is also mentions that some patients would be under GP care but this would be discussed with the patient!    Be interesting to see if my Breast Surgeon hands me over into the care of my GP after my next appointment.  (Will I be told this is happening or will I be consulted!!!)  Hopefully, like you, he will continue to see me on an annual basis for a year or two.

Thanks again for your comment which helped me put things into perspective.  

Sue

Thanks Chris - it is exactly what I thought but I guess as I am non invasive my radiotherapy oncologist thought is was unnecessary to see him again as I have recovered well and that I have an appointment to see my breast surgeon in September.   I am a private patient with both.  It was just a bit of a shock.  As my husband said, if my DCIS occurred in the same manner it can only be detected by mammogram anyway!  He's so reassuring ;)  

Thanks for your thoughts.

Sue

I had a different response: I have an appt for a years time but wonder the value of this and oncologist said its a  'bit old school' and has no use - appt would be to look at breast and talk and there are no complications so I would prefer yearly appts with breast surgeon (private) who reads my mammagrams and ultra sounds and does examination and I see my oncologist 2-3 times per year.  The six weekly appt was nice as a final appt or to review but I can't see value for me in any more appts : although nice to be told breasts look good I guess!

Understand totally... I would have thought that you would be monitored at least annually 

is there a breast care nurse you can discuss your concerns with?

perhaps they are not the best team to monitor you ... 

Are you public or private? How did you get diagnosed initially- perhaps a discussion with your GP?

all the best

chris