Are You Sure?

You're probably not going to like the answers you get so I'll start you off.

ER+/PR+ and HER2- recurrence rates increase after 5 years, not within the first 5.

Nothing that happens in 3 months can't wait until 6 months.

If you have a pain or symptom that continues for more than 2 weeks, then you make an appointment.

Finding mets now or later does not increase or decrease your mortality. It would only treat the symptoms sooner, that's all.

Don't borrow trouble...you can't live month to month worrying about a recurrence or cancer will win over your life.

We have very similar time frames and I have just learned to "move on". God I hate that term! But, I don't ever forget that I have/had cancer, I just don't worry the same way I used to.

We are ALL just one diagnosis away from Stage IV. It doesn't matter what stage you are now. That was just for your treatment plan.

Best of luck and gentle hugs....

I think you'll find that your follow up schedule is normal practice as I had two 3 month check ups, seems you've had the same.  And I've spoken to a couple of other ladies who went to my same surgeon and they all had 2 - 3 mnth check ups and then went onto 6 months. 

If you find something suspecious of course contact your docs.

I go every 3 months and wonder why - the doc does blood work but even that is not standard of care.  They tell me if I have an ache or pain to let them know, otherwise live my life.  I am not sure what they could detect in that appt but I go cuz they tell me to.

I do get my vit d levels checked - and supplement to get/keep them high

and I get zometa every 6 months

and take my tamoxifen

I went every 3 months in the first year, every 4 months in the second year, and then every 6 months.  But my onc always looks at my scar and feels my armpit, collarbone and neck.  Blood work once a year.

Do you still see your breast surgeon?  I still see mine every 6 months as well.  If you do too, you could "stagger" the appointments so you alternate seeing BS and onc every 3 months (my onc suggested this to me).

I think alot of the 3 month checkup schedule is the comfort level of the patient.  I did go every 3 months for the first 2 years then switched to 4 months for a year. I wasn't quite comfortable going to a 6 month schedule and asked if we could do "one more 4 month" and he was just fine with it. I've been at the 6 month schedule now for a year and I love it.

You are the customer/patient.  If you are not comfortable with a 6 month schedule yet, ask if you can go for 4 or 5.  

I kinda believe its coming back or not. O% or 100%.

My doc said, it COULD come back even after 20 years, BUT also not. The whole thing about 5 years, or 2 years or 10 years is not in his discussion with me.

I believe right now that i am going to be fine, thats what everybody on my team says. I am doing great,,,,,,,,,,

And it looks to me that way , thats what counts, thats what what it is.......

I would not dwell on the 2,   5 or 10 year thing. 

Best

Carol 

BTW' I see a doc from my team every 3 months for at least the next 2 years.

I just rotate, Febr. the BS, May the radiat. onc, Aug the onc etc.

Anyhow, they have a great communication between each other, and one knows about the work of the other.

My breast surge. send me to see a dermatologist ( had a mole on my beely, was ok ) my rads. onc send me to a rheumatologist, ( Arthritis) my onc does the blood work....

Its like almost every Friday when I dont work I have to go downtown, but the way I make it, its almost like a field trip, restaurand, window shopping, I see the whole thing positive.....