had breast cancer last year all clear first year mamo
Was just thinking the mamo will monitor the breast checks but nothing is done to check the body afterwards would anyone no of you can elf pay MRIs thereafter
I am sorry to hear that you have had breast cancer treatment.
The reason your breasts are scanned every year for 5 years following breast cancer treatment, is because the cancer (if it does come back) is more likely to recur in your breasts. Scanning the rest of the body when there are no symptoms could expose you to unnecessary radiation. MRIs are not usually used for whole-body scans and there is not enough evidence to support doing whole-body scans after breast cancer treatments (with no symptoms) improves overall survival.
As part of your follow up you will be asked to report any worrying symptoms to your breast team. Then you may need to have a scan to see what is the matter.
We have information about the follow-up of breast cancer patients, on our websitehere.
Do talk with your breast cancer team about this and whether paying for MRI scans would be helpful in your situation.
Please get back to us if you need any more information or support. You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
Lara you can pay for your own but when I was first diagnosed I was a paranoid mess and they gave me a full PET scan to make sure it wasn’t anywhere else. I think mainly as I’d been telling them for a while something was up and they didn’t listen now we are here
I’m sure you can ask for something more. I have read that the bone medication helps reduce risks of breast cancer spreading to bones zometa I think it’s called.
Ah not too bad. Ended up in hospital with suspected viral meningitis severe dehydration and pumped full of medication. Still feeling rough. The dizziness and fatigue is really tough. How are you xx
