I am a couple of weeks ahead of exactly 5 years but I had my breast tests today and all is well. So one step. Next one is my heart check up (got a slight problem, possibly from chemo) but I am pretty sure I am fine on that front. Then my oncologist in about 7 weeks to see if anything nasty is happening in the rest of me!! Bit by bit...........................

Good question. I know I will not continue Femara (my oncologist thinks 5 years is enough) which will be a Good Thing! My breast is practically transparent (gets less dense as you get older) so apparently no need for ultrasounds, just yearly mammograms (I prefer ultrasounds, but see their point). Oncologist next steps will depend on what transpires re bloods and bone density. If all is well, I assume I am let off the leash with my surgeon and may be post May when I finish Femara, with my oncologist. Unless anything goes pear-shaped. What happens to others will of course vary depending on the original diagnosis, surgery thereafter (I have had no reconstruction), genetic factors, etc. I greatly admired the staff at day oncology when I was having regular treatment, and have dropped in a few times to say hello. People dropping in looking well and with hair cheered me up, so...... But time passes, staff change and I didn't feel any emotional disconnection as I moved on. I doubt if I will this time either - I am very fond of The Boys (as I call my surgeon and oncologist) and wish them everything good, they have been terrific, but I will also be happy never to go near a cancer specialist again, if I can manage it. Not keen on Christmas, but if all goes well, I may make an exception this year. Trip to France for next year. That's the plan. A few steps to take yet. Fingers crossed.

OK, my breast tests are all clear, my cardiologist is happy and today my oncologist is happy too. Bloods are fine, so I think I can legitimately tick off 5 years. Hooray. Apparently a new test is indicating that 10 years of femara may be better than five - not so hooray. However my oncologist is very good at keeping up with new developments but also good at weighing the evidence, and will have a think. My 5 years is up next May, so we will check my bone density in April and make a decision then.Something to think about, but not yet!

ah @Afraser I know that it felt different being told no more appointments when I saw my Oncologist early October at my 5yr review... Congratulations you have Survived 5 years and you make such a positive impact on the online forum thank you <3

Chipping away bit by bit...........sounds like you're on the road to good news all around!!

Congratulations! It's always such a relief to get good results from your scans.I know we are all different but what usually happens after 5 years?I've just ticked off my 4 year scans and I meant to ask what I can look forward to after next year but I didn't. I was initially told I would have 5 years of follow up with my oncology team (which seemed like forever back then...) and now I'm wondering what comes next?

5 years | BCNA Online Network

14 Replies

JanineG
Member
8 years ago
How exciting. Thankyou so much for sharing. It is encouraging to hear that 5 years really does come around! I agree with onemargie.. A lovely Xmas present and woohoo France. This inspires me to plan something special for 3. Years time :) xxo
onemargie
Member
8 years ago
Such great news @Afraser . We all have a different story to tell and I always love hearing the 5 year mark ones. Good on you love. Have a drinkypoo or two and celebrate. I’ll have one for you too today Go buy yourself something nice for Xmas to mark your milestone. Biggest hug. Can’t wait for me to get to where you are now. Margie xx
Romla
Member
8 years ago
Wonderful news @Afraser ! Time to celebrate and plan that trip to France.Thankyou for the wisdom you share with us all on this blog.
MKitty68
Member
8 years ago
Congratulations on being 5 years clear!
primek
Member
8 years ago
@Afraser I asked if I would be on 5 or 10 years. My breast surgeon said as no nodes at this stage 5 years (so 4 to go) but he said that might change in 5 years anyway. So just have to wait and see.
Congratulations on your 5 years clear. X
June1952
Member
8 years ago
Hi @Afraser
GREAT NEWS. I am so happy for you. The statistics are really still only kept for the 5 year mark so we all hope that ''they'' will decide to keep statistics for longer.
Have a great weekend - and celebrate !
Summer :)
SoldierCrab
Member
8 years ago
ah @Afraser
I know that it felt different being told no more appointments when I saw my Oncologist early October at my 5yr review...
Congratulations you have Survived 5 years and you make such a positive impact on the online forum thank you <3
Afraser
Member
8 years ago
So true, thanks Marg!
Zoffiel
Member
8 years ago
That is good news, Alison. I only hope we all get the chance to decide whether or not to extend past five years of AI :) Marg.
Afraser
Member
8 years ago
OK, my breast tests are all clear, my cardiologist is happy and today my oncologist is happy too. Bloods are fine, so I think I can legitimately tick off 5 years. Hooray. Apparently a new test is indicating that 10 years of femara may be better than five - not so hooray. However my oncologist is very good at keeping up with new developments but also good at weighing the evidence, and will have a think. My 5 years is up next May, so we will check my bone density in April and make a decision then.
Something to think about, but not yet!