Hi folks, I haven’t seen my onc since before rads, and my treatment (surgery, chemo, rads) is now finished, but I want to know what will happen when I see the onc for the first time now it’s over (which won’t be till end of March, seems like ages, is this a normal period of time?). I’d be interested to hear about other experiences - eg did you get a blood test to check for tumour markers, or any scans or other medical procedures to check that the BC has been well and truly beaten back? I don’t think I’ll be at ease unless they do some tests to reassure me, but I just want to know what others have had done once treatment is over - I don’t want to be fobbed off with a quick chat about how I feel. Also how often do you go for a check up for the first year or so, and what’s involved?
Hi scottiedog,
I recently went for my first post treatment appointment, and like you was unsure what to expect.I would suggest you write down any questions you do have and any concerns. I didn’t and, as it was ,didn’t see my consultant so didn’t get any questions I had in my head asked, as a joint problem I was having took over the consultation.I suppose I thought that all the information around treatment and outcome would be offered at this time.I spoke to my BCN a couple of times, and as a result I ended up going back to see the consultant at a subsequent date, this time with all my questions written down,which he answered openly.I did have a blood test taken, but this was for a trial I am involved in.My first appointment was 3 months after chemo finished, I didn’t get radiotherapy. I go back in 3 months time, again I don’t know but I think this is because of the trial. I didn’t get any tests to look at markers etc, someone told me that as I’d been treated for primary BC by having the tumour removed then all the other treatment is to mop up anything else that may be there and the chemo is based on what kind of tumour I had.My BCN said that future appointments are to see how I am keeping. I hope this helps.