I have been seeing my oncologist/surgeon for the last 20 years for preventive breast exams. I had a double skin-sparing mastectomy with tram flap reconstruction a few months ago. Will I need to keep seeing him annually?
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Q: Will I continue to see my doctor on a yearly basis after my tram flap reconstruction?
Answers (2)
11/25/08 4:27pm
Hi - Depends on what other treatment you had/have. You'll see your surgeon every 6 months for at least a couple of years. And you'll see your oncologist for at leat 5 years, and longer if you take hormone drugs on an ongoing basis. As you get farther out, the visits will be simply physical exams, maybe blood once a year or even less. There's no need for any further scans, unless you have unexplained aches/pains. You'll get a baseline DEXA scan if you're taking drugs, or near or past menopause; then another DEXA every 2-3 years. Hope this clairifes things for you - good luck. PJH
11/25/08 4:16pm
More than likely you will be seeing your oncologist annually. He'll probably want to do at least yearly, if not quarterly blood tests to monitor your markers and counts - as well as send you out for things like dexa scans and what not. But the only way to know for sure is to ask your doctor how often he'll want you to follow up. Each doctor is different. If he is completely done then he may recommend you to another doctor for your tests.
Good Luck!
Angi
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By nsharian— Last Modified: 01/10/12, First Published: 11/25/08
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