Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
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Survivorship Care Issues Questions surrounding survivorship and life after cancer. |
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| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
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| 3/2/2012 | Diagnosed 2 years ago with a 6mm IDC, grade 3 & DCIS. No node involvement. Opted for BMX. Onco score came back @ 30. Did TC x 4, now on T pill. I read and have been told that the 2 year mark is significant. I know that there are no for sure's with BC. I feel great, a few aches and pains from exercise, etc but nothing that lasts. I think about BC everyday, but I don't live in BC world anymore. I keep asking about scans, etc but with stage 1 told blood work and physical exams are it. Anything I should watch for, look for be aware of? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 3/2/2012 | Thank you for turning to the Johns Hopkins Breast Center. General risk of local recurrence after mastectomy is ~ 2%, over 5-10 years, and greater risk of local recurrence occurs within the first 2 years. It is very normal as a breast cancer survivor to be fearful of recurrence, but as time goes on it becomes less in the forefront. We do not routinely do scans for screening after early stage breast cancer...we go on how the patient feels (and you feel great, which is wonderful news!). Continue with your routine follow up visits, physical exams and take your Tamoxifen daily. Look for ways to nurture yourself, enjoy healthy diet and exercise, live, love, laugh! You are a survivor and you deserve an amazing, wonderful life. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.