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What type of yearly checkup do you have?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Dec 18, 2025 | Replies (22)Comment receiving replies
Good question. I am 6 years out from breast cancer. I have very dense breast and I discovered the lump 6 months after a yearly mammogram. By time I found, had already spread to lymph nodes. Had lumpectomy, chemo and radiation.
Treatment was at Mayo. At 5 years out, they transfer my ongoing screening from oncology to my primary (also at Mayo). At my last oncology appointment we discussed ongoing monitoring. I pushed for MRIs seeing mammogram had missed the cancer. His recommendation was one mammogram and one MRI a year, alternating between the two every 6 months. He documented in his clinical notes. I asked if mammograms were needed if do MRIs and he said they recommend both.
My primary has followed his recommendations.
Replies to "@marshgirl24 Good question. I am 6 years out from breast cancer. I have very dense breast..."
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I had no symptoms of BC until annual mammo. Dense breasts/calcifications my entire life, now age 70. Distortions seen, F/U sonogram, F/U 4 biopsies, 2 each breast, breast MRI. Invasive tumor, in-situ(s) and ductal hyperplasia in both breasts. Bilateral mastectomy 3 months ago. Oncotype score 14, chemo not indicated, no radiation w/no breasts recommended. Out of 12 lymph nodes removed, 1 was positive. Surgery done at MSK in NY.
Seeing breast oncologist next month. Was told MSK does not do cancer markers in early stage BC. Any recommendations/tests I will need to make sure I don't have a re-occurrence? How will I know if the beast returns? On Anastrozole since June. Yes, some S/E's but trying to cope.
Despite the fact I have ischemic heart disease...but my cardiologist gave the OK to take it, even though a high risk for me - heart attack or stroke. Bone density 2 years ago normal. Next one in September...fearful of osteoporosis. It truly is a rock & a hard place. Anyone's thoughts on the best way for me to ask my MD - how will I be monitored?