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LilyFeb61's avatar
LilyFeb61
Member
11 years ago

What Follow-up tests do you get?

I had a mastectomy for primary breast cancer, (Grade 3Her2pos,node neg), then treatment with 6 rounds of Docetaxel and a year of trastuzumab.

My oncologist told me that I have 3wkly regular blood tests while on Docetaxel, and 3monthly regular gated heart tests while on trastuzumab,

But once my year of treatment is over, I will get only an annual mammagram and ultrasound of my remaining breast. No other monitoring tests, unless/until I have symptoms that do not go away that my GP refers me for tests or scans for, eg severe coughs, breathlessness, pain, etc.

I'm told this is because research shows the survival rate is not improved by such tests and that the scans expose you to more radiation so more cancer risk..

I don't feel too happy with this. Is this normal? What ongoing test are/were scheduled for  the rest of you with node neg, fastgrowing primary breast cancer?

Or do you only get more monitoring if you are on a clinical trial?

 

her2
mammogram
mastectomy

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  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    11 years ago
    My GP orders an annual blood test for me.I get liver function,full blood count,vit D,and tumour markers checked- also any other blood tests she thinks I should have. Tonya xx
  • Carol's avatar
    Carol
    Member
    11 years ago

    I have had annual mammograms and ultrasound )plus some core biopsies as required the first couple of years). 8 years on still see the surgeon and oncologist annually for mammogram/ultrasound and bone density since still on Arimidex. Mine was triple positive ie er pr and HER2 with multiple lymph nodes infected and high risk of recurrence new primary so guess my case is different.

    also had multiple scans earlier this year when thought back pain might be secondaries like Mum had - luckily "just" arthritis.

    hope all goes well for you

     

    your pink sister,

     

    Carol

     

  • Carol's avatar
    Carol
    Member
    11 years ago

    I have had annual mammograms and ultrasound )plus some core biopsies as required the first couple of years). 8 years on still see the surgeon and oncologist annually for mammogram/ultrasound and bone density since still on Arimidex. Mine was triple positive ie er pr and HER2 with multiple lymph nodes infected and high risk of recurrence new primary so guess my case is different.

    also had multiple scans earlier this year when thought back pain might be secondaries like Mum had - luckily "just" arthritis.

    hope all goes well for you

     

    your pink sister,

     

    Carol