Question about double mastectomy post surgery care

CidneyI

Hi all. FIrst time for me to be on this topic area. I have a friend who knows someone that was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, had double mastectomy two years ago. She was given Tamoxifen and that was that. She is under VA care and has not been back to the dr's at the VA for any post check ups because she was not told it was required. Its been two year an still no reconstruction surgery either. I don't know much about what is required after a double mastectomy but are annual or semi annual mamos required for 5 years like a typical breast cancer survivor? what can you tell me about post care after a double mast?

SpecialK

After a double mastectomy you have no breast tissue to mammogram, so you no longer need them.  Some breast surgeons see you annually after BMX and do a physical exam, others do not.  If chemo or anti-hormonal therapy is given your oncologist follows you, with exams, periodic scans - if needed. That schedule is usually every three months for the first year, sometimes two depending of the specifics of your diagnosis, then every six months and usually annually once you pass five years. If you have reconstruction your plastic surgeon follows you, usually annually once you are complete.  Not doubting you, but I find it hard to believe that someone stage III was given Tamoxifen only and then never seen again.  They have to be seeing someone to get the Tamoxifen refills.  Are you sure the friend is not confusing stage and grade?