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Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Nov 21 7:48am | Replies (1935)Comment receiving replies
@kathyomaha55
Just an addition to your post: I am told that that cumulative risk of recurrence, post-treatments, appears to depend on the original pathology report upon diagnosis (in particular, the TN). For example, women diagnosed with T1 cancer with zero positive lymph nodes had less than a 1% risk of distant recurrence (brain, bone, liver, lung, etc.) per year for 5 to 20 years years after diagnosis. This works out to be a cumulative risk of distant recurrence of 13 % 20 years after diagnosis.
Hormone receptors, HER2 status, and which treatments were given, also influence the statistics on recurrence. (The mind reels....)
The original cancer can return to the same breast or the other one, or elsewhere. Interestingly, if it recurs in a lung, for example, it still is considered breast cancer and is treated accordingly. Amazing....
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My oncotype DX score was 22, so there was no Chemo needed (it would not improve my survival rate). I was ER+, PR+ and HER2 Negative. I'm not sure of the TN - I need to go review my paperwork. They did do genetic testing. I had no genes for BC but some family history. I agree Each treatment and person can be different.
I went to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which takes a team approach to each cancer patient, The whole team decides together - what treatments will be best for each person. Team consists of Surgeon, oncologist, radiologist, Social worker, genetic specialist, and others. I was Stage 1 but grade 3. Each person needs to discuss with their doctor and have a feeling of trust with their doctor. My worst side effect so far is the joints in my hands hurt, it only started a few weeks ago. I've taken the drug for about 5 months. I'm only 63 - I want to be around a lot longer.....