at what point do you stop seeing an Oncologist?

[Kimberly Lewis]

What does he do for you on those visits? My first visit with the new Onc he called a "well baby check". It consisted of a simple physical exam and review of symptoms etc. I had pretty much the exact some review from the GP.

[pattyz]

Kim,
I strongly suggest you keep a close relationship with SOME doc. I presume the new PC reviewed your bc etc. history, and the onc did as well.

What I've found is that since my onc 'knows' me, he works with me, trusts my reports on any new symptoms and concerns.

That can help simplify what type of testing might be ordered, should you go in with a 'new' complaint.

I've just been 'forced' into getting a PC, after only seeing my onc for the past six years. What a pain not needed.

If I were going in with cancer related problems, I wouldn't want the added stress of trying to get a new onc on board with me....

Just my opinon, ofcourse.

pattyz

p.s. It was in fact my exp. to have to find an onc at my mets dx. I saw 6 docs in six weeks. Finally refered to 'my' Onc. (he was #6) One of the docs was a shrink... he said: "you need to see an oncologist, not me!". This was my ONE referral to an onc!

[PinkGirl]

I plan on staying with my oncologist. There is something different
in the way he examines me - he goes into a dazed-like trance and
when he's finished, I feel like my body has been kneaded like bread
dough. I would never get this kind of exam from my family doc and
if she did find something suspicious then I would have to go back
to the onc anyway.

My family doctor also isn't able to answer all of my questions.

There's also the question of new drugs coming out - like Becky getting Herceptin after she finished her chemo. We need to be connected to our oncologists, I think.