Thank you for posting this! My annual oncologist appointment is coming up next month, and I'm just starting my 10th year post-op. I'm still taking Exemestane, as my tumor was ER+ and I had affected lymph nodes removed. The conversation will include continuation of the AI indefinitely, scans, and whether this study is looking for additional volunteers. I've recently had genetic testing done, to see if I should have more frequent monitoring. I'll let you know if I learn anything worth sharing. The nagging question in the back of our minds is always whether it could come back. I'm one of the lucky ones so far, but I also have a very damaged heart from chemo, needing a pacemaker and 9 prescriptions daily. I'm not sure I would survive the treatment if I had a recurrence. Being realistic, but not looking for trouble either. One day at a time!

Sue, this information is huge!! For those of us who were ER+ the worry of reoccurrence is a constant undercurrent in my thoughts. My oncologist's answer to the post five year question was that there really wasn't the statistics to be conclusive. So what then? We're supposed to wonder each and every day of our lives if and when??? I couldn't handle any of the blockers, does this mean that I am at a greater risk?? Nobody understands what we are going through each and every day of our lives, they all think that since we "made it through" five years all is well. Maybe it's not- living from scan to scan and trying my very best to stay healthy is all I can do at this point. It'll be five years on the 20th that it was discovered, it's like jumping off a cliff and hoping someone will catch me. Sorry for the rant, but this is my safe place.

Sue and Kelly - I had almost 7 years after my initial mastectomy and chemo. I became a Florist and ran it into a 5 star business. Then cancer reared it's ugly head so I started oral chemo and went to Portugal with my daughter in law. Fabulous trip. But I saw myself in a full length mirror looking very gray...and ended up with heart surgery months later. (Chemo is damaging to the heart valves... remember the pain in your heart when you go through the initial therapy?). We don't all get it but some do. Kelly - some people do not want to understand what you are going through, and in your mom's case, it might be fear. Fear of loosing you and fear of getting it herself.

Sue, girl this is “ exactly “ what I think about way too much. I mention this to family or close friends and I get stop it! You are fine, you beat it . Stop it and be glad and positive. Stop it !! Ughhh. So I thank you so very much. It to me the rare truth of Breast cancer and why I get so scared and that I try to explain my feelings to my friends and family why I do get in funks. I have saved this podcast. You’re not going to believe this, but I doubt they will want to even read. They all act like it never happened, I get terrible remarks from my own mother… Harsh words although I forgive her.. because you know they just don’t get it. Not unless you have went through it. Thanks for coming up with this and taking the time to find answers to my fears. So I am not crazy, as I have already been told by some. ❤️🫤🫤

Sue, thanks for sharing this! I resemble this podcast. Cured in 2019. Reoccurrence with a clear mammogram, but BC Mets to Bone Hormone positive! I advise anyone who is a cancer survivor to pay attention to any pain in bones, abdomen, lung, and brain. I only found out due to a nurse sister-in-law encouraging me to get an X-ray in case my back pain was a broken rib. Lo and behold it was a reoccurrence shocking to me and my medical team.

I am feeling great, probably better than ever with researched treatments and this time around I am cleaning up my diet, removing any stress from others, and keeping my practice of walking and yoga!

Just listened to it. Exciting, especially for present or future survivors. Thankful researchers are doing this work!!