Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer Recurrence Stories

Understanding Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer

Estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer is the most common type of breast cancer diagnosed. Around 70% of all breast cancer cases are ER positive, meaning the cancer cells have receptors that attach to the hormone estrogen, which helps them grow.

There are effective treatment options for ER+ breast cancer, including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Often, a combination of these is used. However, even after initial successful treatment, there is still a risk of the cancer coming back or recurring.

Recurrence Rates for ER+ Breast Cancer

The risk of recurrence varies based on the stage of the original breast cancer diagnosis:

• For stage I ER+ breast cancer, the 10-year recurrence rate is 10-20%
• For stage II ER+ breast cancer, the 10 year recurrence rate is 20-30%
• For stage III ER+ breast cancer, the 10 year recurrence rate is 30-40%

Younger women diagnosed with ER+ breast cancer also tend to have a higher risk of recurrence than older women. BRCA genetic mutations and lack of proper treatment can increase recurrence risk as well.

When Breast Cancer Recurrence Happens

Recurrence can happen at any time, but the highest risk period is within the first 5 years after initial treatment. This is why doctors recommend more frequent monitoring during this window.

For ER+ specifically, there are two typical time frames when recurrence risk peaks:

• 2 years after initial treatment
• 5 years after stopping hormone therapy like tamoxifen

However, risk never drops to zero. Some ER+ breast cancers can recur even 10-15 years later, which is why ongoing screening is so important.

Where Breast Cancer Spreads To

When ER+ breast cancer recurs, it often reappears in the lymph nodes near the original tumor site or in the bones. But it can spread to other organs like the lungs, liver, skin or brain as well.

Let's look at some real life stories of women who experienced estrogen receptor positive breast cancer coming back...

Ann's Story: ER+ Recurrence After 14 Years

Ann was diagnosed with stage I ER+ breast cancer at age 52. She underwent a lumpectomy followed by radiation and five years of tamoxifen treatment. For nearly 15 years, Ann had no signs of recurrence.

But a routine mammogram detected suspicious microcalcifications when Ann was 66. A biopsy confirmed a local recurrence of ER+ breast cancer in the same breast. Thankfully it was caught early at stage I again.

Ann's oncologist recommended she restart tamoxifen therapy for another five years. While anxious about the cancer coming back, Ann is grateful it was found early before spreading further.

Gina's Story: Recurrence After Double Mastectomy

Gina tested positive for a BRCA gene mutation at age 28. Two years later, she was diagnosed with stage II ER+ breast cancer. Despite her young age, Gina opted for a preventative double mastectomy.

Following surgery, Gina did chemotherapy, radiation and took tamoxifen. For three years she was cancer free and feeling hopeful. But just before her 31st birthday, Gina developed a persistent cough. Scans revealed the cancer had spread to her lungs.

Further testing showed Gina's cancer was now ER-/PR- despite originally being ER+. Her oncologist switched her to newer targeted drug therapies. While the recurrence was devastating, Gina's story highlights the need for genetic testing and vigilance even after a mastectomy.

Meredith's Story: Detected by Blood Test

At age 59, Meredith was diagnosed with stage I ER+ breast cancer and opted for a lumpectomy plus radiation. She completed five years of anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor.

During year seven post-treatment, Meredith's doctor noticed her CA 27.29 tumor marker blood test was abnormally high at her annual exam. This prompted PET and CT scans, which discovered metastatic ER+ breast cancer in Meredith's lymph nodes and bones.

Meredith began hormone therapy again to manage her metastatic disease. She feels grateful the recurrence was caught early through a simple blood test before she had any symptoms or knew her cancer had spread.

Taylor's Story: Found During Pregnancy

At 33, Taylor was diagnosed with stage III ER+ breast cancer. She quickly began chemo, had a double mastectomy, then did radiation and started tamoxifen.

After several years NED (no evidence of disease), Taylor stopped tamoxifen in hopes of getting pregnant. Four years later during her second trimester, she noticed a swelling under her arm. Tests revealed recurrent ER+ breast cancer in the lymph nodes.

Taylor's doctors reassured her pregnancy is safe in remission, but she would need to restart endocrine therapy immediately after giving birth. Taylor hopes being pregnant does not accelerate the cancer, and that she can gain many healthy years with her new baby.

Amanda's Story: Metastasis After 5 Years

At 37, Amanda was diagnosed with stage II ER+/PR+ breast cancer. She underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and took tamoxifen for five years.

For several years, Amanda felt great with no signs of recurrence. But around year eight, she developed a nagging backache. A PET scan showed metastatic bone lesions throughout her spine and ribs. Further testing confirmed her breast cancer had returned and spread.

