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CLTann · 11-23-2007, 07:21 PM

sometimes ago, I found an article with recurrence rate vs. time for bc patients. For most of them, the curve peaks around 18 months after initial diagnosis and treatment (removal of primary site by surgery). The reason was that microinvasions of stray cancer cells need that much time to become noticeable (with symptoms). Recently, I discussed this with my onc again on this very subject, he agreed with the info since the data appeared to match with his patients. However, for HER2 patients, the peak is 12 to 16 months since the cancer cells are more aggressive and faster acting. Therefore, the 2 year mark is a very significant roadmarker for people in this forum, since they have already passed the peak rate. Too bad that I couldn't locate the article but the info above are generally correct. Hope this helps.

11-23-2007, 07:21 PM	#7
CLTann Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 476	sometimes ago, I found an article with recurrence rate vs. time for bc patients. For most of them, the curve peaks around 18 months after initial diagnosis and treatment (removal of primary site by surgery). The reason was that microinvasions of stray cancer cells need that much time to become noticeable (with symptoms). Recently, I discussed this with my onc again on this very subject, he agreed with the info since the data appeared to match with his patients. However, for HER2 patients, the peak is 12 to 16 months since the cancer cells are more aggressive and faster acting. Therefore, the 2 year mark is a very significant roadmarker for people in this forum, since they have already passed the peak rate. Too bad that I couldn't locate the article but the info above are generally correct. Hope this helps. __________________ Ann Stage 1 dx Sept 05 ER/PR positive HER2 +++ Grade 3 Invasive carcinoma 1 cm, no node involvement Mastec Sept 05 Annual scans all negative, Oct 06 Postmenopause. Arimidex only since Sept 06, bone or muscle ache after 3 month Off Arimidex, change to Femara 1/12-07, ache stopped Sept 07 all tests negative, pass 2 year mark Feb 08 continue doing well. Sep 09 four year NED still on Femara.