He said to ask my gyn, if he would refill my pills. What do you think of a Dr that would do that?
2006-08-01 12:12:52 · 16 answers · asked by mickey 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
The Dr. also said you see enough Dr's already you don't have to see another one.
2006-08-01 14:52:19 · update #1
Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for a specialist, once treatment is complete or in a maintenance mode, to turn routine/continued treatment over to your primary care giver. I do NOT condone this, but it does happen.
He needs to follow-up with you at regular intervals (at least yearly if not more often--especially during the first 5 years), to make certain you remain cancer free.
Were he my doctor, I would consider finding one who is a little more involved (ok...a LOT more involved) in the follow-up department. It makes me nervous (as a medical professional) when physicians just release their patients back to the primary caregiver without doing intermittent follow-ups/rechecks themselves. But that's just my opinion.
2006-08-01 12:23:29 · answer #1 · answered by rhubarb3142 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are in an HMO ask your primary to refer you to a new oncologist. You should be monitored regularly while taking Tamoxifen because there are possible side effects than can affect the liver. Your primary may be able to monitor all this for you but you want to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
After having seen so many doctors in the past few years. Breast Surgeon, Oncologist, Lab Tests, Radiologists, yada, yada, yada, when I found out I had to see another doctor was very frustrating, but for your well being of mind and body, it's worth it.
Good luck to you!
2006-08-01 21:05:07 · answer #2 · answered by knittinmama 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is absolutely out of his practise to make a poor suggestion like that. Anyone that has cancer must have scheduled dates per year to see an Oncologist. Tomoxfin is a very strong pill with several side effects, and it's the Doctor's job to track the patients results using this drug. You need to see another Doctor, and possible report this Doctor's practises.
2006-08-01 22:05:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went every 3 months for four years! Just now got to the point where I am starting every 6 months visits. Also I have yearly test. Pet scan. Ct scan. mammogram. Bone density. I would get a second opinion. Also a word about the Tamoxifin. It made me really moody. So if you find that happening you will need to talk to your doctor. There are a lot of side effects with everything.
2006-08-01 20:01:27 · answer #4 · answered by hello 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is standard protocal for an oncologist to give tamoxofin for estrogen positive breast cancer. You take it for 5 years. You need, however, to have a check up by your oncologist every three months for atleast the first two years. After those two years you can go every six months, and then yearly as time passes, but you do need to get blood work done to make sure you CA levels are normal and you need to have your breasts examined also. You will be seeing your oncologist for the rest of your life so if you are not comfortable with him/her, please find one that you are happy with.
2006-08-03 19:39:43 · answer #5 · answered by josievan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, I think I would report him.
When you have cancer you need to be followed by an oncologist. Doesn't matter if it's breast cancer or whatever.
Really sorry that you found one of the least caring oncology doctors out there!
2006-08-01 19:17:40 · answer #6 · answered by wldntulike_2know 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like they might not know what they are doing! i would get a second opionion and if needed a third and a fourth one too!!!!! I have had experiance with cancer paitents and oncologists and none of the ones i have ever met have acted like that! but a surgon i encountered did and we got a second opionion and its a good thing we did too becuase it saved a life!!!!!!!!
2006-08-01 19:19:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have to take Tamoxifen, then there's probably breast cancer involved. I've never heard of someone to tell you to take it and not come back. It's monitored and should be checked regularly by blood tests and mamograms. Time to change doctors.
2006-08-01 19:18:29 · answer #8 · answered by pamela_d_99 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What!?!?! I would NOT go back to THAT doctor and get a second opinion from another doctor. Sounds like he is either incompetent or has lost his compassion.
2006-08-01 19:16:06 · answer #9 · answered by PuttPutt 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WOW! You should get a new docand find one that does not trust mammo. It is only 70% accurate!
Stay on the docs they have to muchinfo to stay up on. FIND SOMEONE WHO SPECIALIZES IN BREAST CA. Get a PET/CT if appropraite!
2006-08-01 23:48:23 · answer #10 · answered by james c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