@A MyBCTeam Member: I have little interest in mammos as it didn't catch sh*t the first time, but my onc still wants them done, so I do them. But I definitely wanted something else in addition. Not sure how they expected me to put all my faith in something that missed 3 tumours the first time, and misses up to 40% of cancers in the densest breasts.

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A MyBCTea...

Thank you Cindy. I will definitely do everything in my power to be vigilant. I agree that this cancer is very sneaky. One day at a time for sure. 🙏

Unfortunately, they changed standard recommendations for this 5 years ago. Now, I think it is a diagnostic mammogram 6 months after treatment, and is that is “normal” an annual screening mammogram. When I asked my oncologist about this, I was told this is NCCN guidelines, to reduce exposure to radiation. I thought are you kidding me? I had months is chemotherapy, and over a month of daily radiation.
I would have a mammogram every month if I could!

Insurance companies pay dollars to save Pennies. Case in point, 8 years ago my husband’s doctor wanted him two have a CT to find why he was experiencing low O2 levels. Insurance said no. Said he had pneumonia and to treat him accordingly. He didn’t have pneumonia; he had a severe hiatal hernia. Because his stomach had been pushed through his diaphragm and stuck for so long, 3/4 of it died and had to be removed. 8 years and 5 million dollars later, he is still struggling with serious health issues and continues to need ongoing care. But the insurance saved $2000.00 by denying the request for a CT from a medical professional.

You have to really advocate for yourself with insurance. Call them. Ask what needs to be done by your doctor to get other screens approved. Don’t take no for an answer.

@A MyBCTeam Member: I'm in Ontario also and despite my first mammo coming back 100% clear despite what ended up being 3 tumours, after all my active treatment was done my Onc tried to send me back to mammos only as my ONLY surveillance. I told him he was out of his f**king mind and demanded something more. So I've alternated MRI's with mammos every 6 months, and I have two physical exams a year (one onc and one GP). I'm 5 years out now.
I agree with you that it's absolutely absurd that someone can go through all of this and then be left with next-to-no follow-up. Stand up for yourself and get the screening you need! 🩷👍

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A MyBCTea...