Breast Cancer had Mastectomy 2014

My query is I had my left breast removed and lymph nodes in 2014. I was on Tamoxifen for five years and am now on Letrozole. My worry is I will be taken off Letrozole in two years time and also stop getting a yearly Mammogram after 10 years. Surely the risks of breast cancer returning will be greater if I am not on medication and will I notice this if I am not having a mammogram. I worry every time my mammogram is due then it's relief when I get results my life is going to be a nightmare if I don't have this reassurance every year. 

  • Hi janisF, you are not alone in this. I am nowhere as far on as you, not quite a year post diagnosis and did not get clear margins on my masectomy. I guess, we never really if we are honest with ourselves can just cope without the reassurance of the hormone therapy (if we're lucky enough to have had it - not all cancer patients can) and yearly scans. Although, our masectomy side cannot be scanned and I know that reoccurrence still happens after masectomy, I guess we're just less likely to spot it. I'm not trying to be negative, although, I have my fears and struggle with them. I think that when the reassurances we feel secure with have to go due to our nhs system, we just have to try our best to look out for the signs of reoccurrence or secondary cancer, but not get so obsessed about it that we stop living. We have life and we must try (even in this awful covid climate) to live it and breathe in the fresh air). I'm sorry if I'm rambling, every day is not a good day and that's fine, but we still deserve good days. 
     

    Virtual hugs Mickey xx ️

  • Hi the fear is always there but every day I just think I'm lucky to be on the planet. I'm 2 1/2 years post masectomy, chemo and radiotherapy. I had cancer in 2 lymph nodes . I was reading on here ladies that are choosing not to take hormone medication as they say it's only a 1% chance of stopping the cancer returning, I am on Anastrazole and was told it gives me a 10% chance so I've chosen to take it. 5 years and 10 years seem to be the milestones.