MRI after lumpectomy

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Fortysomething
Fortysomething Member Posts: 15
edited August 2017 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

So I have had 2 lumpectomies due to dirty margins, second one was clear. I go for my check up with surgeon on Monday. I have to be honest, I'm not crazy about him, I've felt very blown off by him from the beginning, he's made me feel like this is a very minor thing, saying it's a pre cancer (I know it's a hot topic) and playing everything down. Cancer, pre cancer, whatever. My concern is the place of suspicion didn't have DCIS, it was in the rim of the extra tissue taken, and in a spot here and a spot there. So I had another lumpectomy and that came out clear. I'm not crazy about the idea of radiation and only having one shot at it, so is it unheard of to ask for an MRI? I know they are highly sensitive, but I need that piece of mind that it's not somewhere else. I have very dense breasts and implants over the muscle. I'm 41 and this was my first mammo. My brain won't shut off and I just have a sick feeling something else is lurking in there.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited July 2017

    Jumping to an MRI is often refused by insurance. Try asking for a CT - maybe both with & without contrast.

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited July 2017

    Fortysomething, I had an mri after my lx and 2 more areas of dcis were found. I ended up having the mri recommended by a second (pathology) opinion DCIS expert. I got back his report the very day before I was supposed to go in for my rads mapping appointment. I'm sure my situation isn't the norm, but the architectural pattern of my type of DCIS typically presents itself as multi-focal multi-centric, so it is normal in that situation. If it were me, I'd want the mri. It's worth getting pushy about it.

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited July 2017

    I think I'd be asking for the MRI, too. Yes - there can be other things that show up, but the peace of mind is worth something when nothing else shows up. And if your surgeon (that you're not crazy about) doesn't think that it's warranted - seeking a second opinion might be worthwhile.

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  • Tara17
    Tara17 Member Posts: 386
    edited July 2017

    Hi Fortysomething -- I had IDC not seen on mammo, ( i found a lump ) ---as soon as she saw the results, my surgeon wanted an MRI --i didnt have any issue with insurance. MRI showed an area of DCIS next to the IDC and that made the surgeon take additional margins . Goign forward she plans to monitor me with MRI due to my dense breasts

    With dense breasts -- it is very reasonable for you to ask for MRI. So many women on these boards who describe findings on mastectomy that wasnt seen on mammo. In New York State, radiologists by law have to mention density on mammo --- dense breasts often dont show their abnormalities on mammo. So just based on my personal experience with my dense breasts, i would be all for MRI

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  • Fortysomething
    Fortysomething Member Posts: 15
    edited July 2017

    Hooray, I saw my oncologist and he ordered an MRI (Cleveland clinic is the nearest facility) with and without contrast and my insurance company approved it! I go August 7, so that is fantastic news. I will keep you posted!

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited July 2017

    great news! Please let us know how it goes.

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  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited August 2017

    So great, 40-something! Make sure it's the appropriate time during your cycle to reduce the probability of false positives (roughly days 5-15 where Day 1 is the day your period fully starts). Also, bring your own relaxing music if you can.

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