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My breast cancer diagnosis was in 2019. I am currently 6 years out and taking a hormone suppressor. I know that I will continue to do this for 4 more years. Then what? I feel that you never get away from the cancer worry. I am doing well now expect for side effects from treatment but the unknown once I stop taking the medication is looming in my future and I am not sure how to keep focusing on the present.
Hi Michelle. I was originally diagnosed with HR positive, HER2 negative, stage 1A breast cancer in 2017 with no lymph node involvement and had a double mastectomy. My cancer wasn't very agressive and my odds of recurrence were low so I didn't need chemo, radiation, or AI. Fast forward 7.5 years and I had breast cancer again. Was diagnosed in September 2024. The 2nd breast cancer was totally different from the 1st one. It was still HR positive and HER 2 negative, but was very agressive. This time I had 18 lymph nodes removed from my chest and armpit and 16 were cancerous. The new cancer is a stage 3C. I was told by my oncologist that I will need to be on an AI for the rest of my life because if I stop taking them my odds of cancer returning are very high if my body is allowed to produce estrogen again. I'm currently taking Letrozole. I am also taking the CDK inhibitor called Ibrance for 3 years. My odds of cancer returning are 30% with the AI and CDK inhibitor and 50% without the meds. Some people do well and don't have cancer return when they stop taking AI meds and other people do have their cancer return, sometimes 10 plus years later. At your next appointment you should check with your doctor and see what they have to say about your odds of cancer coming back when you reach the 10 year mark and let them know about your thoughts and fears on the matter so you know what to expect and your not spending the next 4 years stressing over this. It will all depend on the various characteristics of your cancer and how aggressive your cancer was. Typically AIs are given for 5-10 years so I would guess your oncologist wanted you on AIs for 10 years because your cancer was somewhat aggressive, otherwise if it was more mild they probably would have had you take the AI for 5 years instead. Good luck to you ❤️
What happens after 10 years of hormone therapy for breast cancer?
After 10 years, most people stop taking hormone therapy. Your follow-up care will shift to focus on age-appropriate screening and preventive care rather than the intensive monitoring you've experienced. You'll typically have physical exams once a year Show Full Answer
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