When to see Oncologist- before or after surgery?

[Chatch]

I have conflicting opinions from my internist and surgeon.  I have an "infiltrating ductal carcinoma, Grade II with no significant in situ component and no definitive angiolymphatic invasion demonstrable."  I am scheduled for a lumpectomy on 10/16 and my surgeon is planning on removing 2 lymph nodes as well.  My internist wanted me to see an oncologist and to have a cat or pet scan.  My surgeon says a cat scan is not called for, and the time to see the oncologist is AFTER I have the surgery and not before.  He is also planning on follow-up radiation and probably no chemo.  Where does the role of the oncologist come in and who is right...surgeon or internist?  I appreciate your help.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Chatch:  You do not mention the size of the lump.  Presumably, removing the lump and a safe margin of tissue will leave a good cosmetic result.  Is your surgeon doing a sentinel lymph node biopsy?  If he is only removing 2 nodes, that would be my assumption.  If the lump is small, there is probably no need, at this point to do a CT or PET scan.  You can choose to see an oncologist either before or after surgery.  There is no wrong answer.  If chemotherapy is recommended, it is usually given 3-4 weeks after surgery.  If you want to discuss your situation with an oncologist before surgery, you should do this.

[Crystal85]

I was totally confused with conflicting information until I went to see my oncologist - before the surgery.  

I felt he was a gift from heaven!  He put all the pieces together for me.  Once I had seen him, my surgeon got in contact with him also prior to my surgery to confirm treatment options.

I would strongly suggest anyone having this type of surgery see the oncologist before surgery.

Crystal