What to do when a "pain" needs to be checked out

creampuff91344
creampuff91344 Member Posts: 988
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
For those of us who have battled cancer for a while, and have completed treatment, I wonder just which of your doctors do you contact when you have something that needs to be checked out? If you have pain in your back that persists, do you call your PCP or do you call your onconogist? For those who have developed other issues as a result of b/c (such as Parkinsons, Tardive Dyskinesia, etc.) which doctor do you call when you have a non-related b/c issue to the new development? Just curious. I always have a struggle when it comes to calling the right doctor, and want to know what you do! Hugs, Judy

Comments

  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    I di dnt know you got those
    I di dnt know you got those things from BC. I call the doc who would treat the illness. neurologist etc.. If I had persistent back pain I usually call my onc and have gotten bone scans that ruled out I move on to the ortho. (this is my second time first one 15 years ago)
  • creampuff91344
    creampuff91344 Member Posts: 988
    carkris said:

    I di dnt know you got those
    I di dnt know you got those things from BC. I call the doc who would treat the illness. neurologist etc.. If I had persistent back pain I usually call my onc and have gotten bone scans that ruled out I move on to the ortho. (this is my second time first one 15 years ago)

    You don't get TD from b/c,
    You don't get TD from b/c, but the drug they gave me during chemo for nausea (Reglan) caused me to develop TD. Another of our board members developed Parkinsons after b/c, and it probably isn't b/c related, but you wonder if something she was given during treatment may have caused it to show itself. I usually call my oncologist for everything, but maybe I am being a royal pain in the tush, and should be going somewhere else to start a new pain diagnoisis. Thanks for the input carkris. Hugs, Judy
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    I always go to my GP, and
    I always go to my GP, and let her direct me from there. My medical group, including my oncologists, surgeon and radiologist are all with the same group, and every Dr has my chart with every other Drs notes. My oncologist knew when my last Pap and Pelvic was! LOL

    When I had severe pain on the side my surgery was on, I did tho call my onologists office. They in turn told me that was something I needed to see my surgeon about...she ordered an MRI and mammograms. When those came back clean and clear, I then called my GP, as the pain was still there. I was diagnosed with Costocondroiten ( something like that, anyway! An inflammation of the rib cage which can follow radiation even YEARS later)

    So, I suppose it all depends on what pain we have as to who we would call! Big help I turned out to be, huh????
    LOL

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    chenheart said:

    I always go to my GP, and
    I always go to my GP, and let her direct me from there. My medical group, including my oncologists, surgeon and radiologist are all with the same group, and every Dr has my chart with every other Drs notes. My oncologist knew when my last Pap and Pelvic was! LOL

    When I had severe pain on the side my surgery was on, I did tho call my onologists office. They in turn told me that was something I needed to see my surgeon about...she ordered an MRI and mammograms. When those came back clean and clear, I then called my GP, as the pain was still there. I was diagnosed with Costocondroiten ( something like that, anyway! An inflammation of the rib cage which can follow radiation even YEARS later)

    So, I suppose it all depends on what pain we have as to who we would call! Big help I turned out to be, huh????
    LOL

    Hugs,
    Claudia

    However
    However, my GP sat on my rib fractures. If I hadn't had pneumonia last year, and a CT scan had not been done, I wouldn't have gotten the diagnosis of bone metastasis. If pain persists, run it by your oncologist also. I am sure everyone has a different story, but that was my experience.
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    Hey, Judy. When I developed
    Hey, Judy. When I developed the hand tremor I asked the onc because I was afraid the cancer had mets to the brain. She didn't think so because she said I'd have different symptoms but sent me for an brain MRI anyway. She referred me to a neurologist. The onc thought it was Essential tremor. The neurologist diagnosed Parkinson's.

    When I had the spotting I asked the onc because I was on Tamoxifen. He ran blood tests to determine if I was in menopause or not and then when I was, sent me to a GYN.

    When I had major hip pain I thought it was mets to the bone and asked the onc. He sent me for a bone scan. It wasn't cancer and he referred me to my PCP.

    Onc's aren't interested if it's not cancer related but sometimes it's difficult to determine. If I have an appointment with the onc anyway I bring it up or I ask the onc if I think it is cancer related. If it's not cancer related they will tell you where to go. (I phrased it like that because I thought it was funny). So you haven't asked your's near as much as I asked mine. I even drew up a chart and color coded it and she wasn't impressed and made a comment in the notes about it. I've kicked her to the curb. Naw, we moved and I didn't have to see her anymore. But if an onc isn't taking you serious then you ought to find another.

    I haven't found an onc here yet. So if I have problems I take it to the PCP or specialist.
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    Marcia527 said:

    Hey, Judy. When I developed
    Hey, Judy. When I developed the hand tremor I asked the onc because I was afraid the cancer had mets to the brain. She didn't think so because she said I'd have different symptoms but sent me for an brain MRI anyway. She referred me to a neurologist. The onc thought it was Essential tremor. The neurologist diagnosed Parkinson's.

