If it is going to come back

Hi Sharon, Hopefully Never, and I am forever Hopeful for myself, also at the same time factor as you and wonder the same, but I forever hear people say just live your life to the fullest! Hate that saying, when you have No money to do it with !!! Maybe just read your Blood test and be aware of any changes taking place, be one step ahead and, Take care, regards Catherine 

Did you ever ask your onc what he/she uses as an anniversary date?  I forgot to ask mine when I saw her last month.  I was also dxed in August 09.

I think if we can make it through the second and third years after dx, those are critical. Are you on zometa?

Hi Sharon.  I don't think we ever stop thinking about it completely.  It's just a natural concern once we fully realize that life is fragile and there are no guarantees for any of us, cancer or not.  I have often asked my oncologist what the statistics for recurrence are and just how long do I need to be NED to consider myself "cured". She always tells me the longer NED you are the better of course but doesn't often speak in terms of cured.

Each year you remain NED the risk of recurrence drops a little more. Faster growing cancers tend to recur sooner than slower growing ones in general but there are no absolutes.  She often tells me that 10 years NED will be very significant in my case after my more advanced dx with 23 positive nodes in 2005.  My recent annual CT scan last week shows I am still NED 11 years after my first BC dx in 2000 and almost 6 years after my second BC dx in 2005. I am so grateful for having the time I have right now and always feel like I have another "lease on life" after getting good scan results for at least another year! That doesn't mean that I don't start thinking about the "what ifs"  again though, usually right before my next annual scan rolls around.

Sharon I would be asking your onc about any additional treatment protocols that might be available to you.  Are you taking your hormonal meds?  Have you discussed Zometa or other bisphosphonate therapy with your onc?  You might want to ask him about the new Metformin study which is still accepting new patients. 

http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search/view?version=healthprofessional&cdrid=669788

My onc feels strongly that the initial research data is very promising that Metformin may reduce tumor activity and possibly have a preventive effect.

I just took my final IV Zometa dose last week after 11 doses total over the past 5 years.  My onc is planning on starting me on Metformin next year (off study use) if the study data continues to be good.  I think the one thing I have learned with two separate BC dx is that you should fight as hard as you can against the cancer, stay informed of new treatments, ask your onc plenty of questions, stay proactive rather than reactive about your care, BUT ....we must also LIVE our life! I'm glad you don't let the fear of a recurrence rob you of the joy you can have today...right now!   Enjoy those grandbabies! 

Best wishes to us all!

For ILC I also heard 2 years out, if at all.

If it does come back it will mets to bones and peritoneal area first based on most studies of ILC if you've had a BMX, less chance of other breast.  

Live each day and year as though it could be your last and I trust the concern and worry will fade a bit. I recall being a passenger once in a car where the driver was driving crazy fast and I was white knuckles all the way. He said to me "Just pretend your already dead and you'll relax". It sounds strange but it helped at the time. I now cherish each day and focus on each day as though it could be my last and find that it also helps in this case.

Best wishes to you and enjoy life.