MRI- as f/u?

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Newbie21
Newbie21 Member Posts: 70
edited June 2014 in Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer

Hi my Canadian Sisters and brothers,

Do you recieve follow- up MRI's? If so why? and how much does it cost?

I live in Mtl, Qc and there is no mention of using MRi as a f/u tool even though my mom's BC was ILC and IDC mixed in together.

Thanks

Giulia

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited June 2009

    Giulia,

    I get annual MRIs.  Initially my surgeon did not suggest it but after my first or second follow-up mammo, when the radiologist commented on the mammo report that I had "extremely dense" breast tissue (in my one remaining breast) and suggested that MRIs would be beneficial, my surgeon agreed and suggested that I alternate every 6 months between mammos and MRIs.  I now longer see my surgeon but now my family doctor orders the MRI.  I get my MRIs done at Mt. Sinai in Toronto.  My understanding is that when my doctor sends in the request that I be booked for an MRI, Mt. Sinai do their own review of my case to ensure that it's still warranted.  So far, they've agreed.  And there is no cost to me.  OHIP (Ontario provincial heath care) covers the cost.

    Perhaps your mother has not been recommended for MRIs because her breasts are not particularly dense and mammos are judged to be effective.  Certainly not everyone gets - or needs - MRIs.

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  • koshka1
    koshka1 Member Posts: 678
    edited June 2009

    Hi there....

    I am here in BC and have had breast cancer.

    MRI is not a standard of follow-up care here in Canada as it is in the US.  Basically due to costs, high false positive rates, and less face it!! - we dont have many machines and resources.

    My understanding is that MRI's are given and provided regularly to those that are BRCA positive.

    I on the otherhand, did get 2 MRI's due to the fact that I was diagnosed at a young age - that was the way that the medical plan covered it for me.

    As I chose to have a lumpectomy, I am going to have a Mammogram 1x a year and an MRI 1x a year but I have decided to pay for the MRI myself.....yah...$2300 - I gonna have to come up with this but not sure how!!

    I hope this helps somewhat.

    Hugs...Kosh

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  • gibby
    gibby Member Posts: 105
    edited June 2009

    I live in Ontario. After my mastectomy, my surgeon put an order in that I was to have an MRI every year. I just had my one year MRI.

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