[Becky]

Many doctors think the same way yours does, wait if symptoms occur before scanning and using mammogram or other imaging for the breast. My doctor uses these methods as well and I personally agree due to not getting the radiation in scanning (and I had a more than double recurrence rate than your wife).

I can't comment on the insurance issues as mine has been good to me on getting other breast imaging outside of mammograms (such as MRI or BSGI (Breast Specific Gamma Image)).

Its scary in the beginning and you have to get to a new normal that really does become normal again with time. I am still here and I had nodes involved and she will be here too.

Also, if you are not comfortable not getting scans, discuss this with your doctor. Many will scan in the beginning if you really want it and after a year or two, you and your wife may feel more comfortable to stop then or continue. Its all about your comfort level, not your doctor's comfort level (and your doctor will feel more comfortable if you and your wife are more comfortable - squeaky wheel gets the oil).

I still feel this is a personal decision - scanning and tumor markers (which my doctor does).

I hope this helps.