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Mom was diagnosed in 1981 with bc in right breast. Found cluster of bb's during a self exam. She was 40 and Dr. said she didn't fit the profile. So much for profiles, she had a biopsy, it was malignant and then had mastectomy and chemo. Continued routine bonescans and bloodwork, then in 1986 had reoccurance. Found lump in armpit. Removed it and she had radiation. Continued to see oncologist over the years with bloodwork and scans. Did great! Fourteen years later she was released from his care and told Dr. was sure this wasn't coming back. She started seeing an allergist for her allergies and discovered she had asthma. Then she lost her voice. The allergist looked at her records and realized she hadn't had a chest x-ray in 5 years! Chest x-ray showed nodules which after further testing turned out to be lung mets. Scan of liver also showed liver mets. Total devastation to our family. Dr. said hers is a slow growing cancer so we felt it was probably there for a while before the symptoms started. Another oncologist couldn't figure out why she wasn't having chest x-rays at least once a year. I don't know if she'd be in better condition now if we found out sooner or not. I feel scans are important. I think you're right--you can't be too careful with this disease. I sneaks right up on you.
Good luck to you. Your girls are beautiful. I have two little girls myself.
Take care of yourself, Penny
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