I am somewhat concerned that my onc said I think it was in january this year at end of rads that I would have a check up next February 2010. That would make it two years from when I was first dx. I am due to finish Herceptin in October - thats if they can keep finding a vein. I thought you were checked once a year with a mammogram. NICE seems to say that anyone who has had bc should have a mammogram once a year for 5 years. I was Grade 2 with 6/21 lymph nodes and lobular. How often are others being checked up? Also is anyone having a yearly MRI. I am thinking of this as lobular difficult to pick up and also to pick up any early secondaries. I would pay for the MRI myself.
Hi, in my area Southampton if you have a mastectomy you have a mammogram every 2 years with a lumpectomy it’s every year. I think each area has their own way. I was dx in May2007 and had my mammogram this May. It took 6 weeks before my GP got results.So this may be why you wont have your mammo till next year. Keep well and keep smiling.
Marion.xx
I have an annual mammogram and check up until my 5 years ends in 2011. I turn 50 the same year, and have been told I will pass into the screening programme.
Hi Starfish,
I finished rads in March, had my post-treatment check-up, and now have 6 monthly checks alternating between on & surgeon. Annual mammogram organised by the surgical team. I have the appointment to see the onc again next year and also one to see the surgeon later this year.
It may be that in addition to see your onc in February you also get an appointment for mammo and your surgeon. Perhaps your bcn would know.
Eliza xx
Hi starfish, funny you should post, I have just had an appointment with my onc today and asked that very question. She says protocol varies between 1 and 2 years depending on who you speak to. As I brought the subject up today she has requested a mamo for me. I have not had one since diagnosis (April 08)As far as check ups etc go, no mri will be offered unless problems are reported by me. I will see alternate onc then surgeon every 3 months but I dont know how long this continues.
I am due to have my recon in a couple of weeks, so once again I am up at the hospital every two minutes at the mo anyway.
I have seen other posts of yours, we have a few similarities, both grade 2 6/21 nodes and HER2+. I am currently on No 10 Herceptin, and very tired!
Hope this helps
Ness1 x
Hi there
I’m not so far down my treatment as you but I think your point about lobular cancer is important. It’s much harder to detect with a mammogram and therefore tends to be picked up later. I would ask that specific question and ask about the MRI. I had lobular cancer and opted to have a double mastectomy (for a number of reasons) but I was told that if I didn’t I would be offered an MRI of the remaining breast every 2 years.
Personally I would be tempted to pay privately if its not on offer but I would check if it’s safe to have yearly as they do use a contrast dye. I’m not sure I understand your comment about secondaries as the MRI I had was a specific breast one. I did have a CT scan and a bone scan and I don’t know how often these are offered if at all.
Elinda x
Hi all, I just write to say that I agree with Elinda, if they aren’t going to offer you an MRI at last every 2 years, I would do it paying it myself (coping with a lobular).
My cancer was a G3 CDIS, 23/32 nodes pos, and here in Italy the things are more or less the same wherever you live: yearly mammo for 5 years, yearly bone scan, an abdomen echo and a chest x-ray every 6 months.
This is the protocol, but it may change, of course.
MRI is not often offered, but it depends on the kind of disease, the risk factors and so on.
Sometimes I think that we sholud be granted all the free check ups we need to feel sure, or, if not, all the explanations about their refusal.
And no, the contrast used during MRI is not harmful,I do it even if i’m allergic to iodate contrast used for CT.
All the best from sunny Puglia (42 Celsius degrees today).
Ele.
Hi Ness
I didnt know there was someone else with similar dx. I havent come across anyone who is Grade 2 and HER2. I have just had herceptin No 13 and am also starting to feel tired and generally below par. I understand this is normal as you near the end of Herceptin.
Keep in touch. Its nice to chat to someone else the same!
Take care
x