Please can I ask a really stupid question

[Jennymary]

I was put on tamaxofen December 2013, radio January 2014, March 2014 Oncology said all was well and they didn't need to see me, I've been under the impression that after 5 yrs I'd go back for a review on the tablets, at time of writing this I've not heard anything, so the stupid question is:

Do i sit tight and they'll find me

Do I visit GP and get them to chase it up (I need to see her to arrange my bone scan for next year)

Or do I chase it up

Hope everyone is as well as they can be xx

[nanda29]

I would definitely mention to the GP if you are already going there.

I got treatment at Guy's Cancer and they told to call the breast cancer nurses if anything - so I would probably do that as well?

So answer B and C...In my experience, A (sit tight) is never a good idea! haha

Good luck with the review

[Redwine50]

I would chase it up .i was told 5years tamoxifen and then a change.it came up in a medication review.dont worry ,just get it sorted.good luck kxx

[Debs1962]

Have you not had yearly mammogram and see doctor yearly as well? They are now saying guide lines of 10 years for tablet treatment.

[Lainey66]

Here I have a yearly review, and this will be the case for the forseeable future. I am on Aromasin, albeit as an 'experiment', as I am TNBC. However one if my colleagues is on tamoxifen she was prescribed it for 5 years, for that 5 years she had a yearly review. After the 5th year she was signed off and discharged from the clinic. Whereas another colleague, was prescribed a further 5 years, and also attends a yearly review and will continue to do so until discharged. It all depends on what is found in the blood tests etc. I am surprised that you don't have a yearly review. Chase up a review as you need to know whether you are being discharged from oncoligy or not. All the best. Lainey66 xx

[lizzyHZ]

I am having my treatment in the Netherlands so I am not quite sure how recommended guidelines would work here in comparison to the UK - however, I had my lumpectomy in September 2016 and have been on tamoxifen since October 2016 and completed my radiotherapy in November the same year

I have an annual mammogram in the month of August when I go back and see my oncologist and also discuss how my body is reacting to the tablets - I would be shocked to have been told that they did not need to see me again!

In fact this year during my mammogram they picked up on something - so wheeled me in for an ultrasound and luckily it turned out to be scar tissue - better to be safe than sorry and deal with something early on than later it not having been picked up during regular check ups

According to my oncologist in the past everyone was put on tamoxifen for 5 - 10 years unnecessarily, these days they look more closely at the type of BC, the size of the tumor, if there had been a spread to the lymphnodes (in my case not) and 'personalise' the medication

So next year March I will go for my bone density scan and if that is OK then I will change after 2.5 years from tamoxifen to another medication for another 2.5 years - or I could remain on it a bit longer if I show any signs of bone weakness

Sit tight is in my opinion not a good idea - go find them don't wait around

Here my GP doesn't get involved it is all done directly with the hospital but if that's the way it's done in the UK then certainly discus it with them

I find it irresponsible that you have not been subject to a yearly review

Good luck and wishing you all the very best

[Jennymary]

Sorry, should have put in my post that as I took part in a trial I have had phone calls once a year from the trials team st oncology to see how I'm doing. I've also had yearly mammograms but at a different hospital

[carolinenailsea]

Check it out with your GP or hospital would be the best idea even if its just to put your mind at rest. xx

[Lainey66]

I would mention it to the GP however I would also be inclined to ring the oncology unit too. All the best.

Lainey66

[waveylines]

I agree with Lainey. Dont leave it...you will only worry. They should be arranging a follow up appointment with you.

Im on Aromasin....which they've now decided they want me to take for 10years instead of the 5years.