at what point do you stop seeing an Oncologist?

Kimberly Lewis · 09-05-2008, 05:05 AM

I hit my 3yr cancerversary last month and have just moved to a new area. I really like my gp - an internist and wonder why he can't continue watching me instead of going to an Oncologist who doesn't believe in doing the ca27-29 anyway. Anyone have an opinion on this? Thanks!

MJo · 09-05-2008, 05:51 AM

My oncologist has 14 year survivors that he sees once a year. I expect to visit him once a year for at least 10 years.

Kimberly Lewis · 09-05-2008, 06:11 AM

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.

Melissa · 09-05-2008, 06:39 AM

Maybe it's good idea to continue with an onc, or better yet, a breast cancer onc. I see a general onc. Have you moved too far away from your onc? I realize it's additional appts but hopefully they would keep you informed about new information and treatments. For example, when the AI's came out survivors on tamoxifen were informed and some were offered clinical trails etc... If you do have to change maybe the new onc will use the ca27-29 test or you never know when a new test, a better test, will hit the market. Of course you could stay updated on all the new information also. Congratulations on your three year mark!!!!

MJo · 09-05-2008, 06:51 AM

I am only 3 years out and I still see the onc every six months. He and the nurse practicioner check me over. I also get blood tests. Yes, it's a well-baby checkup. I expect him to pick up subtle changes, if there are any.

pattyz · 09-05-2008, 06:53 AM

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 · 09-05-2008, 07:59 AM

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.

hutchibk · 09-05-2008, 09:12 AM

I fall towards the 'extremely careful' mindset regarding this... being that we are HER2+ - I would never stray too far from a thorough and knowledgeable oncologist.

When finished my initial round of treatment, my onc said he would see me every 3 months for at least 7 years! He didn't want to take any chances. Well, now that I am on my 3rd recurrence, that plan is obsolete, but it was good one that made me feel very protected!

Montana · 09-05-2008, 09:57 AM

I ended my yearly visits with my onc this past May. I will still see my PCP yearly.
I'll be 4 years out at the end of October. I'm no longer on any meds related to the BC.

This was my personal decision, not my onc's and is obviously not right for everyone.

AlaskaAngel · 09-05-2008, 10:48 AM

Hi Kimberly,

I'm hundreds of miles from any oncologist and at 6 years out as a stage I who has always been NED, my PCP is my watchdog. He is not run of the mill, though, and is very good about facilitating any testing we discuss.

I see my cancer center surgeon in Seattle once a year.

My onc happened to be a general onc at the cancer center and never was particularly tuned in to bc, much less HER2 bc!

I think risk level is a solid reason to stay connected somehow to someone who is aware of current research and not rely on a PCP for that. A competent PCP is wonderful but they have to cover so much ground for so many health problems that they truly cannot stay on top of the more particular research that applies to you.

A caution here is that my original surgeon in Alaska used the title "Breast Cancer Specialist", and she was the one who ignored several radiologist's reports that recommended "consideration of biopsy -- BIRADs level 4", which delayed my diagnosis. So if you are depending on someone in a rural area to watch over you in-between visits with cancer center docs, be more sure than I was at time of my diagnosis about the abilities of the person you are seeing.

AlaskaAngel

Brenda_D · 09-05-2008, 11:09 AM

I don't know what kind of schedule my Onc will have me on. I just saw him for my 3 month out check up and they scheduled me for one 4 more months out. I suspect it may go to 6 months if all goes well.
I'm on a every 6 month diagnostic mammo schedule.
Trying to push my PCP visit out as far as possible, as they ticked me off the last 2 times I was there for hip and leg pain and they gave me the brush off.
Found out from an MRI ordered by my rad onc, that I have some back problems (bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and a perineural cyst), as well as suffering from piriformis syndrome, pinching my sciatic nerve. I made sure they got a copy of the report.
If I remember, I'll ask my Onc what the schedule will be.

Kimberly Lewis · 09-05-2008, 11:26 AM

thanks you guys - its so good to have such a wealth of experience to tap into. I know what you mean pinkgirl about feeling like bread dough! The PC did that and I think is really up on BC because he told me his girlfriend died at 29 of breast cancer. so sad - but he was pretty knowledgeable because of it I think. I feel like I am awful picky but I just click with some dr's and not at all with others. I guess I will keep shopping.

Becky · 09-05-2008, 12:15 PM

Hey Kim

You and I must be cut from the same dough! I love my onc and general primary care doctor but had a (recent) huge problem with my rad onc so I am going to see my primary care doctor instead of the rad onc. I feel that switch is fine but the (medical) onc is up on new drugs and new blood tests etc. You might need him again and in a pinch whereas a rad onc can't radiate you again within the next week but the medical onc could give you chemo again next week.

Keep looking. Like husbands, the good oncs (and doctors in general) are hard to find.

Barbara2 · 09-05-2008, 12:48 PM

I am 5+ years past learning I had breast cancer. About on year 3 or so, my onc asked if I wanted to go to 6 month visits rather than 3. I quickly asked to continue with 3 months.

I always have questions (I have a little notebook that has been with me from the start) and I like the fact that when I have a new worry of some type, it probably isn't long until my next visit, which is a 45 minute drive. I have a her2+ friend who opted to go to 6 months when he offered it to her, and she took it. Each of us know our own comfort level, I guess, so go with what feels good to you.