MRI Question

[Angela]

Hi!
I read the posts on this site all the time but I often don't post. I would like to ask for everyones opinion. I was dx May 2003 - Stage 2b - no nodes - Pr-, Er-, Her2+++ Had 4 rounds of A/C after mast. Have been doing great except energy level is not where I would like for it to be. I have my 6 months follow up soon. After all the talk about brain mets would you ask for an MRI even though there was no node involvement? Or is an MRI recommended just for thoses with node involvement? I know my Onc does not like to do test unless there are symptoms. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Happy Friday Everyone!
Angela

[mts]

In my case, even with neg nodes, I asked for a brain CT after I read all the posts of women who responded to this same question several months ago. Being HER2 positive was enough of a reason for me. I know many docs won't do this because they feel it's unecessary for early Stage bc. From the looks of your info, you had a large tumor? I feel that a baseline scan is good insurance.
We all get bone scans--- Why not brain scan? I can see the silliness in getting 3 different types of scans of the brain if you have no symptoms, but a baseline of somekind certainly can't hurt.

maria

[Sheila]

Angela
An MRI is the best to get to check for mets to the brain...since no chemo protects the brain, it just makes sense to get one every year...if anything is found early, it is highly treatable....there are several on this board who have been through it...no symptoms, but mets were found on a routine MRI.

I say get the MRI...some of us have faked headaches to get the insurance to pay for it....it is well worth the peace of mind...this disease can be sneaky....so always stay one step ahead of it!

[DeborahNC]

I suppose in a way I'm lucky to have a history of temporal lobe epilepsy. I can get an MRI easily with any change in my symptoms.

I don't like to use deception, but in the case of HER2+ I would develop headaches if I had to in order to get MRI for peace of mind.

Push for it and all the best to you.

[madubois63]

I "complained" of headaches and got my MRI without any problems....

[Leslie S.]

Hi,
I truly have been having headaches for the past 2 months. One sided frontal and sometimes temporal. Am hoping it is just a sinus problem as everyone thinks it is. Am scheduled for a MRI tomorrow. If it turns out to be nothing, at least I can stop worrying. Having it done for that reason alone is worth it.
Leslie

[G. Ann]

Angela,

My onc does not schedule MRIs or bone scans without symptoms. I've been trying to get a breast MRI on remaining breast for 6 months, in and outside of my medical plan. Outside of my plan, the cost is $4500, and the radiology dept needs to review and approve. I'm not sure I want to pay that out of pocket, at least not yet. From what I've read from this forum, most women are able to get tests they request. Hoping that's the case for you.
G.Ann

[hkorel1]

Hi

I was diagnosed with Stage 1 in 2004 her++ e and P positive but no node involvement
herceptin was not offered to me so i had radiation and now on arimidex after lumpectomies
I have not had a scan since i was first diagnosed
and never had brain MRI
should I ask for them
is i too late for herceptin now