    When I had the spotting I asked the onc because I was on Tamoxifen. He ran blood tests to determine if I was in menopause or not and then when I was, sent me to a GYN.

    When I had major hip pain I thought it was mets to the bone and asked the onc. He sent me for a bone scan. It wasn't cancer and he referred me to my PCP.

    Onc's aren't interested if it's not cancer related but sometimes it's difficult to determine. If I have an appointment with the onc anyway I bring it up or I ask the onc if I think it is cancer related. If it's not cancer related they will tell you where to go. (I phrased it like that because I thought it was funny). So you haven't asked your's near as much as I asked mine. I even drew up a chart and color coded it and she wasn't impressed and made a comment in the notes about it. I've kicked her to the curb. Naw, we moved and I didn't have to see her anymore. But if an onc isn't taking you serious then you ought to find another.

    I haven't found an onc here yet. So if I have problems I take it to the PCP or specialist.

    Judy
    It depends on the nature of pain and relations with your doc. My oncologist is a very difficult to catch and has poor bedside manners. When I was in Chemo treatment I always called my PCP first and then ask my medical oncologist. My breast surgeon has much better communication skills and I ask her about pain, even when it is not directly related BC. I also ask physical therapist who works with cancer patients as well. Sometimes I ask the same question different doctors to find best possible treatment. When I ask my oncologist he usually likes to rule out cancer and then dismisses any connection to prior Chemo treatment sending me to the specialist.
    New Flower
  • Skeezie
    Skeezie Member Posts: 586 Member
    Marcia527 said:

    Hey, Judy. When I developed
    Hey, Judy. When I developed the hand tremor I asked the onc because I was afraid the cancer had mets to the brain. She didn't think so because she said I'd have different symptoms but sent me for an brain MRI anyway. She referred me to a neurologist. The onc thought it was Essential tremor. The neurologist diagnosed Parkinson's.

    When I had the spotting I asked the onc because I was on Tamoxifen. He ran blood tests to determine if I was in menopause or not and then when I was, sent me to a GYN.

    When I had major hip pain I thought it was mets to the bone and asked the onc. He sent me for a bone scan. It wasn't cancer and he referred me to my PCP.

    Onc's aren't interested if it's not cancer related but sometimes it's difficult to determine. If I have an appointment with the onc anyway I bring it up or I ask the onc if I think it is cancer related. If it's not cancer related they will tell you where to go. (I phrased it like that because I thought it was funny). So you haven't asked your's near as much as I asked mine. I even drew up a chart and color coded it and she wasn't impressed and made a comment in the notes about it. I've kicked her to the curb. Naw, we moved and I didn't have to see her anymore. But if an onc isn't taking you serious then you ought to find another.

    I haven't found an onc here yet. So if I have problems I take it to the PCP or specialist.

    I just finished chemo Dec 11
    I was lucky and didn't have to have rads. But at this point I'm calling my onc, in fact I'm seeing her tomorrow for a problem that is probably not related. She'll send me elsewhere if she needs to I'm sure. But it's only been a few weeks so I can't let go of her yet for things. However, I will still see my internest for my cholesterol, blood pressure etc.

    I think for the first few months, maybe years, I will rely on her for so many things. I agree with Marcia, I'll probably check it out with her first.

    Hugs, Judy :-)
  • blazytracy
    blazytracy Member Posts: 157
    What do you mean creampuff?
    What do you mean "developed other issues as a result of B/C? You mean you can get Parkinson's disease as a result from B/C??? Never heard of that one before.
    Please advise..Tracy
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930

    What do you mean creampuff?
    What do you mean "developed other issues as a result of B/C? You mean you can get Parkinson's disease as a result from B/C??? Never heard of that one before.
    Please advise..Tracy

    I call my GP for just normal
    I call my GP for just normal stuff, but, if it is at all cancer related, I call my oncologist.
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    carkris said:

    I di dnt know you got those
    I di dnt know you got those things from BC. I call the doc who would treat the illness. neurologist etc.. If I had persistent back pain I usually call my onc and have gotten bone scans that ruled out I move on to the ortho. (this is my second time first one 15 years ago)

    I see my gp for normal
    I see my gp for normal stuff, but, call my oncologist or rads oncologist for anything related to breast cancer.

    Debby
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    GP
    Hi Judy I see my GP and usually have to help them decide what to do (isn't that great). Since my GP is not an oncologist she does not truly know how to handle some of the situations I run into. I often times have to remind her that I need some kind of assurance my cancer is not back or that I am not expieriencing a side effect. She has at times conferred with my onco for directions and/or ran a bunch of tests and sent me to specialists to ensure I am okay or to get to the bottom of what is occurring. Once again it is kind of up to us to be our own advocate to get the treatment we so deserve.

