The first year after treatment ended it was every 3 months for the surgeon and the oncologist, the second year at 6 months, and then annually through the 5th year.
My oncologist has never ordered anything- the surgeon orders the mammogram and ultrasound, and everything else falls to my PCP.
I did schedule my appts with the oncologist and surgeon at alternating times. So, instead of both at the 3 month mark, I saw one at 3 months (12 weeks), and the other at (18 weeks) for the first appt. Then continued on the 3 month schedule for a year- that way I saw one or the other mid-point. Same when it went to twice a year, one in January and June, the other in March and September. Then at once a year, Jan for the surgeon, June for the oncologist. Made me feel a little less anxious especially during the first two years when I was told would be the most likely time for a recurrence.
For stage 4 its frequent blood work and frequent scans, its been every 3 months monitoring disease progression .
Thank you! Great advice!
For the first 3 years after treatment, physical examinations typically occur every 3-6 months. This may change to every 6-12 months for the following two years. After five years, annual physical exams become standard.
If you had breast-conserving surgery, mammograms are recommended every 6-12 months. Those with a single Show Full Answer