How often after cancer

[jmhk]

I had a lumpectomy for invasive ductal carcinoma in January 2004. I had radiation but did not need chemo. I had my first mammogram since surgery in June 2004 along with a followup ultrasound and MRI. Since I have very dense breasts I assumed I would continue to have followups more often than once a year. But my surgeon said she  wants me to just have an annual mammo with no ultrasound or MRI. She would agree to a targeted ultrasound for a specific area of concern, but not as a screening tool. And she definitely would never order an MRI. She feels ultrasound and MRI show too many things that are needlessly biopsied. This plan makes me nervous. How often after cancer should I have a mammo and should it include ultrasound and/or MRI?
Janet

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear jmhk, The NCCN guidelines for follow-up after therapy for breast cancer includes physical exam and mammogram.    The time intervals recommended for history and physical exam are every 4-6 months for the first 5 years then every 12 months.  Mammogram every 12 months.  In patients undergoing radiation therapy after lumpectomy the recommendation is for a mammogram to be done approximately 6 months after completion of radiation therapy.  These guidelines are consensus of experts in the field of breast oncology, based on research evidence.  However, your doctors will determine if further recommendations are needed based on your specific case, and what further evaluation would be needed if specific symptoms or "area's of concern" occur.

[Belleview Teacher]

I had a right side mastectomy for node-negative IDC (1.1 cm). This was followed by 4 cycles of AC.  My oncologist sees me every 3 months for an exam and blood work.  I had a mammogram of my left breast one year after my initial diagnosis. I, too, thought I should have regular MRI's or PET scans, but when I questioned my oncologist, she said that those tests are only done in the presence of symptoms.  She said that is standard protocol for people with my diagnosis.  I will see her every 3 months for the first two years and every six months the following year. She said that a mammogram every 12 months is sufficient because more frequent mammograms may not reflect changes. All of my treatment has been done at a regional cancer center, and my oncologist only deals with breast cancer.  I hope this eases your mind some.

[jazzyjaz]

i was wondering how old you are?? i tryed asking a question but i am not getting a reply i have never done this before

[japdip]

I was 66, dx Invasive Ductal,Modified Radical Mastectomy ..... no node involvement ..... no post op treatment, yearly mammogram ONLY ..... no scans, no ultrasounds, exam by surgeon every year. This simple follow-up routine suits me fine. I have a life beyond breast cancer and need the time to enjoy it.

[lizziecee]

Janet - I have the same concerns as you - I live in England, but here we seem to have a "post code lottery" with quite different follow-up protocols depending on where one lives, varying from 3 months to one year! I was dx with invasive ductal cancer, node positive,  Feb 2003, 2 surgeries, chemo and radiotherapy and didn't get a follow up mammo until March 2004! Told I will have a mammo every 2 years because of risks of radiation. Think it is absolute codswopple!  I have in fact just been to the hospital today - a Saturday - clinic packed to bursting - and saw a different surgeon to the one who did my surgeries. I have a very swollen and hot right breast, with what I feel are "cording type lumps". Surgeon ordered an ultrasound,the radiologist said he could find no sign of a tumour but that my breast skin had thickened from the norm of 2mm to 4 mm! Went back to the surgeon and he said it is all a result of the two surgeries, chemo and rads and that my right breast will never be "normal". Just hope he is right - no second opinions here with our socialised medicine. If you want to e-mail me I am at: ***@****  Take care, Liz.