Checking for reoccurrence?

I know how you feel, I have been a bit squeamish about self examination since surgery as it feels different.  At a recent appointment with the after care team, her advice was to have a really good feel after the annual mammogram when you know everything is fine, so that you know what is normal for you.  I can contact them with any concerns and they will arrange for an appointment if necessary.  I hope this helps. X

Put it in your diary to check yourself monthly.  You'll soon get used to what is normal.  But.if you feel something and you are not sure, go to your gp.  That's what I did both times when I found a lump, and they were both cancer, 9 years apart.  One of them was found soon after I had a clear mammogram. Mammogram don't always pick them up especially if you have dense breasts.  My second one felt very different from the first one so I really wasn't sure, and the doctor wasn't sure either, but he got me an appointment to see a consultant in 2 days because I was going on holiday.  xx

Hello,  I think that all of us think about possibility of a reoccurrence and monthly breast exams and yearly mammograms are standard but there is a test called Signatera.  It is a blood test that tests for circulating tumor DNA.  They also send in a piece of the tumor to the lab and get your profile done.  The lab tests are done every 6 months for a specific time and they can see if you have any circulatory tumor cells that would indicate reoccurrence.  It is much more technical.  I had it done even though I had early stage bc. You can google the test.  My medical oncologist wanted me to have it done and it gave me extra assurance.  I don’t know the cost as I live in Florida and it was covered by insurance.  Take care and of course we can make sure we exercise,  stay away from alcohol, no smoking etc.   

Unfortunately Signatera isn’t usually offered in the UK.

www.nice.org.uk/.../summary

It is used here in the US often so possibly things will change.  It is not an inexpensive test either but used for solid tumors and especially colon cancers.

An interesting test. I had a double mastectomy, so no annual mammogram. I was in different tumours, ER+ and Her2+. 5 years on, I am shortly to come off the dreaded aromatase inhibitors, but I have this lingering dread that it came back, I would be unaware until it was too late!!!  Not sure what to do. Does anyone else feel like this? x

I know how you feel.  There are many lumps and bumps in my breasts so I'm scared I won't identify something.  I'm also scared the yearly scan only checks the breasts but what if recurrence is elsewhere and I don't realise.  Also some of the signs of recurrence seem similar to letrozole side effects so I don't know what is the new normal and what needs checking out.  Sorry, not able to sleep tonight and so too much time to overthink