I have had the MRI's too and my oncologist is recommending that I have them in combination with ultrasounds since my breasts are very dense. I had them done prior to lumpectomy in October 2003 and she wants me to have new a baseline done in April with follow-up every year.
Back in Oct I had a benign complex fibroadenoma removed and pathology indicated Intraductal Hyperlasia- my OB and surgeon both thought nothing of it even though I stressed a strong family history of breast cancer-I spoke with my Mom's oncologist
who thought it would be wise for me to talk to an Oncologist locally ( I am in NH Mom and family are in NJ ) I did find a great oncologist who thought I was borderline candidate for Tamoxifan - she had my pathology films looked at by HER pathology dept ( different hospital ) and they indicate there was ATYPICAL ductal hyperplasia- that is all together different correct? And puts me at higher risk- in the mean time I and she felt a small lump on the right breast (surger had been on left)
sent me to a different surgeon and though she felt something she wasnt overwhelmed by it - her suggestion is to have a bi lateral MRI and she is sending my pathology slides to yet another doctor- the pathology "guru" she called him, in Nashville- do you think the MRI is a good thing? Are the pictures more diffinitive? My breasts are small and very dense - mammo's don't pick up much and although the surgeon did an ultrasound yesterday she didn't see anything standing out but when she pressed on the area it hurt- just wondering your thoughts on the MRI and the different pathology reports- your answers are always greatly appreciated
thanx!
It's perfectly acceptable to request copies of any reports for your own records, in fact it's a good idea: it can save time when you see various doctors now or later in life if you can bring relevant documents with you. With respect to the operative report, I'd doubt -- especially since there was no cancer, and therefore the nature of the surgery and findings is less critical -- that it would be particularly useful to the oncologist.
Dear Pam, The additional information would be helpful, the surgeon's report is the OR report. If you had a follow-up appointment with the surgeon since then, there would likely be a note that may summarize the findings.
Having a report for your own records is not an unusual request.
With our mobile society, frequent changes in health care providers, having all of a person's health care information in one place is rare. This makes obtaining records more difficult, if you have a copy of your own at least some of the highlights - are available with you. Frequently people will keep a personal file of their own medical history, this way you keep track of what is going on with you.