Too much testing!! 10 years out: bi mx, silicone implants

LivingLifeNow

Hi, all!

I was wondering what kind of follow-up care you are receiving 10 years post-diagnosis. As you can see in my information, I was stage 1, no lymph node involvement, etc. I had a bilateral mastectomy with silicone implants. My breast surgeon did extensive testing (blood work every 6 months, chest x-ray every 6-12 months, sonograms every 6 months, MRI every year), despite my stage 1 and low risk status. I am now at 10 years out and am wondering what kinds of follow-up tests your doctors recommend. I have read on very reputable websites that all of this testing is rarely necessary unless there are symptoms.

Please let me know what your doctors recommend if you too had a bilateral mastectomy and silicone implants. Trying to get a grip on all of this testing!

Thanks!

coraleliz

I'm 8 years out & no longer see any of my breast cancer doctors. I think this is because I opted to stop the anti-hormonals after 5 years. My PCP orders routine lab work for me.

SpecialK

I have blood work before every visit, but no routine or regular imaging, which has been consistent for the 9 years since diagnosis. My oncologist has never hesitated to order imaging if there has been a need or symptom (he has ordered PET, MRI and DEXA over this time period for specific reasons), but I have never had regularly scheduled routine imaging. I did have BMX with silicone implants, no longer see my BS, still see PS annually, but no routine imaging is ordered by the PS.

Edited to add - I am not Stage 1, but this is standard for all early stage at my center.

Beesie

Here are the NCCN guidelines on follow-up for invasive breast cancer. I've highlighted in red the specific testing/scanning recommendations:

momand2kids

This is very interesting--I have my 11 year visit next week and I suspect Dana Farber will want to release me back to my PCP--- while I don't like that idea, I understand it--they need to focus on those who need more care. My pcp is great- and I think I may be ok with it (she also was the one who found my original breast lump). I had a lumpectomy and I went off anti hormonals in 2014... so truthfully there is probably no reason to see an oncologist.... just have my MRI and mammogram every year. Beesie, thanks so much for the information--I have been thinking about this for a while.

momand2kids

I should say up until now, my annual visits are a clinical breast exam with onc... a mammo and an MRI every other year

c

LivingLifeNow

Thanks for all of the information, girls! I can't believe all of the chest x-rays I had before I finally decided they were not necessary. Unbelievable! I just thought it was the standard. But, it must have been the standard only with my BS.

I have recently moved far from my doctors (across the country) and am trying to decide what level of care I need in this very rural area where the nearest imaging centers are 6 hours away. I think my PCP may be my best bet.