    RE
  • aztec45
    aztec45 Member Posts: 757

    What do you mean creampuff?
    What do you mean "developed other issues as a result of B/C? You mean you can get Parkinson's disease as a result from B/C??? Never heard of that one before.
    Please advise..Tracy

    Advise
    You do not get Parkinson's from breast cancer. The chemo drugs and drugs administered to control the chemo side effects may cause other ailments and diseases, one of which is Parkinson. Hope this helps.

    Pat
  • Marlene_K
    Marlene_K Member Posts: 508

    You don't get TD from b/c,
    You don't get TD from b/c, but the drug they gave me during chemo for nausea (Reglan) caused me to develop TD. Another of our board members developed Parkinsons after b/c, and it probably isn't b/c related, but you wonder if something she was given during treatment may have caused it to show itself. I usually call my oncologist for everything, but maybe I am being a royal pain in the tush, and should be going somewhere else to start a new pain diagnoisis. Thanks for the input carkris. Hugs, Judy

    I don't think you should
    I don't think you should think of yourself as a royal pain in the tush by calling your oncologist for everything. I think that Jag he/she drives because of your visits to him should be proof positive ;) I think calling our oncologist for anything we feel is just cause. If he feels you should call another doctor, then I'm sure he would tell you. I called my oncologist for swelling I was getting in my ankles/feet and he told me to call my PCP... huh? Even my doctor was surprised at that being it was surely brought on by chemo. But he treated me and all was good.

    I wouldn't be concerned with who to call as they all get paid enough to be 'bothered' by questions.

    Hugs ~ Mar
  • jk1952
    jk1952 Member Posts: 613
    RE said:

    GP
    Hi Judy I see my GP and usually have to help them decide what to do (isn't that great). Since my GP is not an oncologist she does not truly know how to handle some of the situations I run into. I often times have to remind her that I need some kind of assurance my cancer is not back or that I am not expieriencing a side effect. She has at times conferred with my onco for directions and/or ran a bunch of tests and sent me to specialists to ensure I am okay or to get to the bottom of what is occurring. Once again it is kind of up to us to be our own advocate to get the treatment we so deserve.

    RE

    I'm like Re. I call my PCP
    I'm like Re. I call my PCP for pretty much everything. I've been his patient for almost 30 years, and he's the one that is most interested in my overall health. He will help to direct me to the right doctor.

    Joyce
  • Moopy23
    Moopy23 Member Posts: 1,751 Member
    Hi, Judy, I saw your post
    Hi, Judy, I saw your post and was concerned you had new pain. Glad this is not the case: you just presented an interesting and important question. I have the same internal debate all the time.

    My oncologist/cancer clinic is badly under-staffed, but I usually do run questionable things by his nurse first. I am blessed to have a truly caring, conscientious, and very smart PCP--I love her--, so I go to her for the usual things that are clearly not bc-related (sinusitis) but also things that my onc. may blow off. Such as a bone density test. And Vitamin D testing. I am just one of many patients to my oncologist; I am "special" to my PCP.

    So, I add my opinion that your relationship with your PCP and oncologist is a deciding factor as well as the nature of the symptom. Questions of any pain, though, go directly to my oncologist, whether he likes it or not. Like Carkris (I think it was you, Penny), and others wrote, oncologists get paid enough to answer our questions.

    Thanks again for this excellent question. And glad you don't have any pain issues that are concerning you now.
  • creampuff91344
    creampuff91344 Member Posts: 988

    What do you mean creampuff?
    What do you mean "developed other issues as a result of B/C? You mean you can get Parkinson's disease as a result from B/C??? Never heard of that one before.
    Please advise..Tracy

    Tracy, I am sorry my post
    Tracy, I am sorry my post implied that other issues could develop because of b/c. What I meant was that my particular situation was a direct result of taking nausea meds prescribed for me while I was in the middle of chemo. They tried lots of different drugs, and finally prescribed Reglan. Reglan is a drug that has been around for years, primarily used for treating schizophrenia, but most recently being prescribed for nausea during chemo. It flushes the content of your stomach out faster, but is directly related to Tardive Dyskinesia in elderly females. (I was 63 at the time of my chemo.) Please don't think that there are possibilities of things like this happening to b/c patients, just be cautious with all drugs you are prescribed, and watch for signs of things that could be problems for you, even without b/c. Hope this eases your mind. Hugs. Judy
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729

    What do you mean creampuff?
    What do you mean "developed other issues as a result of B/C? You mean you can get Parkinson's disease as a result from B/C??? Never heard of that one before.
    Please advise..Tracy

    No one knows what causes
    No one knows what causes Parkinson's. Lots of theories but it's a big unknown. It seems to break down to pollution/genes/stress. I've read theories that because of genes you are predisposed and something comes along and sets it off. Can't blame it on anything because no one knows. I did have one cousin with Parkinson's. So in a large family it was just me and him.