Hormone Therapy
I had a double mastectomy two weeks ago and need to take letrizole. I have also been told to have a bone scan and PET scan. I have a few questions, firstly, when should I begin taking letrizole, do I...
Forum Discussion
Thank you for your reply arpie, I haven't been referred to an oncologist. I had 2 lumps both showing that I had invasive ductal carcinoma, both hormone receptive positive. During surgery I had my sentinel lymph node that showed I had a 1mm micrometastasis (I was assured that this was really small) and that I had clear margins. I am thankful that I have been told that I can avoid chemo & radiation, this is probably why I wasn't referred to an oncologist? I had a breast care nurse who saw me before my operation & once in hospital but I haven't spoken to her again. A lovely community nurse visited me a few times till last Sunday, when drains were removed. Unfortunately during this whole diagnosis I have discovered that my GP who I have had for 30 plus years has retired too. It is after all the rush of appointments, biopsies and the operation & last visit with the surgeon that I am trying to work out when to have these next scans and when to start taking the letrozole? I feel a little overwhelmed, the rush of all that has happened & trying to be relieved but still feeling fearful of hormone blockers and whats next.
Golly gosh Nutmeg - I am sorry that your GP has retired :( It is just an added bit of stress that you didn't really need. :(
To be honest, I am quite surprised that you haven't been referred to an Oncologist and/or rad Onc too. The fact that there were micrometastasis in the sentinel node tests .... really indicates you should have at least ONE appt with an Onc and also a Rad Onc, just to confirm your surgeon's decision not to refer you or needing other treatment.
Is your surgeon a dedicated Breast Surgeon or is she a 'general surgeon'?
I really think you should contact your Breast Care nurse again - and ask her why you weren't referred to see an Onc and/or Rad Onc. They should also be able to help you with your ongoing scans & other appointments.take care xx
Yes, she is a Breast surgeon and had an assistant Breast surgeon (who originally owned the practise for many years) working with her so I have felt I was in good hands. Oh dear, this is a little nerve racking. I will try to get in touch with my breast care nurse tomorrow. Thank you.
Hi Nutmeg
I agree with @arpie - you would expect to be referred to an oncologist, if only to confirm your surgeon's suggestion. I had only one affected node and my oncologist recommended further treatment. And carefully explained why - information is really important. That doesn't mean you will necessarily require further treatment, simply that your surgeon and oncologist have different specialisations and different focal points. There is usually a benefit in understanding both. Ultimately you will be the one to decide what path you want to take and why.
With so much going on, do you have a trusted relative or friend that can go with you when you have consultations? Another pair of ears or someone with your list of questions can be very helpful - we've all forgotten to ask something that turned out to be important! My oncologist gave me written information about all my treatments - immensely helpful as I could turn to them any time and find out what I wanted.
I hope your breast care nurse can assist. Best wishes.
