How are YOU monitored for Recurrence or Mets?

Not all doctors/insurance plans in the US do scans following a diagnosis of BC, claiming that too many false positives come up. My BS and MO did physical exams (checking deeply under arms for lymph nodes) every three months for the first year, then switched to twice a year the second year. Following that, I see them once a year for the next three years. Those who do not have a Mx, do have yearly mammograms after their diagnosis. If I have symptoms that last over a couple of weeks, I am to see them to look for metastases.

I have a close friend who was diagnosed with BS ten years ago and went through chemo and radiation then after her Mx. She has had yearly blood tests for BC and had one two months before her recent recurrence on her chest wall. That tumor marker test came back without any issues and she was surprised to find a lump two months later. She has been through chemo and radiation again now at the age of 86. She has a fighting attitude though and will come through this.

I am focused on doing everything I can to avoid a recurrence but know that it is out of my hands. I want to live my life and enjoy the time I have, instead of worrying about what might happen. Best wishes to all.

I was given a double mastectomy told I had a low onco score and goodbye it was stage 1tc . A ct prior to mastectomy showed lung nodules 5mm, spinal fracture and lesion , kidney cyst. . My tumor was there for 7 years misdiagnosed as enlarged lymph node but it was cancer. I had severe complications necrosis after surgery but plastic surgery addressed it. Now six month out I made an appointment with research hospital onocologist. She advised that she thought I was metastatic. Ordered tumor markers they are high, metabolism is off ,bun level high, anemia, she also order full body Pet/Ct and bone density. I see her Wednesday sh