Follow up after treatment ends

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jamac
jamac Member Posts: 24
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
You all have been such a great source of inspiration with your courage and grace. I am now at the point in my own bc treatment ( bil mastectomies for extensive DCIS 11/01; nearly finished with reconstruction) and have been trying to find info on what kind of follow up is recomended for DCIS when a women has had definitive surgery for Stage 0 disease. So far I've not been able to find anything and wonder if anyone can give me any suggestions or ideas about wher to look. I've seen my plastic surgeon more frequently than any of my other docs but am scheduled to see my onc surgeon soon and hope to know what to expect or ask for. Thanks for your help; you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Julie

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  • ktinkey
    ktinkey Member Posts: 170
    #2
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    Julie,

    I don't know if I can be of much help, but I can only tell you my experience. You will have follow-up visits with each of your doctors. Mammograms, etc. Eventually you will be go down to just yearly visits, unless something unusual happens. Keep your appointments and don't hesitate to call your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms that concern you. It is weird at first, not to see doctors all the time, then you will relax and get back to normal life. Just give yourself time. Ask your oncologist when you see him or her what to expect in terms of follow-up. Each doctor has their own way of doing things. You are your best doctor. You know your body better than anyone, so listen to your body. Cancer is still a scary word, but we are all here to help each other. Cancer is scary, but it doesn't have to consume your life. You will find your measure of peace.

    God Bless,
    Kathy
  • cruf
    cruf Member Posts: 908
    #3
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    Hi Julie. I had DCIS dx in July 2000. Had my mastectomy and reconstruction in Sept.2000. I,too, see my Plastic surgeon more frequently . I only see my Surgical oncologist 2 times a year, have my mammo and ultrasound 1 time a year(which I'm having on Fri.) and my GYN 2 times a year cause I'm on Tamoxifen and we're monitoring my uterous for changes from the meds. My surgeon said that's enough followup. I have to trust him. The more I see the MD's the better I feel cause I feel like I'm being watched closely! I hope this helped you. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me at RPT1206@aol.com or here. HUGS!! Cathy
  • banker
    banker Member Posts: 317 Member
    #4
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    Hi, usually follow up visits are at first 3 month apart, then 6 month and so on. Keep all your appointments for mammograms, Gyn. check ups . I am sure your ONC. will tell you.My first time around I saw my plastic surgeon for 1 yr after surgery. My onc. every 3 month, breast surgeon 3 mo. You are in good hands and feel secure . In time the doctors visits get less and less,and then your life gets back to normal.In between visits, you'll have bloodwork too.So hang in there, you'll be watched closely. Take care and god bless you...Hugs Emmi

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