To scan or not to scan/stage 4

So I don't walk in your shoes as I don't have a stage 4 diagnosis but if I did not trust my team, especially my onc, I would consider changing or at the very least, look for a second opinion.

A second opinion is likely one that you may have to pay for but if it gave you similar treatment plan it may restore your trust in your onc.

I see my onc as a public patient (in Beaumont). One of my cancer pals attends the mater private. Her onc scans every 6mo but she had a lobular diagnosis. My onc will only scan if their are symptoms. I had back trouble about 18months ago. I mentioned it at one my my visits, he adopted a wait and see, give it 2-3 months approach but eventually organised an MRI. As it happend it was nothing other than an old disk injury.

So don't settle for anything other the best. You have enough to contend with without double guessing your onc or yourself. So change or get a second opinion.

Good luck!

Hi Lindylu,
Thank you for getting back to me!
Am a very anxious person by nature anyway.
What do the Americans say' If you can't hug your oncologist you are with the wrong oncologist!'
I wouldn't go that far! I know they are under great pressure but we have but one life and you want to what is right.
Avril

Hi Avril
I hope you are feeling ok since your post. I just wanted to tell you that my oncologist is of the same opinion regarding scans (I'll pm the name to you). I don't share your diagnosis but like you I am quite anxious about everything. At the time of diagnosis, I expected to be followed up regularly with scans and he told me that it isn't really of benefit to possibly find a problem a few weeks sooner than your own body would alert you. I know I felt like he was saying that if something crops up, it's hopeless anyway so what's the point in knowing that a bit sooner. But when I thought about it more calmly since then, I know he was trying to say that our bodies will tell us if there is a problem and the treatment will follow as required.

I think the best we can do for ourselves is try not to worry too much. I'm not the best at that but I'm trying everything, counselling at the local support centre, relaxation cd at night, fresh air, learning to swim etc. I find keeping busy helps even if it's just busy reading a book or watching a movie.
Best wishes and hope things go well for you
Jo x

Hi avril
I really liked my 1st oncologist but was pushed by a really good friend to seek a 2nd opinion and I'm so glad I did. At the end of the day if the 2nd oncologist says the same thing then you know you are on the right track and if not you have choices. It's something you won't regret. I wish you the very best and lots of love xxxx

Hi Deise,
Thank you for taking the time to reply to me.
I bit the bullet and changed oncologist.
Hopefully I will 'click' with the new one.
Wish you the best of luck too.

Avril x

Hi Avril,

I am stage 4 and I am scanned every 3 months. My oncologist has it booked well in advance and it never is a case of seeing how I'm feeling on the particular treatment. To be honest I never know how the scan results will go so I'm very happy to have it every 3 months to be able to know how things are going! I have an excellent relationship with him, and I think everyone needs to be happy with their oncologist.

I cannot believe your oncologist would leave it symptom driven! Stage 4 is very serious and needs to be regularly monitored through scans and treatment. sometimes you cant tell how things are going. You can feel fine but things get worse without you even knowing! I'm so glad you got a second opinion. Good luck with your treatment and let us know how you get on.

Ellie

Dear Ellie,
Was indeed very worried about the whole notion of 'symptom driven'. Just did not get it.
Was worried as how would one know if back pain was as a result of treatment side effects[Zometa and Fasoldex] or something more sinister?
I have read many of your posts and know exactly how you feel especially your decision to postpone treatment until after Christmas.
It ain't easy!
Avril