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Where are my UROs and ONCs?

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Posted 1/22/2012 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
I have one more 3 month injection left and the most common question I'm asked is "how do you know if your treatment was successful?" and of coures "how you feeling?" And I'm not sure how to answer them. In all honesty, the only complications I've experienced is the HT SEs. Do I report back to my URO or ONC for monitoring or do I stick with my GP unless my PSA says otherwise?
Posted 1/22/2012 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
My understanding with each of the various doctors has been clear about which does what.

I would be having followups with the doctor who prescribed the HT for PSA and related tests. My GP does all the periodic general stuff, the uro does the PSA and three month followups.

I was also a little surprised that my RO actually sent me back to the uro/surgeon for all followup. I had the misguided idea that the RO would follow up on their work.

Ask them.

Posted 1/22/2012 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
Foxrun,

Please clearify.

Did you have the seeds and IMRT yet? You state a psa level from May 2011, Did you have any futher psa tests? When on HT PSA and at least testestorone levels must be regularly monitored along with other markers. If you have this data please post it.

JT

Posted 1/22/2012 8:17 PM (GMT 0)

John T said...
Foxrun,
Please clearify.

Did you have the seeds and IMRT yet? You state a psa level from May 2011, Did you have any futher psa tests? When on HT PSA and at least testestorone levels must be regularly monitored along with other markers. If you have this data please post it.

JT

I had the seeds done at the beginning and end of my IMRT(July & August) and I have my PSA and T levels tested at every 3 month injection.
Posted 1/23/2012 4:17 AM (GMT 0)
What is your PSA and "T" level right now?

I too have discovered that when Radiation Oncologists complete their treatment they lose interest in any follow-up visits..Even though THEY prescribe the adjunct hormone treatment, they do not administer it or monitor it's effects.

Urologists are usually happy to take your money unless you have "jumped ship" to be treated by a Medical Oncologist..As long as your PSA stays below "undetectable" and you are tolerating the HT side-effects, you are good to go...
Posted 1/23/2012 4:31 AM (GMT 0)
My Urologist told me before I started my EBRT that he'd would follow up after the radiation treatment - if my PSA was okay then he'd be done and I'd go back to my GP for long term monitoring. My RO made it clear when I started that he was only doing the treatment (kind of like giving out a prescription) and after I completed the treatments I'd go back to my Uro.
Posted 1/23/2012 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
Interesting to see the different attitudes on follow-up out there. My uro and rad onc both want regular follow-up. For now, I am alternating PSA test follow-ups between the rad onc and uro. They are both fine with that.
Posted 1/23/2012 5:08 AM (GMT 0)
My uro and rad onc both want regular follow-up.

after my one-year follow up my radiation oncologist was "done".  however, he will still see me if i want.  i did see him recently and he wrote a prescription for me and asked me when i wanted to see him next.  i told him i would call first.

my urologist is the guy i will have to see for the rest of my life.

ed

Posted 1/23/2012 1:02 PM (GMT 0)
A final note on my on my treatment completion and followup plan indicates that no further appts are scheduled at the cancer treatrment centre, but they would be please to hear form me or my GP if there are problems or questions related to my ratiation treatment. And yes, so far all my PSA and T levels are where they should be. PSA - 0.03 and T - 1.66 L
Posted 1/23/2012 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
I am a bit more than a year since  my primary radiation treatment was finished and I am on HT for another year or so.   I see my uro every three months and probably wil for the next several years.   I am now on 6 months with my rad onc.   That will go to once a year at some point and will continue indefinately.   They continue long-term followup so they can monitor patients and develop their own treatment, side effect, and success statistics.   I see my med onc once a year and he will be my main go to if I have a recurrance.   He collaborates with my uro on several patients.   I see my GP at least twice per year for general physical and blood work.   I have directed each doctor to share all their information with each other.
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