Hi
In 2008 I was diagnosed with bc for the first time, an 8mm lobular cancer in right breast, only discovered after a lumpectomy for DCIS. Lymph nodes clear, radiotherapy, sorted. Fast forward to 2019 and my first routine mammogram, after 10 years apparently all clear. A lump found in left breast which turned out to be 26mm ductal cancer, 1 lymph node positive. But also the radiologist saw a ‘very small’ lesion in my right breast, which also turned out to test positive for bc. The consultant also said this was a tiny lump, not detected on the mammogram, and barely seen with ultrasound. It was agreed to go for another lumpectomy so I had both sides at the same time.
The result for my right side came back as lobular cancer again, no clear margins and I returned for a mastectomy last July. It was in fact 45mm. I have recovered well, and finished treatment last October, now on letrozole plus Adcal-D3.
I was told that I would now just have an annual mammogram for my remaining left breast for 5 years as follow up. After some weeks of reflecting on this, I wrote to the consultant and asked him if i could have an MRI scan at some point as lobular cancer had twice not been detected by mammogram, and barely by ultrasound until it had reached 45mm.
He seems very reluctant to offer me an MRI, saying a mammogram should be sufficient.
I would be interested to know other people’s experience with lobular cancer - have you been offered an MRI? Does it vary between areas and/or consultants? Has anyone decided to go for a private MRI after being refused my NHS?
On a positive note, I have recovered well from all the treatment (though I did not have chemo) and am getting on cheerfully with life again, all be it in lockdown!
Hi
I have been in a similar situation and asked for my follow checks to include an MRI. My consultant agreed and I have just had my first annual check up which included a mammogram and MRI. Results came back clear just a month ago.
I was diagnosed with a lobular grade 2 cancer in February 2019 after noticing a small spot on the skin which did not go away. I had no lump. Nothing was revealed on a mammogram or ultra sound or on physical examination. A biopsy of the spot revealed cancer cells so I was referred for an MRI which showed a few small areas of cancer cells in my left breast. I had to have a mastectomy.
I queried the value of an annual mammogram as all my mammograms came back clear. My consultant discussed my concerns with the radiology team and it was agreed that annual MRI s were appropriate in the circumstances. I would raise it with your consultant. Good luck. The hospital I attend is the major breast care centre in the South West.
I can’t fault the care I have received. The team at the hospital have been amazing. I was offered a Diep flat reconstruction a month or so after my original operation when it was clear that I would not need chemo or radiotherapy. I was reluctant to go through major surgery after having completely recovered from the mastectomy. I came across a new technique using lipo modelling to create a breast. I asked the onco plastic surgeon if that was an option for me. I had small boobs. She agreed and in Feb this year had a short operation as a day case when fat was removed from my thighs and injected into the mastectomy area. I am really pleased with it. I now have a cleavage again and although I wear a small amount of padding I no longer use the prothesis. In a swim suit you can’t tell I had a mastectomy. I recovered really quickly and was able to drive within days. I just have a couple of small scars at the top of each thigh.
Good luck and take care everyone.
X
Hi Sue
I have only had an MRI at the end of treatment to eliminate all possibilities for my side effects before a referral to neurology. However, my initial cancer was not detected by a mammogram. Yet 6 months later I had two significant breast lumps, lobular cancer, 19/21 lymph nodes infected and in the words of my oncologist “it even broke out in your skin.” Well, yes it did and a good job too - were it not for those two tiny bumps on my areola, I’d still be sitting pretty - ready to face a stage 4 cancer diagnosis when and if my next mammogram picked it up. Even the first ultrasound I had didn’t pick anything up (because they thought they weren’t looking for much).
All hospital staff I have quizzed remain insistent that the mammogram is the most reliable form of early detection. There’s also of course the cost factor for using it for routine purposes. Like you, I don’t accept that any more. My cancer wasn’t even early stage - it was well-developed. I’m refusing to live in the ‘what if’ world and worry about it all but I am seriously considering paying for a CT scan or an MRI privately next year. The peace of mind would be worth the loss of a holiday!
So, thought I can’t answer your specific cancer, you’re not alone in your doubts. Once bitten…
I hope you get somewhere. Best wishes xx
I requested MRI for follow-up and have been refused anything but a mammogram despite all the evidence that MRI is more accurate for lobular breast cancer. I was told that the guidelines will be reviewed in 2023. But I am also wanting to transfer hospital and i would be interested to know if any hospitals do offer this? Otherwise I will have to try to find the funds for a private MRI scan.