Opinion Wanted

wimpy
wimpy Member Posts: 58
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I just did my 1 year checkup with inconclusive mammography/ultrasound. My surgeon and a radiologist solicited by my family doctor suggests a MRI is indicated to resolve inadequate information from the radiology. My file has been reviewed by the local cancer institute and the radiologist there says it is unecessary in my case and would not provide useful information if it was done. Does anyone have any idea which of these multiple "specialists" is giving the right recommendation? I am running a little scared at the moment.

Comments

  • sassysally
    sassysally Member Posts: 150
    #2
    Have the MRI.... if you dont, you'll worry yourself to no end. If the test shows something you will know what to do next. If not, youll breathe a sigh of releif. If you dont have the test at all, the worry about WHAT IF will never end.

    sassy
  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #3
    If this concerns the breast affected by cancer and particularly if you had radiation, remember that it can take 2 years for radiation induced
    changes in the breast to completely settle and maybe this is causing questions?

    If it concerns your "healthy" breast, then it all depends upon what it is that remains "unresolved" after the ultrasound. A thickening? Are your breasts very dense? Sometimes, an "artifact" can cause some concern initially, as can fibrocystic breasts. Does the mammo facility use CAD in addition to the radiologist study, using your old mammo films? Ask lots of questions to help you decide.

    I'd ask the cancer institute radiologist WHY he feels the MRI wouldn't be helpful in your case.
    I'd also ask him what he thinks about having a PET of the breast in question.

    All comes down to understanding what it is that seems to be yeilding "inadequate information". You need to know what, specifically, is not answered (what does it appear to be per the report) and what other tests could be helpful in providing answers to anything suspicious or unusual.

    I'd want to know all these things and then decide whether I'd want another study or a biopsy of some sort.

    My mammo follow up consisted of studies every 6 months for the first two years and only after the radiation changes had settled, did I get an unmitigated "normal" on the report.

    Good luck.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink
  • Idalia
    Idalia Member Posts: 76
    #4
    Dear wimpy, it is scary to have to deal with conflicting experts and have to make important decisions about your health on the spot. Write down your questions and when you get a chance to ask them, write down the answers! Don't be afraid to push for a test or a clearer explanation about something you don't understand. There are a lot of factors to consider, including time, money and your own peace of mind. Trust your instincts. You may not be a medical expert, but no one knows you better! Good luck.
  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #5
    The lobular carcinoma that developed in my right breast never showed up on mammograms or ultrasound, even after the tumor grew so large, I could see it through my street clothing. The radiologist was still telling me EVEN THEN that we could just monitor it again in 6 months. Do whatever you have to do to find the ground you can live on. You are the one who will live with the consequences.

    Love,
    Denise

Discussion Boards