Screening after breast cancer

SierraNV

I had a mastectomy 2012 and have seen my oncologist ever 6 months. The cancer was located next to my rib bone. I have a monogram every 6 months on my other breast. It been close to 4 years now and she has not done any other tests. I thought I there would be a lot more tests to know I'm cancer free. I asked my doctor and her response was " if your cancer came back, you would be really sick, throwing up etc...." Then. she walked out of the room. I thought if I had those symptoms the cancer would be more advanced. I want to catch it early not when it is to advanced. Any thoughts I would be great full.

Moderators

Bumping for SierraNV!

KBeee

Unfortunately, unless there are symptoms, most MOs do not do any tests. They rely on symptoms. My MO has said to report any pain lasting more than 2 weeks or any suspicious lumps. It does make you paranoid about every ache and pain

Italychick

I do what makes me comfortable, even if I have to pay for it. I have had a breast MRI both pre diagnosis and a follow up one just a few weeks ago, so 15 months after surgery. Also had a brain MRI. And I think later this year, I will do a pet scan. The breast MRI costs about $700. Brain MRI about the same. My scanning facility says if I can't get insurance to pay for pet/ct, it will cost $1400. I will consider it money well spent. It's the cost of a few car payments, and since my car is paid for, I can spend the money on testing and get a new car later.

Surgeon says the sooner something is found, if ever (please never), the better shape I will be in physically to deal with it. So I am trusting her judgment

So far, my MO has gotten approval for both breast and brain MRI, not sure how, but she did it. Something about coding it for restaging I think.

MamaShift

SierraNV, I have been surprised myself by the follow-up. I thought it was just because I didn't stay in the same country as my onc. For example, I've never been told I'm in remission. I always thought that was something you would hear from the onc. I finished my chemo and a few days later saw a replacement onc because mine was on vacation. She just did the usual stuff and said good luck! I do think I might change onc if mine talked to me like that, though. I had to change my first onc because she never seemed to know who she was talking to (too busy, too popular -- had treated my city's mayor). I loved my second onc.

SierraNV

Thank you. I would feel a lot more comfortable with the pet scan. I really want to catch it early because I want to be here for a long time so thank you thank you for all your information.