18 months post dx questions

Iamblessed

Hello,

I have not been on the board in a very long time.When I was dx'd last year, I received alot of support and helpful information from the women (and men) here. I recognize a name a two still here. My question is this: It's been 18 months since I have had my bi-lat mx for DCIS (I chose this out of options of radiation plus lumpectomy or this) L breast. I have not had an MRI since then as I  have no insurance now. Considering it was DCIS and I had a bi lat mx, I really don't have a concern, correct? I mean, isn't the chance of recurrence with me almost nill?? Thank you!

desdemona222b

I had DCIS too with lumpectomy and rads - no one has ever even suggested that I have an MRI.  I wouldn't worry about it.  The chances of recurrence are very slim.

musiclovermom

I hate to tell you this, but a woman in my support group had a bilateral mastectomy in 2007 and now in 2009 she has inflamatory breast cancer in her arm and they recently took out 32 nodes on one side...

I thought I was out of the woods by choosing the bilateral route only to meet her a week after my surgery.

I will be having MRI's since I don't have any breast tissue to mammogram. I think it is standard procedure after implant reconstruction.

I had DCIS in both breasts, invasive in the right as a second primary cancer.

There must be a way for you to get your MRI at no cost.

I would start looking for ways to get the tests you should have.

Kimberly

Iamblessed

I'm glad you replied to me Kimberly. Thank you for sharing. I cant tell you how much I appreciate anyone who is willing to share anything,even bad stories. We gotta read them. thanks again

Janets1

Hi Lamblessed:
What a predicament - I feel for you with no insurance. I am currently on COBRA after losing my job just one month before my diagnosis. I am lucky that I got in while the gov't is kicking in a large portion of my monthly premium - but scared I won't find a job with good benefits once the COBRA plus federal money ends. Here we are debating whether we are all going too frequently for mammograms, MRI's, etc......and some of us don't even have insurance to cover them if we want them. Most teaching hospitals should have funding available for non-insured people with a lower income level. Check out the websites for services like that. You'll have to fill out a lot of paperwork and be subject to lots of scrutiny, but you should always have health insurance coverage of some kind. Also, check with the American Cancer Society.....you need to have follow up care and they might be able to help you.

Good luck,

Jan

CAROLMARIE427

Hi.  Just wanted to let you know that I had DCIS also (one breast) and had a bilateral mastectomy.  MRI's are only done every three years to check for rupture of silicone implant.  Follow-up with my surgeon every six months for a poke around.  I don't think it is necessary for you to have MRI unless you have implants.  But you still should see an oncologist or breast surgeon to check your breasts for any lumps or bumps.  Good luck.