What happens next?
What happens next? Hi everyone
Hope someone can answer this. I’ve had my chemo, then rads which finished at the beginning of December. I’ve now got my appointment through to see the onc again. I know he’s hoping to put me on Arimidex, but I haven’t a clue what happens at this appointment. Can anyone enlighten me - will I have to have any tests and are there any questions I should be asking?
Thanks in advance - it’s good to be back (I’ve had several computer problems!)
Heather
— Hi Heather’
I say my oncologist as i started RT to discuss which tablet to go no Tamoxifen or Arimidex. This isn’t as straightforward as it seems and different oncologists have different opinions
I then saw him a month or so after treatment and he told me what symptoms of recurrance to look out for and how to check my remaining breast. He answered all the other queries and questions that had occurred to me since treatment finished.
You will also need to ask what follow up care will be offered. This seems to be quite minimal, They seem to wait until symptoms appear. Why not start writing down questions fo when you see him.
Best wishes
Kelley
Hi Heather My onc just gave me a thorough physical examination at the first appointment following the end of treatment (which was exactly a year prior to you, December 2004). He asked about my general health but didn’t do any tests - he seems to leave those to the surgeon, who I see for alternate appointments. I had already started taking Tamoxifen and he just asked me what side effects I was having etc.
It was all quite painless really and very reassuring to know that everything was OK for the next 3 months at least!
Hope all goes well for you.
Jo x
follow up Hi Heather,
I am in the same position as you finished chemo and rads mid Dec and have appointment for oncologist next week. I have already been started on tamoxifen but asked about arimadex so was advised to have bloods taken for menopausal status and also to check general blood status after chemo,so you will probably have a blood test. I am not expecting scans or anything complex at this appointment I believe it is just a general review of how things are and how you feel. I believe the next follow up will be 3 months but I intend to ask about mammogram, MRI, and further scans when and if necessary. I hope this is helpful and good luck
Massie
Arimidex Hi Heather
I’m assuming that you have had a bone density scan? If you haven’t I would ask for one because taking ARIMIDEX can cause osteporosis and post menopausal women are already a high risk group for it.
Just to be on the safe side.
Best wishes.
Bill