How often do you have follow-up mammograms

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knowledgeforpower
knowledgeforpower Member Posts: 184
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

I had my first post treatment mammogram on Tuesday.  I had both sides done and I am happy to say all was normal.  I was under the impression from my surgeon and oncologist I would have the lumpectomy side done again in six months and then be on the yearly schedule with both sides.  However, the radiologist said I would need the lumpectomy side done every six months for three years.  That seems like a long time...  I would be interested in knowing how often others are having their lumpectomy side checked via a mammogram.  Thanks.....

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of being diagnosed with cancer.  You ladies have all been a wonderful source of information and encouragement through surgery, chemo, radiation, and now Aromasin.  Thank you.  To those just beginning your journey through treatment, take advantage of the great support from these fabulous ladies and I wish you the very best.

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  • JulieC
    JulieC Member Posts: 324
    edited January 2010

    Hi Knowledge - first, congratulations on your one year cancerversary.  It seems like all doctors are different in what they want, but here is what my schedule was like. I had a new baseline mammogram done 6 weeks after I completed radiation.  I had another one done 6 months later. I though it was to only be on the right (lump) side, but they did both.  Then I went to do the one that should now be one year from the new baseline.  The tech said there was some confusion about the previous one (should not have had both sides done then) and that since both sides were done then, I didn't really need one this time.  I could choose to do it, but my insurance might not pay for it since I wasn't on the right schedule.  At this point, I just wanted peace of mind since it has been a year since tx ended.  They were also concerned about having more radiation in the form of a mammogram.  I did it anyone and everything was fine.  At this point I haven't been billed for it.  I will now go on a yearly basis again.

    I would just ask my onc what he recommends since he is the one who orders the tests.

    My 2 year cancerversary is in March and I still come here daily to check in and stay connected with the women who understand the most about what we have been through.

    Hugs to you - Julie

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  • Lili46
    Lili46 Member Posts: 130
    edited January 2010

    Hi Knowledge...I had a lumpectomy in June 2008 followed by chemo and radiation. I had my first bilateral mammogram after finishing chemo but before starting radiation..Nov. '08. I am on an alternating mammogram/MRI schedule every six months for the next few years...bilateral MRI in May/bilateral mammo in November. The reason for the MRI is that I have very dense breasts and mammography didn't pick up my tumor. I found my tumor on a self breast exam about 6 months after a normal mammo. Good luck to you and congratulations on your 1 year cancerversary!!

    Li 

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  • NativeMainer
    NativeMainer Member Posts: 10,462
    edited January 2010

    I had a follow up mammo of the affected breast 6 months after diagnosis (only a couple weeks after rads was done, talk about hurt!) then both 6 months after that, then yearly.  Going to have my remaining boob taken off this summer and both remade, so the mammo I had a couple weeks ago will be my last one ever!  YEAH! 

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  • Ainm
    Ainm Member Posts: 781
    edited January 2010

    Hi Knowledge, we share dx date!!!  I have my follow up mammo next tuesday but as I had a mast I'm not much use to you regarding how ofter you should have a mammo on the lumpectomy side.  Tuesday is the one year anniversary of my mast and I will be back at the same clinic having my mammo and then a visit to my onc.  I'm so happy that everything was normal for you - I know that for me it's a big milestone. Congratulations on your one year cancerversary and I wish you many, many more. 

    Yeah for everything normal!!!

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