8 years post BMX...am I missing anything?
Hello all….
I've asked this question of my primary care, gyno, and breast surgeon and have yet to get what I feel is an informed answer, which is why I'm coming here!
I was diagnosed with encapsulated papillary carcinoma in 2017 (ER+ HER 2-) and after multiple opinions, opted for a BMX. Although I've needed follow-up surgeries for reconstruction, the cancer, I was told was a "great" cancer to have, as far as diagnoses go.
Without any follow-up testing since then, am I missing anything? I've had 3 skin cancers since (1 melanoma caught early!) and although I know they're not connected, it still has be concerned that maybe I should be doing something to make sure some errant breast cancer cells aren't setting up shop in some other part of my body.
Has anyone here had a doctor who has suggested any other testing or scans along the way? I am not on Tamoxifen (don't tolerate drugs well) and genetic testing was negative.
Appreciate any insight!! Thank you!
Comments
-
noodlesmom,
I finished up 5 yrs of AIs last year. I had BMX, chemo, rads. When I finished active treatment, my onc continued to see me every 6 mos while taking an AI. Had the BCI test done. Showed high risk of recurrence, no benefit to continue. My onc said the standard of care is no scans unless symptomatic or have reason bc of bloodwork. She said 1x year visit with labs.
I saw my onc last month for my yearly visit. She had a different opinion this time about follow up care. She offered up ctDNA test. I think she only offered it bc of BCI results. Don’t think she does it on all her patients. She said if it came back positive, then she would pursue imaging. I did not ask what happens if it is positive but nothing shows on scans. I think there are clinical trials studying that but not sure about SOC right now. I’m going to ask about that before my next ctDNA test. Did get my results last week, negative so far.0