What are signs and symptoms

elainemd

I keep asking my Oncologist if there are any tests I should be taking to see if my cancer has returned.  He says no.  He will be able to tell at my six months check up.  I had bi lateral mastectomy with 28 lymph nodes removed. I had invasive duct cancer. I am very concerned about it coming back.  Since a mamogram is out of the question, how do you know?  Who do I go to if my doctor refuses to do testing.  I am afraid I will find out too late.  My cancer was missed for 2 years on my Mamogram.  When I pulled my past Mamo's even I could see it. 

sheila888

Maybe you can see your DR every 3or 4 months instead of 6. Ask him. I only had a lumpectomy but saw my DR every 3 months the first 2 years, now its every 4 months.

What kind of treatment did you have?

Just ask him, because its not the insurance who is denying it.

Have a piece of mind

Good Luck

Sheila

elainemd

I had bilateral mastectomy, lymph nodes removed. Chemo and radiation.

lexislove

This is all I know about symptoms:

Headaches, blurred vision - brain mets

Bone aches/ pain that get worse over time / when you sit it still hurts - bone mets

Coughing that won't ease up - lung mets

Weight loss / change in urine - liver mets

I follow the 2 week rule...if I have an ache I keep an eye on it for 2 weeks. Has it gotten worse ? Better? Has it gone away or still the same?

My onc doesn't do routine scans either unless symptoms arise.

I hope some stage 4 woman can help answer your question more..than myself

konakat

I think the 6 month interval for testing is pretty routine.  When all my treatment was done (finished the year of herceptin) my onc ordered a PET and that's how it was discovered that it had come back.  I had no symptoms, it was a total surprise.  So I'd urge your onc to order a PET when you're due for a check up.

ChrissieD

Follow up varies by onc and hospital.  I was TN and go every 3 months for 2 years then will move to every 6 months.  I have blood work done with each visit but no scans unless symptomatic.  My onc was quick to order a bone scan when I complained though (all CLEAR!!).  The only testing I had done at diagnosis was a breast MRI.  I know other oncs and hospitals do things differently.  You need to be okay with your followup.  If you want testing done, speak with your onc.  If he won't do what you think should be done then see if you can find one that will.  Your peace of mind is HUGE in terms of moving beyond BC.