In September 2021 a routine mammogram detected abnormalities. I had bi lateral WLE, chemo and radiotherapy. All went well despite the distressing side effects including hair loss that so many of us know too well.
I now have annual mammograms, im waiting the result of my second, but I can’t help feeling this isn’t enough to detect any recurrence or spread. Does anyone feel the same or know if there is anything else that can be done for reassurance.
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Hi there,
In early 2018 i was diagnosed with stage 2, estrogen receptive, breast cancer. I had the lesion removed (wasnt in the associated lymph nodes but had spread to breast tissue). I had radiotherapy & took daily Anastrozole tablets.
After 5 years of annual mammograms, early last year it was discovered that my breast cancer had moved to my liver & is now stage IV.
It was only when visiting the doc re the latest mamm results & being told it was clear, I happened to ask “then why am I feeling so unwell”. I was then examined & because my liver was enlarged sent for an ultrasound that revealed the met cancer. I am now having chemo treatment to slow the progression.
I have since researched it is not uncommon for this type of cancer to resurface in other areas ie liver, brain without involving the breast.
I am grateful now to be having the treatment on offer but it does seem that management of the disease in my case has been more “reactive” rather than “proactive”.
There are so many variables with cancers, prognosis & treatment & yearly CT scans, ultrasounds may not be a viable or advisable option.
I wish you a journey with continued health & no recurrence.
Blessings & love:pray:
,
CarlyCat
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Thank you for your reply. What you’ve described is exactly what I am concerned about. I will look into the possibility of other checks for peace of mind. I hope your current treatment is not too harsh and does its job successfully. Very best wishes.
Alison x
I too share your concerns. Two years ago I had an abnormal mammogram showing calcifations (no lump). Turned out to be ER+ HER2- grade 1 stage 1 invasive BC, 1cm with further DCIS and LCIS. I had a mastectomy and they won’t do any further checks apart from yearly mammograms on my remaining breast. Best I can hope for and have had is a yearly meet up with the BC nurse and she has a feel around. That’s about it!
I’ve asked if I can have MRI scans but I’m told no I don’t need them. I worry about recurrence to my chest wall (even though I had good margins and no spread). I also worry that the LCIS is more difficult to see on mammograms. My last 2 mammograms have been clear but how can they really know without scans?
The trouble is they will only scan if you’re symptomatic, find a new problem or lump. Well by the time we’ve become symptomatic things could have progressed along. It’s hard living with the worry every day and I feel we should be able to get more peace of mind.
I’ve come to the conclusion if I want an MRI I will have to pay for it myself! How does anyone else feel about this?
x
I share your anxiety. I too had ILBC which did not show up on a routine mammo 6 months before I noticed symptoms. One tumour showed up on ultrasound and another small one on MRI. I am 3 years post surgery/radio and annual mammos, even the tamography type, do not reassure me. My onco said many of her lobular patients feel the same and I was not to hesitate to ring the breast clinic if I had any concerns. I intuited the sub text as no budget in radio for annual MRIs so make a fuss if you are concerned. Last summer I had constant breast pain so I rang the breast clinic, saw a doc the following day, had ultrasound there and then (breast clear) then doc rang consultant. Consultant advised ‘belt and braces’ which was a chest, abdomen and pelvis CT scan plus a full body bone scan. It was such a relief to get a letter saying ‘good news - no sign of cancer anywhere in your body’. The hard fact that we all live with is that cancer can return as a secondary anywhere in the body. But mostly it doesn’t. Don’t be afraid to ask daft questions, or make a fuss, or ask for another opinion. My local team are all amazing, kind and supportive. Big hugs to you all 
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Wow. I’m so glad you had an understanding consultant who took that approach. That really was belt and braces. Wonderful to hear everything was clear for you and you have peace of mind. If only all hospitals were that good!
All the best x