I have recently finished my treatment. I had mastectomy, chemo and radiotherapy. I had 9 affected lymph nodes so am concerned about chances of secondary cancer as well as recurrence on the other side. The NHS follow up system of yearly mammograms does not seem very robust to me. I’m keen to hear from others particularly regarding:
How you self-monitor
If you have had recurrence/secondary cancer, what you could have done differently to spot it earlier
If there are any options for more intense monitoring if you go private
My treatment plan is slightly different i.e. chemo (done), lumpectomy and full lymph removal (done) and radiotherapy to happen shortly and then like you have been told a 6 week follow up (on the phone) with my oncologist after radiotherapy and then it will be the yearly mammogram - I do feel we fall off a cliff edge after treatment but it seems the norm having spoken to others.
I have also been referred for genetic testing due to the type of cancer I have which I am going for which will mean if it comes back positive, some more decisions to make so my journey for that reason has extended a little and I will have more support.
I guess all we can do in the interim periods, is be very mindful of our bodies, feelings etc. and alert early any changes that we feel occur without getting too paranoid (which I guess is a danger) - I know I feel I will live with cancer forever just need to learn how to live with it so it does not affect me too much.