MRI post MX - anyone ever have one pick up anything?

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farmerlucy
farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
edited November 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

My screening protocol post bmx is annual MRIs. So far my insurance has not balked at it. I'm glad about it mostly so they can check the implants. Has anyone ever had a recurrence picked up by an MRI post mx? I figured since the breast tissue is front and center the best way to find a local recurrence would be by touch. Thoughts? 

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  • jill47
    jill47 Member Posts: 351
    edited October 2014

    Good question Lucy I've been wondering the same.  I discovered lump 6 cm away from original tumor right br, u/s ordered by PS since he felt the lump too, turned out negative. At annual BS appt. I brought this up to doc he discredited u/s saying the best scan is MRI to see if anything "lights up", he felt the lump too. Did MRI, BS called saying right br clean but left there is a 5mm nodule enhancement, his exact words "there is definitely something there". He orders an u/s (yeah the very thing he discredited); the radiologist actually did the u/s the tech got frustrated couldn't find anything, neither could he. BS called next day u/s couldn't find anything see you in 6 months for another MRI. He said well your cancer was on the right thinking that is the only breast to be concerned about and I said yeah but ALH was found on my left post mx. No response.  My question:  can JUST the MRI pick up a tumor with the U/S negative? Seeing I can't have a mammo, feel stuck and wondering if something is really going on. Still waiting for MRI report from BS office.  Any help for me and Lucy appreciated thanks!

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  • Lily55
    Lily55 Member Posts: 3,534
    edited October 2014

    pre mx i had US which showed all fine, MRI showed 5cm cancer

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  • jill47
    jill47 Member Posts: 351
    edited October 2014

    Picked up my MRI report and film yesterday, gave up BS office to send me.  It's a BI-RADS4A 5mm cutaneous nodule, can see easily on the film.  Not up for watching & waiting for 6 months, seeking 2nd opinion.  I recall my DCIS was a BI-RADS 4 too by mammogram.

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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited October 2014

    My mastectomy side has been feeling more lumpy as the year has gone on. I had a nodule back in March which was described to me as scar tissue after it was biopsied, but more lumps have developed which don't look malignant on u/s, but since most of my original tumour was not visible on imaging previously, I have asked for an MRI, and its booked for next Wednesday.

    I hope that if nothing shows I can accept that there really is nothing to worry about, and relax for a bit while I await PMx and bilateral recon in the new year!

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  • WinningSoFar
    WinningSoFar Member Posts: 951
    edited October 2014

    I can't answer your question, lucy, but I do think that MRIs are superior to ultrasound.  I wonder if insurance companies don't force the docs to go through all the other tests before the MRI, and that's why there is this mammogram, ultrasound, then MRI protocol.  

    I remember looking over my doc's shoulder as he showed me my MRI.  OMG, everything was lit up.  You couldn't miss it if you were blind.  The mammo and ultrasound just sort of hinted at something wrong. 

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited October 2014

    Alex - I've debated getting my last MRI pre-Mx on disk. But three years later I'm too embarrassed to ask for it. I don't want them thinking I am having trouble letting go or anything. Smile

    Jill - hope it is a big fat nothing.

    Moweena - I recommend the sedative for the MRI. It was really hard for me to be still otherwise.

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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited October 2014

    Alex,

    Thanks for your comment. I feel fairly certain that if there is something to worry about it will show on the MRI, so if nothing shows I will be reassured that I am A-Okay!

    Lucy,

    I've never had an MRI, but I have coped OK with CT, MUGA heart scans and bone scans ..... is it that different??

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited October 2014

    Morwenna - it seemed to be about as long as a full bone scan (I think about 25 mins, then they stop to put to put in the dye, then another 20 mins or so). The main difference is that you are face down with your arms raised and your breasts in these cup like things. I am not generally claustrophobic but there is about an inch between your face and the wall of the instrument so I felt like I couldn't get a good breath so I had to talk myself down the first time I went sans meds. Bring or wear some workout pants w no metal and you can leave them on. I have a bad shoulder so I ask for extra bracing with a towel. You'll do great. Looking foward to hearing that you have the all clear!

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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited October 2014

    thanks Lucy xx

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  • dinocharge
    dinocharge Member Posts: 10
    edited November 2014

    Morwenna, how did the MRI go?  Do you have results?

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