Just need to vent - scared

[tricia keegan]

Cathy I'm sorry you had that experience which would have angered me no end, I had my port out a month after my last herceptin and my Onc only does scans in the event of pain or symptoms as why risk the extra radiation small as it is??
Your Onc is not calling the shots here, you are, it should be a team effort and in your case I'd be looking for a new Onc, insisting my port come out (you pay his bills after all) and refusing these six monthly scans unless there's a good reason for them!
You'll read here many times that Herceptin has changed the whole dire diagnosis for those of us who were fortunate to have it with early stage BC, it sounds like your Onc is living in the past to me, and while of course the risks of recurrance are still there we need to go forward with confidence and live our lives, not be reminded of the risks from the person we trust to keep us safe!!

[Cath]

Thanks everyone for your support. I knew if anyone would understand it would be all of you.

[starwishn2]

WOW... I am angry as well! I changed oncologist's several years ago, when I was dealing with platelet issues, because of the way she treated me and talked about me (called me her "problem patient"). I have been so much happier with my current oncologist. You deserve to be treated with the utmost respect! Maybe if you don't feel comfortable switching right away, you could at least go to another oncologist that is highly recommended, (for their knowledge and empathy) for a second opinion. I agree - if your doc thinks you are high risk - why aren't you on Herceptin?? What is he waiting for.

Hang in there!!
Jeri