does everyone see an oncologist?

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1

Been reading on here people talking about seeing their oncologist.  I know an oncologist has been involved in the case team but I’ve never seen one. 

Sx

2

Hi Shona,

 

If you are concerned perhaps it would be worth a quick phone call to your bcn or the oncology department to ask.  All hositals seem to do things differently and a couple of times I have read stuff on the forum and thought ‘oh no …’ but when I’ve phoned my bcn she has explained my team’s rationale for the way they are doing it and it has made sense and put my mind at rest.  

 

I hope this helps.

 

All the best xxx

3

Thanks. I think judging by what I’ve been reading on here that Im concerned that things other people seem to be having are missing from my treatment and support. I have not got any contact name or number to an oncologist or oncology dept. I don’t really have a strong relationship with my BCN although she seems ok. I wasn’t assigned a BCN until I was quite far through the process and this was only for one telephone call a week before my surgery - then she went on holiday so I didn’t actually get to meet her until the day I got my full results 2 weeks after surgery. I feel very lost and on my own.

4

Hi Shona,
In the NHS services each person will be discussed by a multi disciplinary team (MDT) and at this meeting yoyr specifuc diagnosis, histology, gradung, hirmone status etc etc will be reviewed, and using recognised predictiin tools a plan will be firmulated for a best treatment plan for you and your very induvidual case. Breast cancers are many and varied, this is why you see so many different plans.
Some private hospitals buy in to the MDT, but not all.
If you have questions, go back via the secretary if this is your onky link. I was copied in to all clinic letters too, so even if i forgot the details, the clinic letter had them laid out.
Good luck finding some answers
LL xx

5

Thanks for all your replies. I actually changed hospital as I was getting so anxious. I’ve now seen my oncologist (at the new hospital) three times. My treatment plan has been changed and I feel much happier. It’s worthwhile doing this although it was a very stressful thing to do but it was very straightforward after I initiated it.
Sxx

6

Shona me dear, 

I’m 10 years down the line and as non plussed as you are by the terminology, and I have a medical background. The fact that both my mastectomies were carried out by an ONCHOplastic surgeon - i.e. a surgeon having knowledge of and dealing with cancer.Not having required chemo or rads, I’m presuming reference on here to an oncologist is therefore with reference to CHEMO treatments. Is it??

Good luck with your diagnosis and treatment.

Please keep us in touch with how you’re doing.

Lotsa love Delly xxx 

7

When I moved I was borderline HER2 so chemo was undecided. Thankfully due to the further tests coming back negative it is now not needed so I’m having the radiotherapy now with ovarian suppression and aromatase inhibitor to follow. The oncologist helped a great deal and also helped me to understand my family history. My mum got BC the same age as me and sadly died from aggressive mets five years later. The oncologist helped me join the dots up and my treatment plan was changed as a result of the additional tests she did so it was well worth it. I feel much happier and more relaxed now going forward and it all makes more sense to me. Onward and upwards!!