onc dont want to send a referral for Breast MRI in Ottawa

Sig

Hi, my Mammo report keep saying that my left breast (only one left) is extremely dense and it is mammographically difficult to view but they never recommend an mri instead. I keep asking to both of my oncologists (radiation and chemo oncs) for a breast MRI because of statement on my mammo report and also because my cancer did not show up either on my right breast (had a  mammo 4 mths prior to my lump and never saw my cancer). Both oncologists do not want to send a referral for a breast MRI because they said I dont fall in the high risk category. Then I told them that I was told when I first met them that I was high risk because of my HER + and lymps node positive. they both told me that they talk with others oncologist on a board and I am not eligible for breast MRI. This is at the Ottawa Cancer Center, so is there any of you in Ottawa or Canada who are getting a breast MRI and at which frequency.

thanks

Sig

bailey1958

Hi Sig,

I just had a second MRI in 6 months. I identified a lump two years before diagnosis they ignored. I forced the issue and was diagnosed. Was sent for an MRI before surgery and had a follow-up ultrasound because of areas of concern - nothing showed up. I was asked to return this week for a follow-up MRI. stage 1, grade 1 no nodes and 1.5 cm. I am seen at the BC Cancer Agency in Vancouver.

Kyta

Hi Sig...I'm in Ottawa. I only had one MRI during diagnosis, and I've since had mastectomies on both sides so don't think I'll be going back for another. However, my sister was followed through the high risk breast cancer screening program for a few years at the Women's Breast Health Centre at the Civic (family history and last year she had a lumpectomy for atypical hyperplasia...but no cancer yet and hopefully never!) and she was getting annual MRIs and mammos, alternating at 6 month intervals. Good luck to you.

Mich

Sig

Hi, thanks for replying. I think I will ask to my family doctor for a referral as I really would like to have one to put my mind at ease and as well as to check if my implant is intact as it is in sillicone. I guess the Ottawa Cancer Center are pretty strict with their guidelines with regards to MRI. One oncologist told me is because of the cost and availability. Mich how did you manage to get a prophy mastectomy as I asked for also and was denied, I was basically told that they dont remove healthy tissue

Sig

Beesie

Sig, I'm in Toronto.  I get annual MRIs in addition to annual mammos.  The reason is because the radiologists noted on my mammo that I have dense breasts and that "an MRI is recommended".  I seem to fit within the guidelines so I don't see why you don't.

redninrah

im from ottawa and ive only had a MRI during diagnosis.I am completing radiation and ive made it clear that I want a full MRI to ensure that ive got no cancer left and to ensure the chemo worked.

I dont mind doing the 6/12 mamorgram and 6/12 MRI

hlya

Hi, Sig,

I think you should insist on it. 

Sig

I insisted to both of my oncologist and their answers was the samething. They event talked with colleagues and they said that it would be hard as they have pretty strict guidelines when it's comes to MRI at the Ottawa Hospital. So I turned around and asked to my family doctor who discussed with colleages also because of fear (because my other breast is extremely dense as per my mammo report) and she finally send a referral but to another hospital. So now I did have my MRI and I got a copy of the report and there are all kinds of things written on it, so now I am really confused about what to do. I am seeing my family doctor on the 16 and will ask her opinion, I dont know if I should send a copy to my oncologist because they did not want me to have one but again the report worried me. I wrote what the report is on another thread. here is the link. so if you can give me your opinion that would be appreciated. http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topic/764391?page=1#idx_3

Sig