When do you stop seeing oncologist?

[mymaria]

I am five and a half years NED with colon cancer and six years NED with uterine cancer. I see my colon cancer oncologist soon and just wondering if-and when-there's an end to the 10-minute check-ups. I have no pain, no problems, get a colonoscopy every year and am followed by other doctors. When is it time to say 'see ya later?'[

[weisssoccermom]

Like you, I was a stage IIA as well and stopped seeing my oncologist at 5 years. It just seemed silly to keep driving out to his office for what? As you said, it was a 10 minute, at most appointment where he did absolutely nothing. I also often felt that IF another patient came in during my wait in the exam room, that other patient took priority over me. So my 'visit' sometimes could ultimately take way more than an hour. Now, don't get me wrong, I understand that those in active treatment should take priority, but geez, when I am sitting in the exam room, at least come in, do the little poke here, listen to my lungs and let me be on my way.

I still am 'followed up' by my family doctor who orders my CEA now 1-2 times a year and until after year 5, also ordered my CT scans. The expectation was that IF something showed up on the scan and/or IF my CEA started rising, she (my GP) would continue to monitor me. IF there was a problem, back to the onc I would go. In addition, when I reached year 6...insurance would no longer pay for my scans.....can't blame them because based on standard of care adopted by oncologists, scans aren't recommended after year 5. I also see my colorectal surgeon at least once a year so am followed on that front as well. IMO, ditch the onc but get your CEA/CHEM tests done by your GP.

Just curious...why do you have YEARLY scopes??

[mymaria]

Thank you for your reply! I have yearly scopes because I have Lynch Syndrome. I also have endoscopies every three years. The oncologist stopped the CT scans so I've been CT scan-less for about a year and a half. Even when I had a full-blown tumor my CEA was below 2, so it's not a good indicator for me. But I have other bloodwork done once a year for my thyroid so I can definitely ask to have that added to the order.

[weisssoccermom]

Like you, my CEA is not a good indicator for me. At diagnosis, my CEA was 0.5 and has never been above 1.9 since. Still, my GP just runs it with my yearly blood work...something I appreciate. IMO, as long as you have a good reputation with your GP....stick with that person and skip the time and the specialist copay associated with the onc.

[KimT]

I'm 5 years out from my colon cancer diagnosis and I quit seeing an oncologist for it at 3 years. I have yearly scopes due to lynch and IMO that is more important than the 10 minute oncologist visit. I do still see a gyn oncologist for ovarian cancer follow up though. It seems pointless to me to have to see 2 different oncologists.

[justin case]

I quit seeing my oncologist, when she handed me to the PN. I stopped seeing the PN, when she acted like she knew more than the oncologist. Currently in a quandary, as to whether I want to pursue another oncologist
Michael

[Mastan]

When I'm dead.

[Jachut]

I stopped at about the 3 year mark. I liked him better than my surgeon but still needed to see my surgeon to manage bowel issues, so it seemed sensible for him to order the CT scans and bloods.I've been seeing my surgeon 6 monthly, he's just lengthened that to year. I"m 5 years out from diagnosis now.

[disco nap]

I stopped in September 2011, about 6 months after completing chemo, and about 16 months after dx.. I wanted to be discharged to a regular family doctor for follow ups so I wouldn't have to go to the cancer clinic all the time. The oncologist agreed. I think it helped being out of the cancer care system - it helped me to feel not sick anymore.

[PGLGreg]

Never, so far as I know. I'm coming up on 10 years NED now, and I still see my medical oncologist twice a year, with a blood test before each appointment. I'm not saying it's still necessary to keep up the cancer surveillance, but it's little trouble for me, my insurance pays, so I keep it up. I don't get CT scans any longer. My oncologist also acts as my pc doc, since he tracks my blood pressure and cholesterol, and whatever.