5 year recheck at Oncology - Next Steps

Posted by Laurie, Volunteer Mentor @roch, Oct 20, 2023

I just had my last oncology appt (hopefully)!

It was a five year recheck, I had stage 2 ER+ HER- breast cancer diagnosed and treated at Mayo Rochester starting in 2018. Lumpectomy, few positive lymph nodes removed, chemo and radiation. AI before and after treatment. A Oncotype DX score was not done. When I asked about DX score years ago, provider said Oncotype DX test is used to determine benefit of chemo, and because my cancer had already spread to lymph nodes, the treatment plan should include chemo and Oncotype score would not change treatment plan.

Stopped AI in 2020 due to side effects after discussion with oncologist about risk. Per provider, my reoccurrence rate is around 15-20% without AIs. I am currently 68.

Like many patients, I asked what now?
Here is suggested plan:
- I will continue my survivorship care under the care of my primary care provider.
- Continue to do self-exams, I know my body and know what is normal and when there is a change.
- Screening with a mammograms and MRI (due to dense breast) every year. I have been obtaining mammograms and MRIs alternating every 6 months, and he said that would be reasonable approach.
- If any new concern, my primary can reach out to oncology team.

A friend asked if I felt abandoned, I said ABSOLUTELY NOT. As long as I get imaging, that is most important. My primary can order imaging and discuss results.

Breast cancer reoccurrence will always be a concern, but fingers crossed, no more need for oncology.

Laurie

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

kimogi57 | @kimogi57 | Oct 29, 2023

In reply to @sequoia "Hi Laurie, that’s great news. I’m heading into year five. Mammo & MRI yearly like you...." + (show)

Hi Sequoia, can you please tell me when your side effects to Anastrozole started? It was a big fear for me since I have so many problems with all most meds. I have been taking it for 2 weeks and feel great. Although I do have a little muscle pain in my middle back area. I'm not sure if it is from the Pill or yrd work!! I was so worried about it after all the reviews I read. I am sorry you had to stop. I hope you are doing well now. Hugs

kimogi57 | @kimogi57 | Oct 29, 2023

In reply to @semurrey "Thanks for sharing and sending best! May I ask if you had alternating MRI and Mammo..." + (show)

My heart is with you! Your friend is right. My ILC was picked up with a MRI and confirmed with a Contrast enhanced Mamogram than a biopsy. My yearly mamo showed a suspecious areas in my right breast. The radiology report suggested the MRI. The MRI report indicated the right breast has calcifications. But Suprise, my left breast had a suspicious area the mamogram didn't pick up. It ended up being ILC. Had it not been for the MRI I would still not know I had it.
The Mamo with Contrast saw it. I think it is the newest tool for breast cancer. It was followed by the MRI guided biopsy. Im so glad your oncologist listened to you!!

shirley46 | @shirley46 | Oct 30, 2023

I have had a contrast dye mammogram every years for 3 years after surgery. Then 2 weeks after last mammogram I had an unrelated annual blood tests and my kidney function rang alarm bells. I had another blood test 6 weeks later and my kidney readings had come up. I am 76 and before the surgery my kidney function was at 68%. I know we lose kidney function as we age but my reading went to 51% and is now back to 58% only 1% below for my age but I believe the dye has been partly responsible for the decrease. I had a normal mammogram this year and will do next year. In March I am off Arimidex. Hooray hopefully no more aches and pains from head to toe. Except arthritis of course.