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What kind of follow-up for bilateral mastectomy?

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Posted 11/16/2006 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi ladies,

I'm wondering what kind of follow-up I would do after having the bilateral mastectomy last year? Obviously, mammography is not an option. Do any of you with mastectomies have any kind of scan or ultrasound or anything? I don't get any other scans, so it wouldn't be part of that.

Any information would be appreciated!!

Lauré
Posted 11/16/2006 6:13 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Laure, glad to see you!

I did not have a mast, so I am not sure that I can help. However, there is a procedure that I have heard referred to as a "tramogram", in which they still can look but maybe only after a tram?  You may want to ask your surgeon's office...

Let us know what you find out.

Lori

Posted 11/18/2006 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Laure,I had a mastectomy a year ago.The Oncoligist told me he just does an exam.And for me to do self exams.There should be some kind of scan they could do for us. Tammy
Posted 11/20/2006 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, ladies. I see my surgeon for follow-up next week, so I'll ask her. My oncologist also just does exams. He also told me that a recurrence on the chest might look like a bunch of bug bites. Strange. I'll le you all know if my surgeon has any other ideas, but I agree, Tammy. There should be some kind of diagnostic tool to use for follow up.

Lauré
Posted 11/23/2006 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Laure- I had a bilat. mast. in 2001, no reconstruction. My onc examines my scar lines during my 6-month visits, looking for skin mets. so far so good. I've had no scans to that area in a long time. hope that helps.
Stefanie
Posted 11/27/2006 2:24 PM (GMT 0)
I had breast cancer on the left side, and had a prophylactic mastectomy on the right side at the same time. It was either that or have a reduction and I had no plans (still don't) for reconstruction on the left side.

I'll continue to be diligent with manual exams and keep praying that I'll have no recurrence.

Thanks for all of your responses!!!

Lauré
Posted 11/27/2006 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
I have had bilateral mastectomies and I have a chest and abdominal CRT scan once to twice a year along with a chest xray and the radioactive bone scan.

I have to do self exams to see if there's anything I can feel in between these tests. Since my last onc visit a couple of weeks ago, I don't know if they will continue doing these tests so frequently since I am almost 11 years out.

I guess it might also have to do with the stage of bc. If you're not comfortable, ask about the tests.

Jo-Ann
Posted 12/12/2006 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Laure - I am the same as you... cancer was left side, but i had bilat-mastect w. no reconstruction. i'm still crossing fingers almost 6 yrs later that nothing else surfaces. so far so good.
good luck... hugs... stefanie
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