Everything old is new again - unfortunately.

Hi Maxine,

Can't believe what you have been through and still having to go through. I can relate in some ways - this was my 3rd cancer (brain, aggressive, invasive thyroid then breast). I had to have external beam radiation to finally get rid of the thyroid cancer - which increased my risk of getting breast cancer (a small increased risk) - and lucky me - I got it!

Had a few options as to treatment and chose left breast mastectomy. Surgeon took sentinel lymph node too - all clear margins and node was clear.

Surgeon was same one who did my first thyroid removal and had been kept in the loop by others as to what was going on - so it made it easier going back to him.

In my case, due to previous treatment/surgeries, I was advised against any more radiation or chemo - the negatives (have had multiple surgeries to trachea and narrowed airway and paralyzed right vocal cord) would far outweigh any positives - and would mean only a difference of 2% over my 10 year survival rate.

I still see the surgeon who took over my neck stuff (every 6 months), the oncologist still sees me (every 6 months - alternates with the neck surgeon so I see one of them every 3 months) and the breast surgeon will be seeing me every 3 months - and the head surgeon still sees me yearly. I also have a couple of physois that I see privately who I have a great relationship with (see one of them monthly - more frequently since surgery but will most likely go back to the monthly visits as I improve. All of these people are considered, along with the GP, part of my health care team (since it didn't just start with the breast cancer). They all send letters and call each other - consider myself very lucky to have so many specialists who willing work together so well! Since there is a risk that the thyroid cancer can come back, all wanted to remain in the loop and keep seeing me so, if it does, they already know exactly what has been going on. Breast surgeon told me that after all I have done (as if I had a choice) they will all be keeping a close eye on me from now on - ëxpect to be under a microscope for the next few years" were his exact words!

Can't believe the difference in our experiences - none of my specialists have had the attitude of "got the cancer, off you go". Counting myself lucky and blessed in that regard. If you have private health insurance, ask about continuing to see the specialists and a private physio - establish good relationships with them yourself and ask them to write to the others - and your GP. One thing I have learnt from all I have been through is that I take responsibility for my care and I insist on what I know I need by way of getting me through it all. Take charge and ask more questions - it is your health and your body - you know what feels right or not. If you are willing (and able to pay) it should be up to you if you want to keep seeing anyone - even if only to feel more supported - and in case anything more comes your way! Hoping it won't. Been through too much already. Talk to your breast surgeon and explain how you are feeling. Hopefully they can then help you get a team together that makes you feel supported - anything would be better than now!

Wishing you all the best of health for the future - and hope it is the end of your cancer fights!

Tracy xxx