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What type of yearly checkup do you have?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Dec 18, 2025 | Replies (22)Comment receiving replies
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?
Replies to "I had no symptoms of BC until annual mammo. Dense breasts/calcifications my entire life, now age..."
@briarrose
At your next appointment, ask your provider if they will be providing a breast cancer survivorship care plan. It is a document summarizing your cancer treatment and outlining recommendations for follow-up care. Some locations have Survivorship clinics or providers that specialize in follow up care.
For more information on Survivorship Care Plan,
https://www.breastcancer.org/managing-life/cancer-survivorship/survivorship-care-plan
Mayo also has a podcast about What is a Survivorship Clinic. It is few years old, but should still be helpful.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/podcasts/newsfeed-post/what-is-a-cancer-survivorship-clinic/
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Hi! @briarrose and all my brave comrades on this journey of fighting BC:
I am so sorry to learn that your cancer center does not perform cancer markers checking for their patients with early stage BC. However, you may express your concern for the recurrence issue of BC with your primary care physician, for early detection is the key to treat any cancers. My PCP sets up quarterly blood work for me to check various tumour markers and carcinoembryonic antigens in my blood, such as: CA 15-3, CA 19-9, etc., based on my overall health concern. Due to the fact that I declined the radiation treatment for fear of its potential long term effect at my old age, I dared not to ask my team of oncologists for any extra blood work. Thankfully, my surgeon oncologist schedules semi-annual breast MRI alternating with Mammogram plus Ultrasound imaging scans to make sure that there's no recurrence of BC.
Wishing everyone a better journey ahead with peace, health, and love!