Last chemo tomorrow, what should I ask the Onc.

jamiesue1
jamiesue1 Member Posts: 21
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had a total Mastectomy on 5-6-08 and will be having my last chemo this Wed.. Should there be things I'll want to ask my Onc.? I feel that after my last chemo, I'm going to be deserted. I know that there are some few mo. follow-ups but what else.

Comments

  • zahalene
    zahalene Member Posts: 670
    #2
    Onco questions
    ASK HIM/HER:
    1. Am I cancer free?
    2. Are my blood counts and other tests normal?
    3. Should I consider taking any post-cancer medication (such as Arimidex)?
    4. Are there life-style changes I should consider (diet, vitamins, etc.)?
    5. WHERE CAN I REACH YOU 24/7???
    (This is a short list...add to it as needed for your own peace of mind :)).
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #3
    Last chemo
    Woohoo Jamie, great news. There are many things you can ask your oncologist but foremost, let me tell you that you will not be abandoned. Most likely, your oncologist will be following you for the next 5 years. And there are many factors which will determine how often you will see him/her.

    If you have a port, you will need to be seen every month for blood work and flushing the port so that you do not get an infection. And that will be the case until the port is removed.

    If you don't have a port, your oncologist will probably see you every 3 months, at which point they will do blood work to make sure everything is ok.

    Questions to ask:

    1) Do you need to take medication, (estrogen blockers) for the next 5 years
    2) What are your tumor markers. The lower the number the better.
    3) What kind of tests will he/she be doing and when. Such as scans, mammograms, chest xray, etc.
    4) He/She should check your calcium levels and Vitamin D levels.
    5) Am I cancer free?

    These are some of the questions, I personally asked. I am sure I may have left out a few others which my fellow sisters will pitch in and advise you.

    You are now on your way to life after cancer. Hugs, Lili
  • Joycelouise
    Joycelouise Member Posts: 482
    #4
    mmontero38 said:

    Last chemo
    Woohoo Jamie, great news. There are many things you can ask your oncologist but foremost, let me tell you that you will not be abandoned. Most likely, your oncologist will be following you for the next 5 years. And there are many factors which will determine how often you will see him/her.

    If you have a port, you will need to be seen every month for blood work and flushing the port so that you do not get an infection. And that will be the case until the port is removed.

    If you don't have a port, your oncologist will probably see you every 3 months, at which point they will do blood work to make sure everything is ok.

    Questions to ask:

    1) Do you need to take medication, (estrogen blockers) for the next 5 years
    2) What are your tumor markers. The lower the number the better.
    3) What kind of tests will he/she be doing and when. Such as scans, mammograms, chest xray, etc.
    4) He/She should check your calcium levels and Vitamin D levels.
    5) Am I cancer free?

    These are some of the questions, I personally asked. I am sure I may have left out a few others which my fellow sisters will pitch in and advise you.

    You are now on your way to life after cancer. Hugs, Lili

    Also, while getting blood
    Also, while getting blood work done, ask about a thyroid test. Especially since it is free, ask for all the tests you can. Nothing is better than having them come back healthy for an emotional boost. My husband and I had a big celebration this week when my viatamin D test came back high normal. I was so proud! Pass the ice cream! Congratulations on your brave journey through chemo land. I always add a short note here - remember, you have a lot of emotional healing to do. Be extra loving to yourself and think of ways to let yourself grow new health. And, pass the ice cream! love, JOyce
  • jamiesue1
    jamiesue1 Member Posts: 21
    #5
    Joycelouise said:

    Also, while getting blood
    Also, while getting blood work done, ask about a thyroid test. Especially since it is free, ask for all the tests you can. Nothing is better than having them come back healthy for an emotional boost. My husband and I had a big celebration this week when my viatamin D test came back high normal. I was so proud! Pass the ice cream! Congratulations on your brave journey through chemo land. I always add a short note here - remember, you have a lot of emotional healing to do. Be extra loving to yourself and think of ways to let yourself grow new health. And, pass the ice cream! love, JOyce

    Thanks ladies!! I asked all
    Thanks ladies!! I asked all the questions and I don't feel deserted any more. As far as passing the ice cream (We have custard here in Milwaukee, it's much better than ice cream) I've been eating it like a crazy woman ever since my diagnosis. My hips will attest to it.
    Jamie

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