Follow up for mastectomy patient with regards to reoccurence
I am a ten year survivor of stage one, grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. I opted for a bilateral mastectomy since my cancer was not detected by a recent mammogram, and I felt that there is no other reliable screening device for those of us with “dense” breasts. Since my surgery 10 years ago the only follow up care I receive is a yearly breast exam. I have asked for additional bloodwork that may be used as markers for reoccurrence or imaging, but have been told by several oncologists that unless I had “symptoms”additional screening is not necessary and might provide false positives ( ie they are not reliable…) and that there aren’t any bloodwork markers. I have fortunately had no symptoms but have recently experienced the loss of two dear friends whose cancers did return shortly after their 10 year reprieve, only after their cancers had metastasized. I am wondering if this is the typical type of follow up that most oncologist prescribe. While I am so very grateful to not have any unnecessary testing and the anxiety of waiting for results, I live with the constant anxiety that when it returns it will be too late to do anything.
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This is great advice. I also like a slow silent walking meditation. Take a breath with each step. More fun outside but fine inside. Try starting with 3 minutes. I actually used to do this at work when I went to get a hot drink. "You are enough" is just the best--thanks for encouraging us all.
Thanks so much for this encouraging advice. You made my day and have given me a new goal for the New Year!