How can I convince my doctors to do ultrasounds and MRIs after breast cancer?

Ask for a second opinion. Tell them to put on the record the basis for denial and if it insurance denial make sure it’s appealed . Tell them history of dense breast and finding of cancer through ultra sound / if you did mri add that too.

Hi Linda. So sorry you went through this. I had keiser insurance. I had my yearly mammogram. I also have dense breasts so they gave me an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed a 1.5 mm lump. They did not do a biopsy. They said it was benign and come back in 2 years for another mammogram. (They should have checked again in 6 months but I didn’t know) I accepted what they told me. 2 years later I was stage 3 triple positive breast cancer. We have to be our own advocates instead of just accepting what they tell us. Once I started getting cancer treatments I would tell them “I know you are just doing your job. I’m the one with cancer so I’m anxious but I know you are doing your best”. I always got what I needed when I said that.

I had cancer 26 years ago. Did chemo, surgery, and tamoxifen. They never did a mammogram of the breast with the mastectomy. Guess what? Cancer came back and went to the liver before they found it. So… metastatic cancer that could have been prevented with images of that breast. Am doing okay. It’s been 18 months since the diagnosis and I am on hormones. The lesion actually shrunk a bit. I am 74 so I guess this is what will do it for me. But who knows?

Sometimes I don’t think they know they just follow protocol. Not everyone fits in the category they choose. Sometimes I feel like you are at roulette wheel spinning to see where you land. They are just doing their job.

I also am, her2 triple positive breast cancer. Stage one. Didn't second guess what had to be done. Had to get a second opinion done. Get both Hooters cut off done, go through the chemo of a whole 12 weeks with the herceptin and of course steroids and everything else done. I am 7 weeks in, lost my hair at 4 weeks. Using the ice for hands and feet while going through the chemo still have the numbness on the hands of feet but much less severe I am told then if I hadn't used the ice. Mind you I am also dealing with a complete tear of the long head bicep on my left shoulder which just happens to be where they took the lymph nodes. So of course I had to develop on top of it all lymphedema but not too severe thankfully. Who knows what the future holds. I know getting both my Hooters cut off was a drastic measure but it was the best decision I could have made I don't have to wait and find out every 6 months if this nonsense came back. I'm not going through that emotional upheaval continually for the rest of my life. Nor was it recommended that I get radiation over my heart which is where the cancer was. Life goes on One Day at a Time keep your strength and no your decisions are right for you.

Thank you, and God Bless you

I know the feeling. Had Mammograms every year. Went home for my brothers memorial came back home and found a pimple in my right breast. They send the results to your doctor but they only read what the radiologist put in the report. Medicare does not pay for more invasive mammograms. That’s really sad, it took me a long time to get over this flaw in the system.

It's completely understandable to want the most thorough monitoring possible after a breast cancer diagnosis, especially when different facilities have varying approaches to imaging. Many patients find it helpful to have an open conversation with their oncology team about their specific concerns and ask about the reasoning behind their surveillance recommendations. Consider requesting a second opinion from another breast specialist or asking if there are specific guidelines they follow for post-treatment monitoring. Other community members may have experience advocating for additional imaging and could share helpful approaches for these important discussions with medical teams.