Postby weisssoccermom » Sun Jan 15, 2017 10:51 pm
I agree with julie....a good gastro should be able to follow up with you AND, IMO, if you have a good relationship with your PCP, get him/her to order scans and bloodwork. From friends I have known, the gastro isn't necessarily the best to keep up with the bloodwork/scans, especially if the patient is a stage I (they often don't feel it is necessary).
My opinion.....too often specialists feel that they know everything and I know of too many gastros that feel that way BUT....they are the ones to go to for the scopes, rectal exams, etc. However, your PCP is just as capable of ordering scans, bloodwork, etc. as anyone else and USUALLY, a good primary care doc will refer his/her patient to an onc IMMEDIATELY if there is something awry in the scan/bloodwork.
Even though I had an onc who followed up with me, I still stayed with my surgeon for the follow up three month visits, scopes, etc. and my PCP ordered all my tests. When I got to the 4+ year mark, my onc was diagnosed with cancer, took a leave and eventually left the practice. Initially, I still saw the NP in the practice but it got really old so I just followed up with scans, bloodwork, etc. with my GP. Honestly, at about 3 years out, my GP was the one who ordered all the tests anyway since I had no desire to drive 30 minutes just to get some bloodwork at my onc's office.
I'm not saying to just avoid all followups...far from it. Get in to see your PCP and see what he/she recommends. It may be that a good gastro and your GP are a perfectly good combination. Honestly, without any chemo, the only thing your onc is going to do anyway is to order the tests, take your BP, listen to your heart, ask you how you are feeling and charge you a bunch of money (and a higher copay). If you are comfortable with getting your scopes done by the gastro and having your other work/checkups done by your PCP....go for it.
Dx 6/22/2006 IIA rectal cancer
6 wks rad/Xeloda -finished 9/06
1st attempt transanal excision 11/06
11/17/06 XELOX 1 cycle
5 months Xeloda only Dec '06 - April '07
10+ blood clots, 1 DVT 1/07
transanal excision 4/20/07 path-NO CANCER CELLS!
NED now and forever!
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