I've finished my treatment for breast cancer. What will the medical follow up be?
You will need a clinical consultation every 6 months and a biological monitoring and imaging (mammography and breast ultrasound) every year, and then for 5 years. A monthly self-examination of the breasts is recommended and you should see a doctor quickly in case of any malfunction.The aim is to discover a possible recurrence, cancer in the other breast or to treat metastasis to improve your prognosis.It can be scary not to be monitored as frequently as before, but it has been demonstrated that heavier monitoring by multiplying the examinations does not improve the prognosis.Prevention of lymphedema of the upper limb ("big arm"), it is recommended to be careful with the side operated on by avoiding using that side:-blood tests and blood pressure-acupuncture and mesotherapy-wearing tight clothing or jewelry-heavy loadsYou should wear gloves when cleaning, gardening and doing DIYing and consult your doctor quickly in case of injury.Regarding contraception, hormonal and progestin- are contraindicated A pregnancy may be permitted from 2 to 3 years after treatment and during pregnancy can be prosecuted in case of complete remission.If you're using tamoxifen we will specifically monitor postmenopausal genital bleeding.If you are under aromatase inhibitor we will specifically monitor the development of osteoporosis.
Victor Hugo