If an oncologist gives you tamoxifin should he still be seeing you?

I have non invasive breast cancer I had a lumpectomy. I also have atypical hyperplasia. My surgeon sent me to an oncologist to get on tamoxifin. The Dr. told me he did not have to see me again, because my cancer is 99% cured. He said i should have my gyn refill my tamoxifin and not to come back and see him. Do you think I should get a second opinion or just listen what he has to say. Anyone else have situations like this?

You should be seen every month for a while, and then, if things continue to go well on the Tamoxifen, every 3 months, and then every 6 and finally once a year. The once a year check-ups should continue for the rest of your life, which I hope is long and happy. At each visit the doctor should ask how you're doing and make sure you don't need help with Tamoxifen side effect (possible blood clotting, nausea and other effects or, no effects at all if you're lucky), take a blood sample to test for cancer markers, sometimes do a visual exam, sometimes recommend CT scans or MRI or a mammogram to make sure there is no recurrence. VIGILANCE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT EVEN IF YOU FEEL FINE AND CONTINUE TO GET GOOD RESULTS AT YOUR CHECK-UPS!

Are you checking on the long term health effects of this drug Tamoxifin? I think you should be aware of what they might be. Are you supposed to be on it for a limited term or indefinitely? I've heard both pos & neg stories.

If you are 99% cured of breast cancer, is Tamoxifin the only way to get the last 1%? Is this your only option?

I am in the same situation. My onc still wants to see me for regular check ups, but the tamoxifen I can get from my regular doctor.

Yes. There are certain types of breast cancers that respond well to tamoxifen and there are other that do not. Tamoxifen is more effective for breast cancers that are her2/neu positive (a marker). You should still see your doctor so that he can monitor your progress, so that both of you will know if you are responding well to the treatment or if not, use a different approach.

Definitely.

I can't imagine that your doctor would prescribe you tamoxifen and then just leave you be. For one, you shouldn't use this drug longer than five years (unless your cancer has spread, but that's a totally different situation) since it can have all sorts of long term side effects.

You say you had non invasive breast cancer. Do you mean you have a DCIS? Usually hormonal treatment (like Tamoxifen) isn't prescribed for women with a DCIS.

Moreover, you can't say that your cancer is 99% cured. You are either cured or not. He probably meant that there is a 99% chance that you are cured, which is a totaly different matter.

But I am not a doctor so I don't want to give you any medical advice.

If you don't feel good about this, I'd definitely recommend a second opinion. Even if it's only for your own peace of mind. The fact that you have asked this question tells me that you don't feel comfortable with it. Why torture yourself with uncertainty?

You had NON invasive Breast Cancer ( = DCIS / Lobular Cancer in situ).

Lumpectomy = Removal of that part of breast bearing the cancer, with a rim of normal tissue (so that no tumor remains).

Does that means you are cured ? Well, for that particular site - YES.
But , the fact that you are also having Atypical hyperplasia, means that you are at increased risk for breast cancer.

Note: Not all of your breast has been removed. The remaining tissue can undergo malignant change. BUT THE RISK IS SMALL (but more than a normal woman). Probably thats why ur doc told 99% cured.

Tamoxifen: reduces the recurrence of breast cancer in same as well as opposite breast. You should continue it for 5 years (That's the usual duration of treatment).

As you have had a lumpectomy and you have atypical hyperplasia - YOU NEED A REGULAR FOLLOW UP.
Initially, monthly, then 3 monthly, then yearly (for lifelong).
This is important to detect a recurrence EARLY, so that if there is a recurrence, you can still hope a cure by SURGERY.

Some investigations need to be repeated at fixed intervals as already suggested in the reply above mine.

SO, GET A SECOND OPINION.

Regards,