Do I need an oncologist?

Six months ago I had a lumpectomy followed by 6 weeks of radiation.  I now have an appointment for a mammogram and an appointment with my surgeon.  I saw an oncologist right after the surgery and was told to come back in 6 months.  I have a surgeon, a radiation oncologist and a savvy GP who is also my gynocologist ( needed because I am on tamoxifen).Do I really need to go back to the oncologist? I seem to have too many doctors. What do you think?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Ning, There is no right answer as to who should monitor the routine follow up of breast cancer treatment.  This may vary from institution to institution, as well as between individual patients.  In our institution the breast surgeon may follow-up the routine monitoring, and if advise of the oncologist is needed they are available to be consulted.  Another way this is managed is by alternating of the follow up visits between the surgeon and the oncologist.  You may want to discuss this with your surgeon when you have your next appointment, to see how they usually handle the routine follow up among the specialties.  Then you can make your decision from there.