Is it odd to go to once a year mammos 1 year after diagnosis?

Yes, my age was a big consideration. He told me all the pros and cons and said it was my decision. He then added that whatever I decided I shouldn't second-guess myself.

He was very honest about the possibilities of rib breakage (though he had never seen it in his practice). He did say part of the lung, about 6 to 10 percent, would be in the radiation field as would the bottom part of the heart. And there was a chance of rads causing other cancers.

I liked that he was so upfront about everything.

I think all our providers should be like he was. Honest with all the pros and con of every treatment and then let us decide what is best for our situation.  

LOVE to keep us confused!!

Thanks, will read it

Upfront is good, but blunt to rude I dunno!! I want information but in a polite professional way and in english for me

I do understand certain things that I am against and that would be one because like mammo's I have somewhat to a full suspician that do they or don't they really help that much????

Prayers

Karen

Regarding the ASCO lecture...Here are the protocols for breast cancer surveilliance following breast cancer diagnosis at the leading medical centers....It comes from the table in the article.  I must apologize that the entire table doesn't cut and paste....It also includes when to have physical screening exams:

"Institution Mammography Physical Examination:

M. D. Anderson Cancer Center At 6 mo, then annual diagnostic for 5 yr; screening from year 6 Every 6 mo for 5 yr, then annual

University of California, San Francisco Every 6 mo for 5 yr, then annual screening Every 6 mo for 5 yr, then annual

University of California, Los Angelas Every 6 mo for 2 yr, then annual diagnostic Left to primary care

Moffitt Cancer Center Every 6 mo for 2 yr, then annual diagnostic until yr 10 Every 6 mo for 5 yr, then annual

Brigham and Women's Hospital and

Dana-Farber Cancer Center

At 6 mo after completion of radiotherapy, then annual diagnostic Every 6 mo for 5 yr

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Don't forget...there are exceptions....

As ususal, interesting information VR thanks for posting.

 I have been thinking about the value of an MRI over a mammogram lately so I find this interesting as well.  I am going to see my BS in a couple of weeks and plan on asking him about this.  I have been having discomfort (as in premenstral) in the breast that had the cancer.  At my mammogram last week I informed the mammo person about this because it was on a form I filled out, but no comment was made about it.  It makes me a bit nervous and that's why I was wondering whether an MRI would show anything that a mammogram does not.  It's hard not to wonder what is in there that is causing discomfort.

Kareybeth,  The size, stage and aggression (Trip. Neg) of your B/C is certainly something that can affect whether you are a "frequent flyer" for mammos or not.

v-reader,   Thanks for posting actual article of the idea I was trying to convey (but was to lazy to search out citations for.)  Seems even the more renowned Centers have some variance on follow-ups.

So let's just say if a woman is getting mammos more frequently than every 6 mos. or getting none in over a  year's time, it might be time to ask the docs what the deal is.  All others are falling in the range of "standard follw-up."

elimar 

THEY SURE AS HECK BETTER NOT BE HOLDING ANYTHING BACK ON ME!!

I am taking my sister with me Wednesday to ask her questions too!! She of course got orders from at least one of our older sisters!! I'll get some answers Wednesday for sure!!

Karen

elimar

SO TRUE

Have a good night everyone.

Karen

Last time (3 years post DX) when I had my mammogram I did not get to see the radiologist. Previously the radiologist would come in and discuss the results. When I asked why-why not, it was explained that I was back to "screening" mammograms since I was now 3 years post treatment. In the couple years after DX I was having "diagnostic" mammograms which include a personal discussion with the radiologist.



I did like getting to talk to the radiologist immediately after. But do like it that I am considered a "normal" patient, I guess.

Morning Everyone

Mammo was cleared <insert happy dance> Said they would see me in 6mths because MY ONC SAID SO!! Not going to complain. See him day after tomorrow. May hear about my other two tests CT/BONE scans today. They usually call me when they get the results.

With me individual doctors DO NOT SHARE scans! Henceforth my many scans but they are going to be a 6mth & yearly mammo and a yearly CT/BONE!! Got that straight~My oncologists said he does not feel good with TN and they have to keep checkingme. I will not get anyone requesting anything unless my onc says so!! I will find out WEDNESDAY also my grade(only because I did not ask that)!! duh on me!! Can't remember if they said blood labs every 4mths or every 6mths BUT they are giving my situation all the attention they think it needs and I agree with them.

As far as my port goes, I don't want the reminder of it if I am cancer free, I want it out if/or until  I should cross that bridge again. DECIDED once everything is cleared on Wednesday I AM GOING TO HAVE IT OUT!! If it isn't there neither will the reminder of cancer every time I feel a pinch or a pain. I know my chances and if and when I cross that bridge I will deal with it!! 82% chance it will NOT return per my onc so I am gonna hold tight to that!!

MY next plan FIND A GOOD GYNO/PRIMARY!! Been to 2 since my cancer dx and I still am not happy

I am so happy that I get to hear how everyone elses doctors do things. Gives me hope, strength and ????? as to why or why my doctors aren't doing this!!

Hope everyone has a GREAT Day and all your worries, pains & progress continues to be in Gods hands.

Prayers

Karen

VR I am assuming mean the radiologist who reads the mammogram.  On occasion, I would see her-she was the one who read my mammos with some regularity.  She has since left her position, and for my last 2 mammograms have not seen anyone other than the person who tells me everything is fine and when to return.  

Unlike yourself, I liked my BS better than any of the new Dr's I started seeing when I got my DX.  Therefore, he is my go to person.  

I do think that any woman getting a diagnostic mammogram should be given the time with the radiologist.  I wonder what would happen if I insisted??

Thank-you for the helpful advise.