The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Had an MRI today - Came back NED!!!!!

meinken
meinken CSN Member Posts: 38
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
My insurance company refused a Pet/CT for me. So, my doctor scheduled a brain MRI, and Neck MRI and a chest Ct today.

I gotta say. The MRI tube makes the Pet tube seem like a 3 bedroom apt, with wet bar and balcany. It was tiny (though I'm not). Also the brain MRI took 45 mins w/o contrast plus 20 mins with. The Neck was only 20 w/o and 10 w/contrast. And loud...worse then the people on the other side of my cube at work.

I'll never understand insurance companies. I haven't seen the costs on todays tests, but the 3 added together have got to be close to a Pet/CT.

Won't know the results till tomorrow, but I'm glad their over.

Wish me luck
Mark

UPDATE: Saw Doc today, says the MRI's were NED. So, now 7 months out of Rads and still looking good.

Thank You all for your good thoughts and support.
Like Care

Comments

  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom CSN Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    #2
    the best
    Praying for only the best, Mark.
    Like Care
  • arjenkins
    arjenkins CSN Member Posts: 36
    #3
    mri and insurance
    Will be thinking about you!!
    5I work in healthcare and it amazes me daily what insurance companies will and will not cover. I think u are right...the expense of 3 mris would not be much less than a pet. And the pet is the most appropriate test.
    Like Care
  • Pam M
    Pam M CSN Member Posts: 2,196
    #4
    Frustrating
    I've heard horror stories about MRIs. Sorry that turned out to be your only option. Hoping for results that'll make you glad you went through it.
    Like Care
  • D Lewis
    D Lewis CSN Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    #5
    Yep, same here
    My insurance company refused the diagnostic PET-CT as being medically unnecessary. So, my doctor was forced to schedule me for an MRI with/and without contrast, which added up to greater than the cost of the PET-CT. After the MRI showed NOTHING, no surprise there, the insurance company okayed the PET-CT. What a waste, not to mention subjecting me to harmful and unnecessary tests.

    Deb
    Like Care
  • D Lewis
    D Lewis CSN Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    #6
    D Lewis said:

    Yep, same here
    My insurance company refused the diagnostic PET-CT as being medically unnecessary. So, my doctor was forced to schedule me for an MRI with/and without contrast, which added up to greater than the cost of the PET-CT. After the MRI showed NOTHING, no surprise there, the insurance company okayed the PET-CT. What a waste, not to mention subjecting me to harmful and unnecessary tests.

    Deb

    I expect that your doc will...
    Expect that your doc will follow up the MRI with an immediate request for a PET-CT. It will be approved.

    Deb
    Like Care
  • Hondo
    Hondo CSN Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #7
    Hi Mark
    Not much difference in cost, I sometimes do the PET first and then the MRI all on the same day at MD Anderson. I believe the PET is like $4,700.00 and the MRI is like $4,200.00 so I guess they saved $500 dollars. I am like you never really understand insurance companies

    Good luck to you my friend
    Like Care
  • adventurebob
    adventurebob CSN Member Posts: 691 Member
    #8
    Congratulations!
    Happy for your NED. Frustrated for your insurance hassles. All my best.

    Bob
    Like Care
  • areomech
    areomech CSN Member Posts: 33
    #9
    Congratulations!
    Congratulations! on your NED!!!!!
    Like Care
  • luv4lacrosse
    luv4lacrosse CSN Member Posts: 1,410 Member
    #10
    MY FAVORITE THREE LETTER WORD
    N E D - O YEAH!!

    THAT IS GREAT NEWS. IT IS VERY ENCOURAGING FOR ME AS I DO NOT HAVE MY FIRST PET SCAN UNTIL FEBRUARY.

    YOU HAVE ALL MY BEST!!!

    MIKE
    Like Care
  • timreichhart
    timreichhart CSN Member Posts: 194
    #11
    luv4lacrosse said:

    MY FAVORITE THREE LETTER WORD
    N E D - O YEAH!!

    THAT IS GREAT NEWS. IT IS VERY ENCOURAGING FOR ME AS I DO NOT HAVE MY FIRST PET SCAN UNTIL FEBRUARY.

    YOU HAVE ALL MY BEST!!!

    MIKE

    with my pet scans
    Before I get any PET scans I have to get pre-authorized before its done from my insurance company so far all my PET/MRI/CAT/XRays as been approved and fully paid for. GRADS for NED.
    Like Care
  • micktissue
    micktissue CSN Member Posts: 430
    #12
    Another for Club NED
    Best news we can hear!

    Best,

    Mick
    Like Care
  • Glenna M
    Glenna M CSN Member Posts: 1,576
    #13
    micktissue said:

    Another for Club NED
    Best news we can hear!

    Best,

    Mick

    Awesome!!
    As Mick said "Another for Club NED"

    Time to celebrate!!!

    Stay well,
    Glenna
    Like Care
  • mixleader
    mixleader CSN Member Posts: 267 Member
    #14
    More NED members
    Hi, Mark. Reading about another NED member never ceases to bring a smile to my face. Well, at least to the side of my face that isn't paralyzed. A lot of us here know the incredible joy and relief that comes with this news. Thanks for the great news and may it be that way for a long, long time.
    Like Care

Discussion Boards