Mammogram schedule

warrrior3

Yesterday I saw my BS for my 6 month f/u appt. At check out I expected to be scheduled for a mammo on the left breast but was surprised to learn I won't need one until my next 6 mo. F/u. I was told only the first year mammo is done at 6 mo. Intervals. Six months after Dx I had a diagnostic mammo on BC side and six months later bilateral. I guess I misunderstood this protocol when it was explained after Dx. Is this the same schedule anyone of you follow? Although I don't enjoy mammo and the anxiety I was truly disappointed.

peggy_j

I get a screening test every six months: so a mammogram once a year and a B-MRI once a year but offset by 6-months. This is the plan for the next 5 years. I see your tumor was Grade 1, like mine, which is the slow growing kind, so I think more frequent tests aren't likely to find anything sooner.

Edited to add: I remember there was a similiar discussion earlier. I can't find that thread now but I remember hearing that the 6-month interval was pretty typical. Just an FYI until other members chime in here. 

Megadotz

I'm not sure that there is a hard and fast rule on the mammogram schedule.  My first post-treatment (chemo-radiation)   diagnostic mammowas about a year after dx -- they waited three months after radiation completed.  It was every six months until the 2 year anniversary -- All b-rads 2.   SInce they were diagnostic I saw the radiologist  each time.  At the two year anniversary mamo she asked how long it had been.  When i told her two year, she said i could go to annual unless there was some issue.   This is the same radiologist who had me on a six month schedule for  the three years prior to Dx on density issues.

FWIW, I had the three year anniversary mammo yesterday -- still B9 and still a year for the next.  The MO is keeping them diagnostic.

I think a lot has to do with what your history has been and whether ther are any concerns with what is seen on the mammos.  I feel lucky that things are going smoothly, but that I still need to be vigiliant 'cause BC is sneaky and things can turn on a diome.  *sigh*