Forum Discussion

Smellycrackle's avatar
7 years ago

When do you start 'counting' the years disease free?

I had mastectomy and chemo which finished April 2017 but then had to have Herceptin until December 2017.  Wondering when do you start 'counting' those disease free years? At the end of Chemo or the end of Herceptin?

  • Thanks for that. Yes I'm thinking when chemo finished but as you say what ever feels right. They told me if I get 2 years without a recurrence then it probably won't return, that why I am wondering when to start this " count down".   No guarantee either  way tho..
  • It varies a bit. For those having chemo before surgery, it's probably after surgery. I think most of us would think we are cancer free when there is no evidence of disease, which for many may be after surgery if chemo is to cover possible but not identified cancer cells. I had the same treatment and I hoped I was free after chemo, but to be honest didn't feel like saying so till a year after diagnosis. Whatever you are comfortable with would be my advice!