What if I just stop following up?

pesky - I'm sure others will weigh in, but I would be concerned with a Stage III Triple-negative diagnosis and discontinuing all treatment. But maybe the docs have said you are NED (no evidence of disease) and only need occasional physicals. For example I'm 5 years past diagnosis & treatment for a recurrence. My doc only wants to see me once a year and no scans.

What have been your medical follow ups since your exchange surgery in 2018? What are the docs recommending? Did the docs say you are NED (no evidence of disease)?

I'd ask your Mo the same questions you posted. And tell him the reasons you're considering it. It would be interesting to hear the answer.

I know we all want to put this behind us, but its sooo hard. Good luck with your plans to move & move on.

pesky904, I am so so sorry for all that you are going through and all that has been taken from you. I hope your doctors can give you some sound advice. Hugs

pesky I had TNBC too... most of the replies above were from people who did not have TNBC. It really is a very different animal form other BCs.

My understanding of TNBC recurrence risks is that at 3 years, the risk drops way down, and at 5 years, it *approaches* zero. Once in a blue moon after that time.

You had residual tumor after chemo of 3 cm, per your signature info-- which elevates the risk, but I believe it still follows the pattern of early recurrence (if any). I would try to keep on that followup for another two years, in your place. Then maybe drop it back but still keep insurance, even if you have a high deductible to keep the monthly cheap. Just in case (also considering post chemo illnesses can happen).

My MO is seeing me 4x/year for the first three years (from diagnosis) then it goes to 6 mos, then 12 mos at the 5 year mark. I get blood work... that's it. Annual Mammo & BS exam. They ran my cancer markers once but those don't seem to work for me (as they were never high even when I was full of cancer).

Re your strategy for moving and keeping coverage and rebuilding financially.... I wonder if it might make sense to get a job at a national chain of some kind -- one that offers insurance -- *before* moving (so you can take your training/seniority with you and work for the same company in the new place?) Even Starbucks might be an idea just to get the coverage. Or, pick a blue state that safeguards medical insurance and supports it with subsidies, medicare expansion, etc. CA is expensive but our state is a good one to get Obamacare through.

Last, if you are feeling well enough, you might investigate home health care for elders as a job idea. There is a large and growing population of elderly people and many of these jobs offer free room and board. It's basically housekeeping + companionship and help.

I second what Alice said. If you can get to an NCI hospital, not only do you get the highest standard of care, but there can be heavy discounts. The same is true of some of the bigger teaching hospitals.