In Oct. 1999 (I was 45) I had a mammogram which revealed microcalcifications. The subsequent biopsy confirmed LCIS and DCIS, stage I. I had a lumpectomy and 8 weeks of radiation therapy then 5 years of Tamoxifen. Since having the radiation, I have not been able to have mammograms because of the pain and edema that I experienced. So for the past 9 years have opted for breast MRIs. In Dec.08 my MRI revealed a new suspiscious mass (same breast). A follow up biopsy confirmed that I had breast cancer again. Right after the biopsy they inserted a clip and then I had to get a mammogram to make sure the clip was in place. To my astonishment, the tumor did NOT show up in the mammogram but was very clear in the MRI. So in my case the MRI may have saved my life. I think more needs to be done to help high risk women with the cost of getting breast MRIs. They are very expensive and some insurance companies don't cover them but they usually do if you are high risk such as I was since having had it previously. If the high risk woman does not have insurance they will not be able to afford these expensive but life saving tests.
It has been 2 months since I had my bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. I am still healing but am so happy with my results. I wasn't scared this time because I already had a wonderful oncologist who connected me with the best surgeons. One surgeon to do the mastectomy and the plastic surgeon who used my own tissue, stomach fat/muscle to reconstruct beautiful breasts (known as DIEP). You get a tummy tuck as an added bonus.
Fountain Valley, CA
