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That is a GREAT question. I can't wait to hear the answers. I am 19 years out from my first diagnosis (in my early 30's) and had a second primary and now I have mets. I had to insist that my doctors follow me and I am convinced that they never took it seriously...perhaps because they don't believe that an early diagnosis of mets extends life.
Anyway, I was followed by a diagnostic mammogram on my remaining breast (while I had one) and tumor markers. The mammogram uncovered my second primary 10 years after the first. My tumor markers spiked when I had mets but unfortunately they were drawing the blood and no one was reviewing the results. I presented with two lumps and was still told it was "nothing". I insisted on an ultra sound which proved it was not nothing. My Onc. was SO sorry that she ignored my concerns and then I found out that no one was reading my marker results which had spiked prior to the lumps appearing. It seems that they were just humoring me with visits.
In my opinion this is a huge issue. I hope that there has been progress made in this area.
Thanks for asking the question.
Carolyn
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