what is routine surgical follow-up for others...
 

My mastectomy was in 2002. My surgeon died in 2005 and I have not seen any other surgeon. I'm thinking not to replace this surgeon since my cancerous breast was completely removed. However, sometimes I wonder if a surgeon should routinely check the other breast. My GYN does yearly breast exams and I get the routine mammograms on the remaining breast. What do others do for routine surgical follow-up, following a mastectomy?

This is a great question! I still see my oncologist, who does a 2 second peek. My surgeon just died in Feb...and I was wondering the same thing!!

I only saw my surgeon after 6 months and that was it.

Either my PCP or Onc does the exam checks.

Five Year Follow-up
 

Although I left my first breast surgeon and found another, the first did tell me that a five-year follow-up was standard practice, every three months the first year, and then every six months thereafter. The new surgeon is also having me come in every three months, with mammogram (or MRI or sonogram, whichever applies) every six months. Examination by surgeon had been different from that of oncologist--more thorough.

I would definately ask for an MRI of the remaining breast.

I hope your surgeons were old persons or there is an epidemy around.........In any case I see the oncologist and also the surgeon for the follow up. I don't trust gyns (not for the breast, they can visit only my lower side....).
I wish a long life to my onc and surgeon: they are excellent doctors and I hope they could help a lot of people!