Amanda began a new targeted therapy drug that improved her quality of life. While the metastatic recurrence was a blow, she shares her story to remind others to stay on top of follow-up care even many years after initial treatment.

Risk Factors for ER+ Breast Cancer Recurring

What increases the likelihood of ER+ breast cancer coming back after initial treatment? Here are some of the main risk factors:

• Lymph node involvement at diagnosis
• Larger tumor size (>2 cm)
• Higher tumor grade (less differentiated cells)
• Metastasis at diagnosis
• Positive or close surgical margins after lumpectomy
• Younger age at diagnosis (<40 years old)
• No radiation after lumpectomy
• BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic mutation
• Failure to complete 5+ years of endocrine therapy

The more risk factors present, the greater the chance of ER+ breast cancer recurring. However, risk also depends on proper diagnosis and treatment from the start.

Improving Survival After Recurrence

Recurrent ER+ breast cancer is treatable, especially if caught early when still localized. The key is monitoring for warning signs and maintaining long-term follow-up care.

Steps that can improve survival after a recurrence include:

• Ongoing mammograms to detect signs early
• Regular physical exams checking lymph nodes and bones
• Blood tests like tumor markers CA 27.29 and CEA
• Imaging like MRI, PET, CT and bone scans
• Swift recurrence biopsy and molecular testing of cancer cells
• Starting new or resumed treatment as soon as possible

While terrifying, a recurrence does not mean certain death. With current treatments, many women live productive lives for years after a secondary ER+ diagnosis.

Mindset for Coping With Recurrence

Hearing breast cancer has come back triggers intense emotions like fear, anger, sadness and anxiety. Give yourself permission to feel whatever you need to in this moment - it's frightening news.

While difficult, try to remember recurrence is common with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. It does NOT mean treatment has failed. Even metastatic ER+ cancer can often be well-controlled for many years.

Maintaining hope is so important. Treatment advances happen every day, and most recurrences are very treatable. Focus on what you can control right now like restarting therapy, and don't project too far into the future.

Enlist help from others who have walked this road too. Support groups connect you with a community who understands the unique challenges of recurrence. You don't have to face this alone.

Life After Breast Cancer Recurrence

Having breast cancer come back forces you to look at life through a different lens. It's common to reflect on what's truly meaningful and make changes accordingly.

Many women emerge from the experience with unexpected gifts - a renewed appreciation for everyday moments, deeper connections with loved ones, and greater personal strength.

Staying present to the blessings around you provides comfort. Don't let fear of the cancer progressing rob you of enjoying life now. Each new day is an opportunity.

Julia's Story: Beating the Odds

Julia seemed to be a breast cancer survivor success story. Diagnosed at 41 with stage II ER+ breast cancer, she had a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. For eight years after, she was cancer free.

But during year nine, Julia developed constant headaches. Scans revealed metastatic lesions in her brain. Genomic testing showed Julia's cancer was now triple negative, a total receptor switch from her original diagnosis.

Julia's doctors wanted to try immunotherapy. She became part of a clinical trial and responded remarkably well to the new drug. Two years later, Julia's metastases have shrunk by nearly 80%.

While battling a triple negative recurrence, Julia's story conveys hope and the importance of genomic testing to match treatment to specific tumor characteristics. She continues to inspire others with her message: "Don't give up."

Reducing Risk of ER+ Breast Cancer Recurring

While some risk factors for recurrence are out of your control, certain lifestyle changes may help lower the chances of ER+ breast cancer coming back after initial treatment:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity increases recurrence risk.
• Stay active. Women who exercise regularly after breast cancer treatment tend to have better outcomes.
• Don't drink alcohol. Alcohol consumption, even moderate intake, is linked to higher recurrence rates.
• Breastfeed if possible. Breastfeeding for at least 6 months may lower risk of recurrence.
• Manage stress. Lower stress through counseling, meditation, yoga, or other activities you enjoy.
• Eat clean. Follow a predominately plant-based diet focused on whole foods like vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

Making lifestyle changes empowers you to take an active role in lowering your personal risk of ER+ breast cancer recurring down the road.

Finding Inspiration in ER+ Breast Cancer Stories

Hearing other women's real life experiences with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer returning provides both information and inspiration.

These stories convey that recurrence is common but also often very treatable. They encourage staying vigilant with follow up care and offer hope that many live full lives after a secondary diagnosis.

Most importantly, breast cancer recurrence survivors emphasize the message to not give up hope. Their journey shows the inner strength and resilience of the human spirit, even during the hardest chapters.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.