Imaging tests after mastectomy

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Lee64
Lee64 Member Posts: 184
edited June 2014 in Stage I Breast Cancer

I am wondering what imaging tests others get after a mastectomy. I had a mammogram on the "good side" a year after finishing chemo and rads but nothing on the mastectomy side except exam by my Onc at my check-ups. Does anyone get an ultrasound or chest x-ray?  At my last check-up, I was moved to 6mo. interval; it will be 2 yrs. since diagnosis in Nov. Would appreciate some opinions.

Thanks much!

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  • JRyan
    JRyan Member Posts: 178
    edited October 2012

    I am curious about this too.  I had a BMX - so I know I won't have a mammogram, but what will they do to look at the remaining tissue?

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  • Lee64
    Lee64 Member Posts: 184
    edited October 2012

    Hi, JRyan.  As you can see, I posted this question over a month ago and never got a response. I tried to think of a better forum to put it in so I would get an answer but finally just gave up. Hopefully, someone will see it this time and respond.

    I hope you are doing well.

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  • tlew
    tlew Member Posts: 128
    edited October 2012

    Hi, I Have questioned my doctors numerous times on this matter,and all they said was self check. If I find a lump then schedule to get it evaluated. My mo says any type of imaging that exposes me with radiation is not worth the risk of getting another kind of cancer. And I got a second opinion on the subject with another MO and he said the same thing. That, for me means checking myself breast like crazy.

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  • JRyan
    JRyan Member Posts: 178
    edited October 2012

    Thanks tlew! I think i have heard that before. I will be feeling my new girls often then!

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  • JRyan
    JRyan Member Posts: 178
    edited October 2012

    Hi Lee64. I am doing well considering... I hope you are doing good as well.

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  • auriga
    auriga Member Posts: 315
    edited October 2012

    Hello Ladies,

    I had my Mx in 2008. My doc still does an ultrasound on the mx side. And, of course, a breast MRI every other year. I have no idea why some docs would do more tests and some don't do anything. It makes it so much harder to understand this disease.

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  • sundermom
    sundermom Member Posts: 463
    edited October 2012

    I have a physical breast exam every 12 weeks at my oncology check-ups and a PET scan once a year. I am told at 3 yrs. out that I will be able to move to appointments every 6 months, but will still have the yearly PET. I don't mind the scans. I find them reassuring :)

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  • tlew
    tlew Member Posts: 128
    edited October 2012

    Auriga, I would rather do a test every other year for a peace of mind. Recurrence is better to treat if caught early. I don't understand either....

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  • JRyan
    JRyan Member Posts: 178
    edited October 2012

    I agree. I think i will see if i can get my mo to do some kind of scan at least every othr year. I don't like the idea of nothing either. Makes me nervous.

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  • annettek
    annettek Member Posts: 1,640
    edited October 2012

    I just saw my breast surgeon for six month check up- she does thorough physical exam of breasts and then ultrasound as well...will continue for three years from surgery - my onc did a ct scan when I saw her last month but that is not standard - I had the whole shebang last year and am not liking the extra radiation so may skip next year for ct scan

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