Topic: MRI better than mammo for DCIS

Hi Katie, read your story and at least you stuck up for yourself.  I must say I had the opposite problem.  My first mammo (digital) showed a small cluster of calcification's, went back for spot compression views and radiologist came in going on and on about needing a biopsy because this could be a sign of cancer.  I thought this guy is crazy Im 40 years old and healthy as a horse. Had biopsy next week and bingo DCIS.  Had MRI next week or two and it showed no sign of cancer.  Had lumpectomy because surgeon said I only had a "small focus of DCIS" and then surprise, the margins weren't clear so re excision and radiation or mastectomy.  At that point I was sure they were playing a guessing game and they had no clue what was going on in my breast so I opted for bilateral.  Haven't regretted it for a moment, I'm still not convinced they (health care professionals) know what they are doing when it comes to diagnosing DCIS, but I am very thankful that the radiologist came in and shocked me with the bad news.   I have since been told that my case was a good find.  Anyway thanks for sharing your story the more we hear the better.

katie-

In some ways I agree with you.  We do need one simple test that can identify ALL types of BC. Each test has different advantages and disadvantages.  The MRI also has some disadvantages and does not always catch some cancers.  NONE of the tests are perfect.  I am an example of each test showing a different aspect of my cancer and each test missing other cancers. when my slice and dice was done after the  mas, they found another type of  cancer they didn't even know was there; it had not shown up on any of the tests (mammo, us, mri, pet/ct) 

We do need more women to open their eyes and learn about bc before they have bc.  There still needs to be more research on it.

I hope all goes better for you. 

P.S.  At the least, I refuse to go back to exclusive reliance on mammography and I strongly encourage other women to also refuse it.

Hi Katie, No I didn't look at my MRI, I just got the report.  Interestingly my MRI showed a spot on my lung that really worries me to this day, but they say not to worry could be anything like scar tissue from prior infection.  I don't know what to think half the time.  You are so right about the MRI, It should be available for drs and we should be told about how mammograms don't always catch everything.  And by the way a mammogram is only as good as the radiologist reading it.  Your story made me angry that they didn't bother to investigate further earlier on.  I feel really blessed that my "horrible radiologist" pushed me into having a biopsy. Maybe some grass roots information sharing should be happening here.  I mean if 1-8 of us will be going through this in our lifetime.  I wonder why you hear so much about support breast ca awareness but what has changed??  I know my ins. co. didnt pay for MRI right away, asked for medical records and took their time to pay but in the end they did. 

 Oh and to support the use of both mammo and mri... when I saw the genetic counselor last week she suggested that my sister get her first mammo and at least one MRI if she can get a dr to order it for her, even if she has to pay for it herself.  Humm makes you wonder why this isn't the norm?? maybe $$$$! 

Good luck and please don't think I was arguing, just wanted to share my story, I think Im probably an exception to the rule.    

Bump

I had a mammo that saw the calcifications. I then went for an MRI.. the MRI saw them but exaagerated the size by a lot. 3cm to 4.7 cm. I am glad I did it.. while waiting for surgery it gave me peace that nothing was in the other breast. I am young.. 38 so this is suppossed to be the best way to find DCIS but for me the mammo found it too..

Bump.