I am now 4 years out from my dx and am happy to say I am doing well. All of my treatment was done at a major cancer center but I have since switched to a brand new center and have changed oncs (I followed my surgeon to the new center). I have been there for a little more than a year.
I went in for my six month check up and my Zometa infusion last month. I had my infusion first and then was led to an exam room to wait for my onc. First the PA came in and asked me some questions, followed by my onc who asked the same questions. After we chatted for a bit, he said he would give me a brief checkup and then send me on my way stating that I didn’t need a breast exam. I asked him why not and he stated that he didn’t think that I would want one since I am followed closely by my surgeon and that I probably feel like I am examined enough. I told him I definitely wanted an exam by him and as far as I was concerned, the more times I am examined the better; he seemed surprised that I felt that way. His exam consisted of me sitting upright at the edge of the exam table while he tapped his way around my breasts. I fully expected this to be followed by me laying back and having the exam done that way as well – didn’t happen. This was the third time I had seen him and I don’t seem to remember his exam being done this way. I left there feeling disappointed with how my appointment went. I have no doubt that if I ever have to go through treatment again I will switch to someone else. On the plus side, I have complete confidence in my surgeon (he gives an extremely thorough breast exam), fortunately I see him in April.
Am I putting too much emphasis on the importance of the clinical breast exam? I get yearly MRIs and mammograms – alternating every six months so I am being monitored closely. I am just curious how others feel about the importance of a clinical breast exam. I also am interested in hearing how everyone’s exams are conducted and if you feel they are a valuable tool.
Thanks everyone! I'm looking forward hearing your thoughts on this.
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Gerri
Dx: 11/23/05, Lumpectomy 12/12/05
Tumor 2.2 cm, Stage II, Grade 3, Sentinel Node biopsy negative
ER+ (30%) /PR+ (50%), HER2+++
AC X 4 dose dense, Taxol X 4 dose dense
Herceptin started with 2nd Taxol, given weekly until chemo done
then given every 3 weeks for one year ending on March 16, 2007
Radiation 30 treatments
Tamoxifen - 2 yrs (pre-menopausal)
May 2008 - Feb 2012 Femara
Aug 2008 - Feb 2012 Zometa every 6 months
March 2012 - Stop Femara, now Evista for bone strengthening
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Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look
back and realize they were the big things.
- Robert Brault
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