How to know if it’s back ? Would an MRI help?

Ally113

I already posted my symptoms, and thank you that answered me(I kinda knew I need to see a doctor , but now brings another question? I ... think I should see my oncologist I have had already??? But I am wondering how would I get an MRI on my own first???? Thanks!!’n

Bengal

Would (could) your PCP order an MRI or would he/she just refer you to oncology? Not sure I understand why you want MRI before seeing oncologist . I would talk with PCP about your concerns.

GregP_WN

Most likely you won't be able to get an mri just by asking for one. There's the whole insurance thing, it won't be approved unless your onco or PCP says it's needed. They are getting tighter and tighter on that insurance.

BuckeyeShelby

Greg's right. Some insurance plans require a prescription or referral for diagnostic testing. And a lot of testing facilities won't do it without a dr's order. Plus some insurance planss require precertification, which means a doctor must show medical necessity for high tech radiology. You might want to give your oncologist a call, explain your concerns and see if they want to order some testing before you go in to your appointment. PS -- the insurance info is courtesy of the fact I work for a medical TPA and we have LOTS of plans that require authorization or claims won't pay. And MRI's can run a couple thousand.

gpgirl70

Looking at your last two questions makes me want to ask lots of questions about your treatment etc, but ultimately I’m not a healthcare provider so that’s silly. I was stage IIIc and had 16 positive lymph nodes so locally advanced er/pr+ breast cancer. I had a bilateral mastectomy, chemo, and radiation. Many women go through this treatment swimmingly but I did not. I have been extremely fatigued, been depressed, anxious, neuropathy, lymphedema, joint pain... Treatment can leave one with lots of side effects and the AIs or tamoxifen have their own list of side effects. I used to be in a constant state of panic about recurrence. I have had an MRI since treatment because of chronic headaches. Turned out I was having stress headaches. If you have chronic pain, I would think either pc or onco would order an MRI. Just explain your symptoms clearly and the doctor will decide what’s best. I think it may be good to ask for the MRI so the doc can explain why or why not it’s valid. You know your body and that something is wrong so advocate for yourself. I wish I could get a full scan every year for peace of mind.

TerriL

I agree with Greg, you are probably going to have to be referred by your pcp or oncologist.

po18guy

You know it's back when a pathology report on a biopsied tissue sample states that malignancy was found. Until then, everyone is guessing. Various types of imaging can help to spot the location of any suspected activity, and PET scans will take note of hyper-metabolic activity in a certain area, but only the pathologist can state with certainty. No scan diagnoses cancer - they point to areas of concern which are then biopsied. No doctor, outside of the pathologist, can confirm that a malignancy is present. A lot of doctors seem to diagnose based on imaging, but that is not a 100% sound practice, as what they see could be many other things.

fluteplayer

MIne came back after 11 yrs. Took chemo and radaition as told that would guarntee no remission. Now told by 2 cancer drs. to call hospise as no drug is avaible for me since it spread to my lungs.I do not want to die and willing to take chemo again to stop it but new dr. will not give it to me only said it would make me worse.I think dying is the worse