Thank you everyone for your thoughtful suggestions. I am looking into a different oncologist.

I am a bit over 5 yrs out. I still see my oncologist every 6 months. She has always done a breast exam. She found a lump after all the surgeries and referred me for an ultrasound sound. It was determined that it was stitches from my reconstruction. But, that she wasn’t hesitant at all to refer and always takes my concerns seriously. Pls advocate for yourself. You need to feel comfortable with the physician and his/her recommendations. Best of luck. Lisa

I feel like I have two teams working together. My breast surgeon is now in charge of all my scheduled exams( or her PA). Currently it is every 6 months. Since I just had surgery and radiation treatment in July-September of 2026, my visits are on the beginning of what I call the 5 year pill plan. My surgeon schedules the MRI, diagnostic mammograms and regular mammograms. My oncologist role ( with his PA) I see every 3 months with lab work being done. Neither do a breast exam. But they monitor all my side effects and review them every visit. My lab work has been off and my oncologist became my advocate to throughly evaluate and have had additional test, ultrasound, MRI on my liver, and PEtScan for my bones. While they all came back with no cancer, he asked to do more lab work and a total PET SCAN. At this point I am under his direct care. I see their roles different ( surgeon and oncologist). Even my GP is in the loop, if I am not sure who to address my concern.
Final answer: seek another Dr that fits your needs.

My breast specialist does my breast exams. She is the one who will tend to monitoring how everything looks and feels and order imaging and biopsy is something is amiss.
I don’t think my oncologist has ever taken a look. He’s basically meds management and a little bit of symptom management. I like him very much.
For your pain—I tend to treat my joint pain and muscle pain and weakness with PT, herbal supplements, and personal training.
They’re not for everyone, but my dad also swears by Epsom salts baths for his really bad chronic back issues along with the above.
I find it kind of weird that she wanted to prescribe you a mood stabilizer without you asking for it. I take several mood meds, but they’re prescribed and managed by my psychiatrist. I wouldn’t think of asking my oncologist to manage that.
If you’re ever uncomfortable with anyone on your care team, go for a second opinion. We’re all here to support you in that.

I have changed a lot of doctors in specialties with no problems.
I would not switch though to an Oncologist in the same office….