?s on Follow-up with surgeon

Sheryl H · 04-23-2007, 06:02 PM

After my lumpectomy in December, my surgeon's office scheduled a follow-up appointment for April 17th. They called that afternoon, said the doctor had been in surgery and wouldn't be able to see me, so they would reschedule. Called me a couple of days later to reschedule for April 25th. I called them last week requesting a referral to another oncologist. Was told just to call the oncologist, that I didn't need a referral. Called the oncologist's office. They said I needed a referral from the surgeon's office. Called the surgeon's office again and relayed that info. The nurse said she could certainly do that, and by the way, the surgeon felt that he didn't really need to see me for the follow-up visit. He would see me in December, which is, of course, a year after my surgery. I don't understand why he would schedule a follow-up visit for four months after surgery and then decide it wasn't necessary. To be honest, I don't think I do need to see him. I believe I have healed just fine. Just seemed funny to me that he would cancel a follow-up visit that at one time, he must have felt was necessary.

Just wondering what others have experienced with their surgeon.

tousled1 · 04-23-2007, 07:09 PM

I had my surgery June of 2006 and I currently see my surgeon every 3 months. I see her in May and I don't know what the schedule will be after that.

04-23-2007, 07:26 PM

Like Kate, every three months.

Alice · 04-23-2007, 07:30 PM

I only saw my surgeon 2 times after my mastectomy. Once a week after for a check on how things were doing and again 2 weeks after that for drain removal. I think he was aware that if I had a problem that I would contact him. I also think he knew I was in good hands with my onc, they work together on many cases.

DonnaD · 04-23-2007, 07:50 PM

Not sure why but my surgeon sees me every three months after the lumpectomy. I get my muga, see the surgeon and the oncologist the same day. If all is well another 4 Herceptin infusions. I am finished with chemo and at the half way point of radiation.

Patricia · 04-23-2007, 07:52 PM

I had my surgery in July 05. Initially I saw him every 3 mos, but now I see him every 6 months on the same day as my mamogram. I get my mamogram, take the films and then go to his office for a follow up appt. I believe this is the schedule I will follow with him for the full 5 years. After that I believe he does 1/year.

Chelee · 04-23-2007, 09:34 PM

I had my surgery (mastectomy) and went in weekly to have the drained checked until it was ready to be removed. Once it was removed I saw my surgeon about every 3 months the first year.

It seems strange that your surgeon wouldn't want to have at least one follow-up with you to make sure everything looks ok? Maybe he just assumes you would make an appt and come in if you felt something was wrong? I am assuming you did not have a SNB? (Meaning no nodes involved?) If they were clean he is probably figures your onc would notice any problems & bring them to your attention. Hang in there.

Chelee

Karen Weixel · 04-23-2007, 09:35 PM

I saw my surgeon every three months for 2 years and now every six months.

Karen

ExpectAMiracle · 04-24-2007, 01:41 AM

My surgeon will see me every 3 months for a year, then every 6 months for 5 years and then annually for life. I had a lumpectomy and LOVE my surgeon. I'm undergoing chemo now, so don't know what the follow up schedule will be for onc. or rads.

{{Hugs}}

suzan w · 04-24-2007, 08:15 AM

I saw my surgeon every 3 months for the year following surgery. Don't know if I still need to see a surgeon, my oncologist thinks not...my surgeon passed away in February. When he died it was almost as bad as losing my father!

LisaElder1972 · 04-24-2007, 10:37 AM

I never saw my surgeon again after my bilateral.He wasn't a breast surgeon (lol he is head of the Trauma unit) but he did a wonderful job.My tumor was on bottom and I have a "pucker cut".I had tissue expanders put in during surgery so my PS just followed my care(he still does).

janet11 · 04-24-2007, 02:00 PM

Didn't think I'd see my surgeon again except to get my port removed, but found out that he DOES have a follow-up plan. Saw him today (after my post-rads mammogram last week), and he says I'll see him every 6 months for the first 3-5 years (and my oncologist every 6 months too). After that, it'll go to once/year unless I have a recurrance. He IS a breast surgeon, so he checks my mammogram and ultrasound films and does a manual exam of nodes and breasts. Very thorough.

Turns out I have a seroma (surgery was 8 months ago). Since it's not bothering me much, we're going to wait until September (5 more months) and see how it does. Will get another mammogram/ultrasound then too. If it's not majorly smaller, he's going to probably aspirate it then. And that's when he'll remove my port as well.

It's so nice to have a PLAN. I actually relaxed when I left his office -- I felt "watched", so I didn't have to worry myself. He really is thorough.

Janet