Treatment Providers

Should read twice a year meet with my private oncologist...

 Hi there I have similar results to you (grade 2 20mm infiltrating cancer, micromet .8mm er pos, per pos, her2 neg. treatment: lumpectomy, lymph node removal, radiation, tamaxafen).  I see breast surgeon once a year who reads my ultrasound and mammogram and does a physical exam, have one appt a year with my public radiation team who also do a physical exam and about twice a year I have a chat, get tamoxafin script and he has said he will do a physical exam.  I haven't had scans etc. and I probably have a blood test once a year with my go who does the 'usual'.   

Hi Maria, Tracey and the others are absolutely right, we all have different follow up regimes depending on the cancer, treatment undertaken and organisation by the medical team.

My mum and I both have had breast cancer but in mum's case she had a small area of DCIS that was treated with a wide local excision, axillary clearance (which was standard at that time), radiotherapy and hormone treatment. Her surgeon was the lead in her treatment and she did not see an oncologist after she'd finished her radiation therapy but saw her surgeon and GP regularly over 5 years. Her surgeon prescribed Tamoxifen (no AIs then). She has now been clear for over 15yrs.

However, my follow up is very different to mum's due to the fact I had 3 invasive tumours (1 of which was very large) & 1 positive lymph node resulting in a mastectomy and axillary clearance, chemotherapy, Herceptin, radiotherapy and hormone tablets. I still see one of the team every 3 months and will do so up 2017 (5yrs). My medical oncologist takes the lead and I see her every 6 months with blood tests & any scans that are required. I see my surgeon once a year after having a mammogram & ultrasound and I'm due to check in with my radiation oncologist again next week for my yearly visit with him and he will just to a physical check of my healthy breast and lymph nodes.

For me, while it is reassuring in many ways to have such close monitoring, the downside is that there is an inescapable sense of anxiety each time I have to go to an appointment and / or carry out blood tests / scans etc

Like Summer suggests, chat to your surgeon about your follow up and ask who you need to talk to about the Letrozole if you have any issues with it. Your GP is probably across it, but sometimes you do need specialist advice. Best of luck & hope all goes smoothly for you from here. Jane xx     

Hi Maria, we all have different treatments, and as a consequence different follow up. I had a grade 3 cancer, so needed surgery, chemo and rads. The treatment team make sure that I'm seen every 3 months in the first 18 months, then it extends out if I don't have any more cancer happening until we hit the 5 year mark. Hoping this helps, Trace ????????

Hi Maria

My breast surgeon takes the lead - I see him every 6 months for at least five years and have the annual mammogram and an ultrasound if the radiologist on the day thinks that is necessary.  If my surgeon or I have any concerns he shares the 6 monthly visits with the oncologist.  He sends copies of the reports to the oncologist.

I guess it depends on who thinks they are in charge of your team and maybe their workload (read that as their need for constant income streams !).

If you are uncertain please pose the question to your surgeon.  The oncologist may have said you are 'under control' so there is no need for additional visits.

Hope that helps.  Keep in touch.

Summer  :-)

When I was first diagnosed my Breast Surgeon said you are my patient for the next 10 years...........I see my GP monthly at this stage

Guess it depends on whether it is a team that are looking after you; different for us all

Take care

Christine  xx

In my case the surgeon ran the show (which surprised me). As my cancer was triple neg and once chemo finished I had no more treatment from the medical oncology team I no longer saw my medical oncologist. My radiation oncologist has continued to see me every 3 and then eventually every 6 months. I am approaching 5 years since a second diagnosis and there is talk that I won't need to see the rad onc after that. However still see surgeon every 6 months. 

Hope this helps 

Paula x

Hi Maria,

i thought we all had follow up visits. I have to see one of my doctors every 3 months for (I think) two years with a blood test. Ask your GP. Then the surgeon every year with mammogram and ultra sound. What a lot! It is hard to know actually who is in charge sometimes! Do you have a breast care nurse they can help sort things out and liaise with doctors.

all the best 

Kim