follow up after breast cancer treatment

[smokey 234]

I had node negative stage IIa pleomorphic invasive lobular cancer in May 2004. I did AC + T, radiation, and am now taking arimidex. Unlike most lobular cancers mine was visible on the mammogram.  Since surgery last year I have had a mammo only on the effected breast to check fatty necrosis in August 2004. In February I asked for and had an mri on both breasts because I have learned that lobular carries a higher risk of other cancers in the same or other breast. My question is, since the MRI showed no suspicious areas and was rated Briads II, should I still get my yearly mammo (the first in both breasts since the cancer) in May as scheduled, or should I wait 6 months from the MRI and be on a schedule of a MRI or mammogram every six months?  Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. The information provided here is invaluable.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Harryswife:  Both mammography and MRI are good tools for

evaluating breast tissue.  However, one is not necessarily better than the other.  Both have different capabilities and one should not replace the other. Although MRI looks very promising for screening, particularly among individuals at high-risk for breast cancer, it should not at this time be considered a substitute for mammography.  For most women, yearly mammograms should continue. In terms of determining the best followup program, your oncologist may be very helpful in providing specific recommendations.