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Reoccurence - Onc. Follow Up Visit

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Carbondale, CO

I am approaching my 2nd year cancer free anniversary. And some comments talk about blood tests, scans, etc. that an Oncologist requests at each appointment. I have had bone scans (1 yr. of Anatrozole, 1 yr. of Exemethsane), but no MRI's or blood work to check for cancer. What blood tests should be done? It's so difficult to know when a "pain" is drug related, or age related, or something to be concerned about
I had IDC stage 1, grade 3, ER-, PR(4%), HER-, no nodes. I did a lumpectomy, chemo… read more

February 12, 2020
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A MyBCTeam Member

Thanks for responding!

February 12, 2020
A MyBCTeam Member

When it comes to follow-up visits after breast cancer treatment to monitor for recurrence, here are some key points to consider:

- Regular Monitoring: After completing breast cancer treatment, your doctor will follow up with you several times a year to watch for signs of recurrence
- Mammograms: You may need a mammogram Show Full Answer

When it comes to follow-up visits after breast cancer treatment to monitor for recurrence, here are some key points to consider:

- Regular Monitoring: After completing breast cancer treatment, your doctor will follow up with you several times a year to watch for signs of recurrence.
- Mammograms: You may need a mammogram once or twice a year if you had breast-conserving surgery.
- Hormone Therapy: People with hormone-positive cancers may reduce their risk of recurrence by taking hormone therapy such as tamoxifen (Nolvadex).
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking, and exercising regularly can help decrease the likelihood of recurrence.

Symptoms to Watch For:
- Local Recurrence:
- A new lump in your breast
- New lumps on the armpit or collarbone
- Changes in your breast shape or size
- Changes to your nipple or nipple discharge
- Changes to the skin of your breast

- Distant Recurrence:
- Tiredness
- Changes in appetite
- Weight loss without trying
- Severe headaches

Types of Breast Cancer with Higher Recurrence Rates:
- HER2-positive breast cancer
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
- Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)

Statistics:
- Almost 30 percent of people with breast cancer experience a recurrence in the first five years after treatment.
- IBC is associated with early recurrence, with almost 65 percent experiencing a recurrence in the first five years after diagnosis.

Preventive Measures:
- Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy can help reduce the risk of recurrence.

Advances in Treatment:
- There have been significant advances in breast cancer treatment, potentially lowering the actual recurrence rate compared to older studies.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the resources provided by MyBCTeam.

July 20, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

I was stage II B with 7.1 cm of TNBC tumors. I get no scans or labs unless I have a specific symptom. My GP does all normal labs I need.

February 12, 2020
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member: most doctors do the yearly mammogram and bloodwork at least - in my case I alternate every 6 months with an MRI because my mammo was totally clear despite my having 3 tumours - so I don't have much faith in them.
There's no blood test that tells you whether or not you have cancer, but there's various blood tests they do to check levels of different things that give the doctor an indication of whether something seems off and warrants further testing.
The worst part about cancer is the distrust we develop for our own bodies - every new pain and ache makes us panic and worry. All you can really do is listen to your body - if you have pain somewhere and it's persistent and worsens, get it checked out. Otherwise eat well & exercise and enjoy life - every minute spent worrying is a minute wasted, after all.
That being said you should be having a yearly scan of some kind, at minimum.

February 12, 2020
A MyBCTeam Member

Thank you for your response.

February 12, 2020

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