I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer 2 years ago and my treatment is Xeloda and biophosphate (Bondronat). Since my secondary diagnosis I have been called for a routine mammogram by letter from the hospital and I have just ignored them. Today I received a letter saying they were sorry to see that I had ignored their letter. I called the breast care unit and explained why I had chosen to ignore it, reasoning that seeing as I had secondaries and was being treated for them, there would be no point in having a mammogram - they said to consult my oncologist, which I intend to do, but I am not due to see him for 3 weeks. However, then I began thinking - was I right? Are people being treated for secondary cancer still having their routine mammograms? Should I still go for one? I would be interested to know.
I was diagnosed by routine NHS mammogram in July 2006, followed 3 weeks later by secondary bc diagnosis, in bones. No breast surgery. I’m taking Bondronat tablets too, also letrozole (Femara). I’ve not had any mammogram or CT scan since my initial diagnosis (!) but at my request, I’ll have a breast ultrasound in March. When (if) I get a letter to attend for mammo, I’ll write back explaining why I will not be attending. I’ve discussed this with my GP and BCN.
Are you having regular bone scans / blood tests, to monitor your condition, as I am ? (blood 3-monthly, bone scans 6-monthly.)
Hmmm, very interesting again! I only have bone secondaries, as far as I know. There’s been no talk of CT scans for me, but if I developed suspicious symptoms, or my tumour markers shot up, I guess this might happen… I’m waiting till the oncs raise the subject! It will be reassuring to have that ultrasound, I do wonder what is going on deep in the boob.
Hi…I’m not old enough (just yet) to be called up for a mammo but when I do get a call I’m not going to bother attending. I have tumour markers taken every 3 weeks and they’ve always been a reliable indicator for me. I also get examined every few months, breasts, abdomen, neck, lungs listened to etc. I had all the scans going on diagnosis but since then have only had a couple of scans and one ultrasound when something had been suspected…if I wanted more regular scans I’m sure I could have them but I’m very happy with minimal scans at the moment…if I had liver or lung mets (I have bone mets only at the moment) I think I’d want more regular scans.
Belinda…x
My onc advised me I wouldn’t be getting mammos as I regularly see her anyway, get examined, bloods taken, (like Belinda) so if anything were to develop it would be picked up quickly.
Its been arranged for me to have yearly MRI scan but this is through genetics (BRCA2 mutant - feel like one of the X-men). My ct/bone scans done yearly but also have them if I’m having any problems.
This is an interesting thread. I asked whether I would still have my annual mammogram after I’d been diagnosed with secondaries last Feb and my onc. said there was no point as in his words “the horse has already bolted from the stable!”. I get 3 monthly PET scans so am confident that I am being monitored well. I was diagnosed by a routine CT scan but had not been previously scanned so I have no idea how long I would have gone before I noticed symptoms. I’ve not had any bone scans - my mets were in my lungs and lyphatic system but the last scan was completely clear - next one at end of Feb so fingers crossed!!
I have not had a mammogram for a few years, as told no point, as been having regional recurrances with various treatments since 2005 an dx with secondaries Oct 2008. Even if a cancer did develope in my other breast, it would either show up on my regular CT scans or my cuurent secondaries would finish me off first.
Marmite x