Concerns About Symptoms After Breast Cancer Treatment

You have made it through your treatment. You and your doctor will be especially watchful in the first 3 years after diagnosis since up to 80% of all recurrences happen during that time. Check in with your primary care doctor, make an appointment if you have any concerns, and keep up with the recommended tests. The American Society for Clincial Cncology suggests that patients be aware of the following symptoms and report to their doctor at regular visits.

One new smptom that you should not put off reporting is the appearance of new pain.Are you noticing any of these symptoms?

• An ache in a bone
• Abdominal pain
• Tenderness that doesn't go away
• A pain in the chest area that does not seem to be related to your lumpectomy or mastectomy surgery

If so, make an urgent care appointment with your primary care doctor or oncologist. For chest pain, call your doctor to report your symptoms and follow the doctor's recommendations.

You can monitor your own health by looking out for these symptoms and report them to your doctor at your regular visits.

Shortness of breath

You may feel out of shape and easily fatigued right after treatment has ended. But if you notice that you're having trouble getting a full breath, there are other causes that should be ruled out.

Skin changes

Have you noticed any unusual rashes, skin reddening, or swelling? Once in a while, look your body over in a full mirror before you dress. Anything amiss?

Breast area changes

Have you noticed any changes in either breast or in the area where the breast has been removed? These changes include reddened skin, swelling or puffiness, or warm skin that looks dimpled. Are there any changes to the scar, your armpit, or along the collarbone?

Brain changes

Have you noticed any of the following symptoms?

• Headaches that are new or of a different quality than your usual headache

• Increased clumsiness as you move about

• Mental confusion

Many things can cause these brain symptoms, including perimenopause and fatigue. However, it's a good idea to get them checked out and talk to your doctor about remedies.

Weight loss

If you've lost some weight recently and have no explanation for it, you should get it checked out.

Citations

American Society for Clinical Oncology

http://www.cancer.net/patient/Publications+and+Resources/What+to+Know%3A+ASCO%27s+Guidelines/What+to+Know%3A+ASCO%27s+Guideline+on+Follow-Up+Care+for+Breast+Cancer?sectionTitle=Recommendations§ionId=101150&vgnextrefresh=1