cannot get brain MRI?

[LAURIE]

I have never had a brain MRI and this has been bothering me. Having such a high number of nodes and very aggressive tumor. So today at my 3 month post herceptin visit with my onc, I was going to really push for a brain MRI. I then inquired about getting one and mentioned that I have had facial reconstruction from a car accident in 1990. I have 2 plates a wire and 9 screws around my eye socket and cheekbone (I read something online about metal and MRI). I was then told I could not have a MRI b/c of the reconstruction. What other options do I have? How accurate are x-rays or other scans for brain tumors?

[tousled1]

A CT scan should be good. Try asking for that.

[Chelee]

Kate is right...you can ask for a CT. My onc always wants to give me a CT verses a MRI because it saves money. The metal shouldn't be a problem with a CT. I don't blame you for wanting one..and can't see why your onc would be against having one. Call them up and see if you can get one set up. Let us know. You need to have some type of scan just to have piece of mind. Hang in there.

Chelee

[StephN]

They also do brain PET scans, but normally to confirm what the MRI or CT seems to show.

Do you get tumor markers or CEA marker taken? It was my CEA rising that signaled my brain mets.

I do know that each time I get a brain MRI (which is fairly often) I have to fill out a questionnaire that asks about any metal in my head among many other things. They even CALL beforehand with that question some times!

I was concerned when I was going to have the cerebral-spinal fluid leak repair. I have a sheet of titanium mesh and 4 titanium screws holding that in place to the back of my skull. The titanium does not bother the MRI, thank goodness!

[Colleen007]

In addition to the PET and CT scan ideas that the others gave, don't forget to have your doctor give you a diagnosis of a "headache" (whether you have one or not) so that your insurance won't question the necessity of the scan.

[StephN]

P.S. Laurie, you look wonderful! No one would ever know you had the reconstruction.

You might consider seeking out a radiation oncologist to consult with on a brain scan of some kind.

[MJo]

Laurie - During treatment, I had a CT of my rib area due to pain. Several areas lit up, and I was terrified that I had bone mets, but they were arthritis-related or healed rib fractures. Many women here have had the same experience. I was amazed when a BC survivor told me that brain scans also can light up on benign areas -- I guess we have junk in the brain too. Just a friendly reminder that if something lights up on your brain CT, it's not necessarily BC met.

[LAURIE]

thanks ladies, I have decided to get my 1 month overdue mammo, (insurance issue) and then ask my radiation onc about the brain stuff. I want to post more pics of me and our mascots but am having sizing issues.

[StephN]

Laurie -
If your photo software gives you a sizing choice of email or weblog, choose weblog. It is smaller than email and this site will take it.

That is how I finally got it to work. Good luck!!