four month checkup today

nitewind · 09-14-2009, 08:06 AM

My four month checkup is at 1:15 this afternoon.
I don't know weather I'm just looking for problems or what! My onc sees me every four monthes and it's the same thing everytime.....Checks my scar area, checks for any lumps, says "see ya in 4 monthes". Then I have my blood drawn (I don't even know what for).
I finished with my final herceptin in December of '07.
I know what you're thinking....lucky me. And I know that. It just seems that I read here all the time about everyone having scans and tests to make sure everything is okay and for some reason I never need a scan. God knows, I'm thankful, but I'm scared that something might be going on that I don't know about. If there is anything amiss, can they tell just by bloodwork?
My onc is not the most patient or understanding person, can't really talk or relate to him (good doc, just not a people person). I'm not asking for scans, I just want to be sure that I don't need them.
Am I borrowing trouble or needlessly worrying?
Help please, I need some opinions.

TriciaK · 09-14-2009, 09:54 AM

Hi birthday buddy! I am not an expert but it seems to me that you deserve more answers than you're getting! Does your onc have a medical assistant or a physician's assistant you can talk to? I have found them to be often more helpful than the onc, especially the MA. I make a
list of questions to ask. No matter how simple they seem, they need to be answered by someone! The blood tests probably include cancer markers that can give clues, and if nothing else is showing up on the 4 month checkups, which should include a CT or PET scan at least twice a year, you are likely in the clear BUT, they need to be reassurring you more than it sounds like they are. Try to find an MA or ME who will talk to you. Sometimes you have to be insistant! Is a second opinion an option?
Good luck and let us know how things go. Hugs, Tricia

nitewind · 09-14-2009, 11:12 AM

Hi Tricia, so good to hear from you and thank you so much for responding.
I just got back from my checkup, like I said, same old, same old. I did question the doctor about the blood work and asked about scans. He told me if anything was wrong something would show up in the blood. As far as scans, he said "quit borrowing trouble". He did finally give me a script for a mammogram, it's been almost a year since I had one. I was kind of under the impression that it should be twice a year for awhile.
He said as long as I feel well and have no complaints that I shouldn't question things.
As far as a second opinion goes, he is my second 0pinion. My first doc liked to yell at me and tell me "just take the chemo and quit questioning everything. He had me upset most of the time and the last time I saw him, I left the office, in tears, without my treatment.
So, anyway, I'll be getting my mammogram one day this week and we'll see how that goes.
Thanks again my birthday buddy. I always like to hear from you.
Big, big hugs

suzan w · 09-14-2009, 06:00 PM

Hi Nitewind! Whenever I get blood work done, I always ask them to send me a copy of it...then I look to see what they have scanned...like a CA 27-29 (tumor markers...should be low), Then I keep them in a file...to see if there are any changes. I saw my onc. every 3 months for the first two years after chemo ended, and had bloodwork every 3 weeks for the Herceptin for that first year as well. My onc. would examine the scars, look at the blood work. Then year 3 and 4 I saw the onc. every 6 months, with more blood work. Now I will see her yearly. She did tell me that if I ever wanted any scans...she would order them, but did not consider it necessary without symptoms. My onc. is not the 'warm fuzzy type' either...so when I need a hug I come here!!! Here is a hug for you!!! XO Suzan