What's your experience with a follow-up breast MRI?

@isamac
It has been 7 years since I finished treatment for breast cancer. I had a tumor removed and a couple of positive lymph nodes. During the first couple of years, I saw an oncologist regularly, and he scheduled yearly MRIs. I have dense breasts. After 5 years, my ongoing monitoring was transferred back to my primary provider. Every time I have imaging, I have anxiety about whether they will find something. So far, all imaging has come back negative for cancer.

At my last appointment with my oncologist, I asked about recommended ongoing monitoring. His recommendation was a mammogram and MRI once a year. He documented the recommendation in his notes. My primary now schedules alternating mammograms and MRI every 6 months.

It was important to have an oncologist document the recommendation; that way, if my primary questions need for an MRI, I can refer back to the provider's notes.

Did you have surgery on your breast, and if so, do you want to share the type? The type of surgery and treatment could result in diffeent provider's recommendation.

@roch Laurie, I had a mastectomy, no treatments, 7 yrs ago. I have always, since then had a mamm & MRI yearly also per my oncologist.
Do you feel you want to co time with this protocol? I’ve been thinking of asking my oncologist about alternating Mammograms & MRIs yearly. I’d be interested in your thoughts on this. Thanks!

@sequoia
I do plan on continuing with mammograms and MRIs for monitoring. Two sisters also had breast cancer that was caught early. Genetic testing shows no genetic reason. My provider said there probably is, just something that research has not found yet.

I once asked if I do MRIs, are mammograms needed, and was told yes.

As long as insurance (Medicare) pays for it, I will continue the imaging.

@roch thank you for sharing .
What was your experience with breast MRI with contrast?
I’ll be having my first breast MRI in a few weeks as a follow up to mammogram and breast ultrasound. I am 68 years old and an MRI was never required before. I do have dense breasts.

@roch & @isamac
@roch, that is my feelings exactly regarding continuing both, but was going to ask his opinion of once per year Mammo then MRI. Part of reason is MRI is a 4 hr round trip. I don’t like to put that time against my health but …. I am on Medicare also with supplemental, so it is covered- but thinking one day - one or both will stop covering.
@isamac , the MRI with contrast is not anything to be concerned about When the contrast start in, I feel the cold of the liquid, but not uncomfortable. My facility has the breast MRI (in the tube) down to about 20-25 minutes. For me … it is not a bad experience. My tech are the best.
Side note - funny story. A Young tech was taking care of me during my last MRI. He said that ‘he was the only one on duty, but if I wanted a chaperone, he could arrange it’ I lol and said ‘I’m 73 yrs old - I would take it as a compliment’. Lololol. He was such a sweetheart. MRI results were all good!! Have a blessed day.

That is funny! Glad all is well!
😊🙏🏼