The risk of getting a second breast cancer.

Eileen72

The risk of getting a second breast cancer.

Eileen72

Hi My name is Eileen72,

I had breast cancer in 4/2004. I had surgery and had radication treatments. I have been on Arimidex

since 10/04. I have been doing very good. The fear I have is getting a second cancer. As there is so much cancer in my family. My doctor just told me that I would not need the 6 month mammogram this time. I could wait until Oct 2008 as I had my last one in Oct 2007. This scares me I'm afraid that going a full year is too long.

Do you have any thoughts on this, or any information that is the normal treatment ? I would appreciate any input you might have. Thank you.

Jenniferz

Eileen,

There is alot of cancer in my family,too.  But, only 3 of us has had bc. Having said that I was diagnosed in May, 06 with IDC, and had a mastectomy.  Nodes and margins were clear, and since the size of my tumors were so small, no chemo, no rads.  I have been on Femara for almost two years, and have just finished my second mammo since surgery.  That's one per year....not every six months.  My surgeon, onc., and pcp didn't think anymore were necessary.  And so far, they have been right.  I am still NED!!  (yipppee!!)

Talk to your doctor again, and discuss your fears with him/her.  If he says that you're good to wait, then try and trust his/her judgement. 

Hoping you find peace of mind,

Jennifer

dhettish

Hi Eileen,

I remember when I had bone cancer in 1986-87. Afterwards, I had so much fear that every little pain was the possiblity of cancer. After a few years it went away.

I just finished my chemo and will not be on anything else since I am triple negative. I worry now. I did not get to see my onc on my last tx and I want to make sure she orders a pet scan and any other test to make sure there is NED. With the high recurrence rate of us TN's, I know it is going to be sometime before I don't freak out over every pain. I had a dbl mast so no mammo's for me. I don't know what they do now? To make sure there is nothing in the chest wall. I heard it is impossible to remove all the breast tissue so in lieu of mammo's I am not sure what I do.  I'm hanging in there with you and loving the support of this community.

Debbie