Hi ladies,
I haven’t been on line for a while but I have a question. Why do we have to wait a year after being diagnosed with BC to have the first mammogram? Also why can’t you have an MRI scan in between, would this be of benefit to you, or not!?! Just scared I suppose, my insecurities coming out, don’t talk about it much, try to take each day as it comes. Went back to work 3 weeks after rads, absolutely knackered, may be too soon . . . On Tamoxifen also. I would really, really appreciate your views, thanks very much.
Ladela. x
I was told that there was no point having the scans earlier as the breast tissue would be still be too affected by surgery and rads to get any clear result.
I have recently had my results from the first annual mammo and MRI which showed no cause for concern, thank goodness. It is a nerve wracking time waiting for the results.
Good luck
Anne
Hi Ladela
It was suggested to me that after a year I should have a mammogram but as it didn’t find my original 2 tumours I refused and held out for a MRI scan. Mammography is only 80% accurate and if you have a genetic mutation then it is less than 50% reliable. Mammography is also not very reliable on younger women as their tissue is too dense; I don’t know what age you are but I would push for MRI for peace of mind.
Good luck …
too much radio activity in the body is not a good thing any way
Hi Ladela
It is not easy getting back to normal is it. I was told I would have to wait 18 months for first mammo. No MRI and the lump was lobular. Not that mammo found the lump in the first place, I was 47 so was not in the system. How regular are your check ups?
I have not recovered emotionally from this year, went back to work in April during rads to keep me sane. I am still really stuggling. On Tamoxifen. I do empathise with your anxiety/worry, really I do.
Take care of yourself love Alicex
I had mammo 6 months after dx and just after rads finished. All was OK for 17 years but last year had a recurrence which the mammo did not show up by now have an ultrasound as well and the lump showed up there. Back on 6 month checks now up to 2 years post dx. Always HATE them but very interesting that the ultrasound showed the recurrence.
Hi Ladela
I have just finished all my treatments and have been told i will have another mammogram in December and every 6 months after that. I also have to have 3 monthley check ups with ong. I live in Spain and all my treatment was done her so its probabley very different here. I have never been offered an MRI scan here though just mammo and ultrasound.
Take care
Lynne x
Thank you ladies for your response, I have only just got my computer back on line so sorry for delay in replying. I am 45 and on tamoxifen, still having the odd aches and pains in the breast operated on and also under my arm. Should I hold out for another test as well, i.e. the ultrasound, as some of you recommend it as mammorgram not entirely accurate? I went back to work one week after radiotherapy, wish I’d rested more, still not over all this stuff. Also is anyone else having problems with their skin on Tamoxifen, I have suddenly come out with spots which I have never ever had! Feel like a teenager again! I am still waiting for my mammogram date, have had just one check up with the oncologist but no scanning machines used, only hands! Thanks again ladies for all your advice, it is much appreciated.
Ladela xxx
I think it depends on hospitals, my mum has lobular and its quite hard to find, and there is no lump so she is having them every six months for the next five years as they say there is a very high chance with lobular it will appear in the other breast, and then they will review it. She is under the Royal Marsden.
Hi Ladela,
I was told that ultrasound is not used generally for screening, but rather for “problem solving” where a lump is detected. therefore a mammogram is the norm. I was also told the first one would be a year after surgery (Dec 07 in my case) as they dont want the bad breast to be squashed into that lovely machine too early on!
After my 1 year appointment I am going to ask for 6 monthly Mammos as I had a clear one in June 07 and a 2.6cm lump by Dec 07. I am also triple negative, so on no tamoxifen, herceptin or other treatment and more prone to recurrence.
Katie x
Hi Ladela
I was diagnosed Aug 07 and was scheduled for my mammogram sept 08 . I couldnt wait so asked for it to be brought forward to July.I was only down for a mammogram but insisted on a ultrasound whih had to be approved as its not standard where I am inless theres a problem however as some ladies have mentioned my initial mammo was clear and ultrasound wasnt plus the doctor agreed the scar tissue was difficult to make sense of with a mammogram.
I was reassured in that she also checked my lymph on the ultrasound and thankfully all looks clear. I see the oncologist next april for bloods and then i imagine it’ll be another mammogam in a year.
Cally
Hello Ladies!
Just been reading your comments and it was all very interesting. I had a mammogram in April 2006, which was clear. By October 2007 I had a 7 cm tumour. I have absolutely no idea when my next mammogram is going to be, I assume it will be in October this year. Never thought of asking for an MRI scan - many thanks for the info.
Does anybody know if there are any laid down procedures or guidelines for follow-up treatment. Saw my Oncologist last Friday and I am seeing him again on 31st October. From what I’ve been told I alternate every 3 months between my Oncologist and the breast clinic. Had a dexa scan 'cos I’m taking Arimidex.
Now I’ve read your comments I’ll be champing at the bit for a mammogram in October. If you have anymore info or advice I would appreciate it.
Love
Lynda xx