I was given an "all clear" on my yearly mamo after breast cancer last april, am I in the clear?
I had a stage 1 2 cent. mass in my right breast and had a lumpectomy and they removed 13 lymph nodes which were negative. My breast is still very tender and swells every so often. I also went and had a vaginal ultrasound to be sure there was no cervical or uterine stuff going on although they did find a thickening area of the uteris and said I had fibroids on my overies. That is why they did a D & C and it came back ok. I also had blood work including a C125...should I feel safe now? I am still experiencing alot of diarreaha every day and sometimes during the night and the gas is extremely bad...my Dr. says it's normal..
Rose,
Here's a great SharePost from our expert patient, PJ Hamel:
Fear of Recurrence: Where Do You Stand?
http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/c/78/23166/fear-stand/
Best,
MG
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Rose, being only a year out from treatment, it's understandable that you're still very concerned about your cancer. Statistically speaking, stage 1 with no lymph node involvement is an excellent prognosis. I think you've done everything you can to ensure you're healthy, and you should just forge ahead! Love, laugh, live... Worrying about cancer won't affect it one single bit; if it comes back, it comes back. If not, hurray! So - feel your worry, validate it, and then try to let it go. I'm betting the other issues you're experiencing are due to worry as much as anything else. Best of luck, Rose - stay in touch here. - PJH
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Rose-
On my 8 month journey I have met many women who were given the "all clear" sign only to return later at Stage IV. I hate to be the "doom and gloom" gal but I believe that we can live a healthy, fabulous life and still remain vigilant about BC. Do it for the peace of mind but really stay on top of it. Whatever you can do. Mammos, Tumor marker blood tests, self exams. I just don't believe that any of us is ever "all clear" although I do believed we can leave the experience healed, educated and aware.
Just take care and be aware. I don't want you to be where I am at Stage IV.
Michele
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