FOLLOW UP TREATMENTS

ermaski
ermaski Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I'm totally confused. Upon completion of my Chemo - the oncologist waved me out and did NOT indicate ANY type of follow-up. After chemo I endured radiation - the radialogist had great communication skills and when asked "where do we go from here?" - his reply was to keep it simply. instead of seeing the general doctor; oncologist; radiologist; etc. he scheduled a follow-up appointment in october and will then schedule the next mamogram etc. THEN I receive a letter from my oncologist stating my appointment has been REscheduled! I never had an original appointment. MY QUESTION: Is it okay to see the radiologist for my follow-up or is the oncologist going to request additional test? If so - what kind of test? Who is the correct doctor to followup with for the most accurate and correct testing?

Comments

  • Debbie1064
    Debbie1064 Member Posts: 4
    #2
    It is confusing isn't it. I finished my chemo in Feb and my radiation in May. The plan for me is to see my medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and breast surgeon on a rotating basis every 3 months. It will take some coordination between the three, but I only have to see one doctor every three months.
  • DiO
    DiO Member Posts: 51
    #3
    Usually all of the Drs continue to follow you for a period of time. I saw my radiation onc at 6 mo, then went to one year. The surgeon saw me at 6 mo intervals for 1 1/2 years, then just today said to come back in a year, just after my annual mammogram. My med onc sees me every 4 months while I'm on the Arimidex, which will be for 5 years, so he can follow my bloodwork. Also see my pcp annually for pap/pelvic as usual. Lots to keep straight, but it's comforting to know they're watching closely for any problems. Some docs do regular MRI's and scans, but mine doesn't do that unless he suspects a problem. Good luck as you move on to "life after treatment"! God bless, Di
  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd Member Posts: 950 Member
    #4
    IF IT WERE ME...
    I'd see both Onc and Rad onc, I would ask for a blood test called a CEA and a CA 27.29, these are tumor markers and can tell you if there is any cancer cells in the blood. They are good for a baseline level, but not totally accurate. As for the mammogram I'd get one every 6 months x 2, then yearly afterwards.
    Hope this helps.
    hummingbyrd
  • Kathy1108
    Kathy1108 Member Posts: 62
    #5
    hummingbyrd said:

    IF IT WERE ME...
    I'd see both Onc and Rad onc, I would ask for a blood test called a CEA and a CA 27.29, these are tumor markers and can tell you if there is any cancer cells in the blood. They are good for a baseline level, but not totally accurate. As for the mammogram I'd get one every 6 months x 2, then yearly afterwards.
    Hope this helps.
    hummingbyrd

    I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 5/03. I had to see the radiologist and my surgeon every few months. I only have to see my surgeon once a year now. I still see my onc. every 4 months (it used to be every 3 months) and I get a blood test and an examination every time. Then I have my annual scans.

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