breast cancer returning

[Ginger7771]

It's been 3 yrs since I was diagnosed with invasive ductal cancer stage 2 estrogen positive. I did chemo, radiation and had a bilateral along with 13 lymphnodes removed on left side where cancer was. I had my last radiation in april 2008 . I also had a radical hysterectamy. Since then I have had no real teasts done nor do I take any medication. What should I do. Is there some kind of check up I should be having? How will I know if it has come back. I'm a head strong person when it comes to akes and pain. I know theres something I should be doing to keep track of things but what?

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi Ginger,

You mentioned that you do not take any medication. Since you indicated you had estrogen-receptor positive BC, I'm wondering if tamoxifen was recommended for you? With it, it has been found that there is a reduction in the rate of relapse of the original cancer, and also a 50% reduction in the risk of developing a new estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. (Although you had bilateral mastectomies, there can still be at least some remaining breast tissue.)

Beyond that, exercise, weight control (obesity was associated with a 40% increased risk of contralateral BC), a low-fat and low-calorie diet, smoking cessation (smoking raised the risk of contralateral BC by 120%), and avoidance of excessive alcohol ( 7 or more drinks per week increased the risk 90%), are all factors through which survivors can influence the risk of subsequent cancer development.

Best wishes...

[japdip]

I remember you ..... There are different theories regarding testing / screening after cancer surgery and treatment. If your Oncologist didn't recommend any routine screenings then I would be comfortable with that decision. I for one never chose to live my life by scans but some Oncologists and their pt.s have routine testing. It is a proven fact that you do not live one day longer if a recurrance is found by symptom or scan. I assume that you do see a Dr. on a fairly regular basis for general health issues and that he/she is aware of your cancer history. As a rule either Surgeons or Oncologists will follow a pt. with office visits on a yearly basis after treatment for as long as the pt. desires. If you are concerned for any reason then by all means have a check-up with your Oncologist but this isn't really necessary.      Congratulations on your completion of treatment which evidently was quite successful.     Kindest regards ....