Questions for Oncologist?

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Hi Ladies!

I have my first oncology appointment on Friday (24th) after completing my surgery and chemo. I’ve just started taking tamoxifen. Can anyone give me some idea of the questions I should be asking of my oncologist? e.g. future scans/reviews etc etc.

Much appreciated

Deb x

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Hi, Deb

I was told I wouldn’t get scans as a matter of course, only if I noticed anything that caused concern. I am a HER2 lady so on Herceptin only till Dec. I asked how I would know if the Herceptin had worked. he told me if I was still alive and well in 10 years, it had worked!!!
good luck with your appointment

Carol

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I suggest you ask how long you’re going to be on Tamoxifen, if and when he is going to switch you over to aromatase inhibitors, and how they’ll test to check you’re ready to switch drugs. This is an area it seems many oncs don’t make clear.
I’ve been told that I will see the onc and the breast consultant each year, with the appointments six months apart, for five years. I will have a mammogram each year before I see the breast consultant. This approach is reassuring, so I don’t feel I’ve been abandoned by “the system”.
Sarah x

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Thank you ladies :slight_smile:

Sarah - what are aromatase inhibitors?

Deb x

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Hi furball

Aromatase inhibitors are drugs such as letrozole and arimidex which can only be taken when you are post menopausal. Tamoxifen stops oestrogen from getting to any potentially cancerous cells. Aromatase inhibitors stop the production of oestrogen.

Maria x

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To add to what mazbaz said - once your ovaries stop producing oestrogen, in other words you are post-menopause, a small amount of oestrogen is still produced from fat cells (I have a plentiful supply of those!). Aromatase inhibitors block that oestrogen.

Your medical people will be careful to make sure you are post-menopausal before switching you to AIs because if you are put on them before your ovaries have shut down then the enforced drop in oestrogen levels would cause your ovaries to try to produce more to compensate.

Sarah x

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Thank you soooo much Sarah/Maria/Carol. You’re such knowledgeable ladies :slight_smile:

Have a great day.

Deb x x x