onchologist's exams

SweetSue
SweetSue Member Posts: 217
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
What should we expect from an onchologist when treatment is over and we go for our 6 month check-ups? Just to talk and have the onchologist order tests or are they supposed to examine the chest area? Last time I went, he looked but didn't touch...just ordered bloodwork and x-rays because it's been a year , since my diagnosis. I just wonder if that's the norm.
Thanks,
Sue

Comments

  • Watercolor
    Watercolor Member Posts: 45
    #2
    When I finished radiation treatments one year ago yesterday for DCIS (early stage breast cancer / stage 0), I was told to have mammogram every six months and physician breast exam every three - four months for two years. That was it.
  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #3
    I finished treatment on May 8, 2003 and met with my oncologist 3 weeks later when the drugs were out of my system. He put me on Arimidex for 5 years and sees me every 3 months. He palpates my incisions, my underarms and my abdomen. My surgeon saw me every 3 months for the first year and will now see me every 6 months. His examinations are about the same. The only test I've had was a bone scan in June 2003. Both doctors said they'll follow me for 5 years. I'm guessing that will be less frequently as time passes. My cancer was stage II, lymph node negative, ER+ and Her2Nu-. My oncologist told me different doctors follow their patients differently. He doesn't believe in unnecessary testing so, unless I desire a test for peace of mind or am symptomatic, he won't be ordering any. I understand another oncologist who works with mine orders all kinds of tests as follow-up for his patients. I hate the tests so this approach works for me.
  • lynne40
    lynne40 Member Posts: 87
    #4
    I had a lumpectomy and my oncologist has only examined me once, after the lumpectomy. I finished treatment in late Sept 03 and I was told to have a mam by my surgeon in Jan. I did everything normal they said they'd see me in June, same as the oncologist, so I guess I'm on the every 6 month plan. I've never had a bone scan and I'm non hormone receptive so there is no meds for me either. My doc felt that a scan won't show anything unless its significant anyway and I had chemo and have no symptoms now, so I guess every doc does it different!
    Lynne
  • Vanetia
    Vanetia Member Posts: 19
    #5
    I was told that I will have my first mammogram in June. My OC has also looked and not touched, but he has also, examined me, breathing, felt under arms, and so on. But I'm still not sure what kind of tests will be run afterwards. I was told of bone scan and a pet scan. Just depends on how they feel I am doing.
  • epgnyc
    epgnyc Member Posts: 137
    #6
    This is definitely one of those things where each oncologist handles follow-up differently. I had Stage I breast cancer, ER/PR-, HR2Nu- (finished radiation and chemo March 2003) and for the first two years my oncologist will see me every 4 months. At the same time I see him, they do a CBC (to look for anemia or platelet anomolies), a CA15-3 (tumor markers) and a liver function test - these are all blood tests. He examines me very throughly manually (chest, underarm, etc.). He doesn't believe in doing any additional tests like CT or bone scans unless there's something wrong (long-lasting pain, etc.). I also see the breast surgeon every 6 months and have a yearly mammogram. If you're wondering why your oncologist is or isn't doing something for follow-up, just ask them - that way you'll feel more comfortable about it. But isn't it nice to be finished with treatment and only have to cope with follow up? Cheers to us all!
  • nancyeob
    nancyeob Member Posts: 19
    #7
    I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and had my Mastectomy in Feb. 2000. For the first couple of years I saw my Oncologist and Surgeon every six months. Now I see them once a year. Both doctors physically examined me. Checking all lymph nodes and Mastectomy area. They also review my Mammogram and are ready for any questions or concerns I may have. Please remember you can ALWAYS switch to a different doctor/doctors if you are not comfortable with any of their treatments. It is your life.
    Nancy

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