Checking implant integrity
I’m ten years out from DMX with implant recon behind the pecs. My onc has released me to my PCP for follow up and I haven’t had an MRI in several years. Are screening ultrasounds good enough to check the integrity of the implants? Seems a lot easier and cheaper than an MRI. Anyone getting screening ultrasounds after DMX to check implants?
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Farmerlucy,
My implants are also ten years old. My mo did not recommend any type of imaging for checking the implants unless I noticed something amiss. She manually examined that at my last visit. I know that some will consider this approach to not be good enough but I’m ok with it.
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Thanks for that point of view.I think most of my aches and pains could be fixed by being twenty years younger! Ha! Great to “see” you!
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Happy to “see” you as well. I think the old ten year replacement idea is starting to go by the wayside. I have also been told but have not verified that ten years is when the manufacturers warranty expires so that is what contributed to the previous ten year concerns. Personally I can live without additional imaging unless absolutely necessary!
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As I've mentioned in other posts, I had my implants removed at 13 years, thanks to requiring surgery due to a second primary breast cancer diagnosis. One implant was for reconstruction, the other was a small "enhancement" implant that I'd had put in to even out my two sides. These 13 year old implants, both of which had been sub-pectoral, were described by my PS in the post-surgical report as being in "pristine" condition when they were removed. Nor had I developed any scar tissue around the implants. I did not have regular screening to assess implant integrity (separate from my breast cancer screenings) although I did have an MRI one time when the implant seemed to have moved or folded over.
Of course everyone's situation will be different but I wanted to share my experience as evidence that implants certainly can last well beyond 10 years.
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My original beloved MO said I'd have to fight for imaging, even though I'd already had one recurrence. Once he retired, his replacement MO said no kind of tests are needed - ever. The radiologist who diagnosed my original cancer recommended a breast ultrasound every other year after my BMX & reconstruction, primarily to screen for another cancer recurrence, but also to check the implants since I too am 10 years out. He doesn't believe an MRI is necessary unless the ULS shows a problem. My new MO agrees with him. I have no plans to have implants removed.
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Thankyou so much ladies! I think I’ll ask my pcp to refer me for an ultrasound when I see him in May. I so appreciate everybody’s input!!
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