Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Avon Lake, OH

I am 2 years post BMX. Today my breast surgeon said I no longer need to see her. Thry are putting me I to a Survivorship program instead. I am not sure what that means but I have an appt with a PA in January. When I finished treatment I went to a Survivorship nurse for one appt only.

July 19, 2018
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members shared a wide range of experiences around when their breast surgeon released them from care, with timelines varying greatly from just... Read more

Members shared a wide range of experiences around when their breast surgeon released them from care, with timelines varying greatly from just one post-surgery visit to ongoing appointments five or more years out. Several members described transitioning to oncologist-led follow-up care, while others expressed concern about gaps in monitoring, especially for aggressive cancers like TNBC. A recurring theme was the importance of self-advocacy, doing personal research, and asking care teams about survivorship plans to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

A MyBCTeam Member

I was told by the Breast Surgeon and the Plastic Surgeon that they would like to see me annually once treatment was over just to check on me. That was the plan prior to Stage IV diagnosis in 2012. I chose not to see them since I already see an Internal med doc annually, My Ear, Nose & Throat doc annually, my Cardiologist every 3 months & my Oncologist monthly. I am closely monitored by my Oncologist, so don't see a need to add in two more doctors to the mix. I would think it would be a good idea to see them annually if you don't have regular appointments with your Oncologist. Hugs, Paula

July 22, 2018
A MyBCTeam Member

In 2007 I learned thru CURE Magazine which is free to Patients, survivors and caregivers (curetoday.com) that there is a survivor plan or care sheet. I tried my darndest to get that through any of my care team. It really charts out how you will be followed: PET scans, Bone SCans, Mammos, MRIs, frequency of visits etc.

With me, It will always be my BC surgeon and me it seems. My second and last Medical Oncologist was not really interested in me because the second time around( first being invasive ductal same breast ( R side), was ONLY DCIS. No treatment after Lumpectomy. Could not have any more radiation, and it was TN DCIS. I will see her every 12 months unless something is seen on annual Mammo, then we start anew.

My suggestion is : do your own research, perhaps starting with www.breastcancer.org.or lbbc.org.

Hugs to all

July 19, 2018
A MyBCTeam Member

I'm 2 years out from diagnosis. Gonna see the oncologist and surgeon every 6 months for 5 years. Having mammograms also twice a year for 5 years. The radiation oncologist has left it to me to decide if I wanna see her once or twice a year. I had stage 1 IDC w Pagets and had lumpectomy.

July 25, 2018
A MyBCTeam Member

I am six years out. I see my medical oncologist every 4 months, my surgeon once per year and my radiation oncologist as needed. Also supposed to see plastic surgeon once per year.

July 19, 2018
A MyBCTeam Member

I released myself from all docs. I just stopped seeing each of them when I didn’t feel like going anymore.

July 19, 2018

Related Questions

View All
A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Seattle, WA