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.
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We hope you find the information helpful!
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Types and Stages of Breast Cancer Questions about the different types and stages of breast cancer. |
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| 4/29/2012 | Hi and thank you so much for this service.I'm 45 years old was diagnosed in 2008 with stage 1 Breast cancer.Tumor was 1cm had Lumpectomy,ChemoTC four rounds sentinal node biopsy had 5 nodes removed 2 nodes contained a couple cancer cells.Was told Nodes are still negative even with a few cancer cells.Now I'm on Tamaxofin for the last 3 years.What is my recurrence risk?I'm thinking about removing my Breast due to constant worry of recurrence.Thank you:) | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 4/29/2012 | Risk of recurrence is usually highest during the first 2 years and you are well passed that milestone!! stage 1. ER positive. you were aggressive with systemic treatment and still on hormonal therapy, so risk of local recurrence should be down to under 10%. The reason however for doing all of your chemo and hormonal therapy is primarily (though not completely) to prevent distance recurrence. it would be unusual to now do mastectomy unless you discovered that you have a genetic reason for having gotten breast cancer in the first place. then most women who opt for bilateral mastectomies with recon. Don't let this disease steal away anymore of your time by worrying about the "what ifs". it doesn't deserve that kind of time. you need to feel confident that you have taken the right steps to remain cancer free. talk with your medical oncologist again about your concerns when you next see him for your tamoxifen prescription refill. | ||
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.