Post MRI Question...

[michelle d.]

I'm just wondering about the follow up MRI....realizing it's probably different depending on different situations, doctors, etc.  I had translab surgery Nov. 13th, 2009, with a few follow-up visits with surgeon--he said I was healing fine. Had post surgery MRI the last week in Dec. and went back to him first week in Jan.-- he showed me the pictures and said everything looks great and that he'd see me next year.  I'm so happy everything moved along so well, so quickly but there's a small part of me that feels as though this should be checked in on more than once a year, at least for the first few years....am I being paranoid or is this standard procedure?  Any advice would be helpful....michelle d.

[leapyrtwins]

Michelle -

this is one of those areas where docs have their own "rules".  I didn't have my first post op MRI until 1 year after my surgery and I currently have them annually.  Some doctors follow other protocols, and have their patients get MRIs more or less often.

I insisted on seeing my doc after my first post op MRI so we could go over the results - even though they were totally fine - but by the time I had my second one, a phone message from him telling me everything was great was perfectly acceptable to me.

I don't know about others, but each year I get a little more comfortable with the fact that my AN is gone.  I know I still have a very small chance of regrowth - I think it's 1 - 2% - and I still get nervous in the days leading up to my MRI, but for the most part I'm "cool" with my doc's annual "rule".

Jan

[cindyj]

As Jan said, different docs have different post op ways of doing things.  I didn't have a follow up MRI until one year post op...didn't see the doc as he's in LA (House Ear), just a phone call to say all was fine and I won't have another one for 4 more years.  I'm fine with that, in fact, I very seriously considered not even doing the one year follow up, but figured I shouldn't be too stupid about it  

Was your surgeon able to get all of your tumor or did he need to leave a small bit? 

Cindy

[mimoore]

Hi Michelle,
I went for one right after my surgery for a baseline and then again at 6 months and then yearly.
At first I felt like you and was sure it needed to be checked more often but really I am happy to put it away for a year and concentrate on my life. Yes, I do think of it from time to time but I try not to stress and wait for the MRI.
Apparently it is a slow growing tumour so if there is regrowth I am sure that waiting an additional six months in the big picture won't really matter.
Michelle 

[lori67]

Michelle,

My first follow up MRI was at my one year post-op point also.  After that I was given the all clear until I hit my 5 year point.  At first I thought that sounded like a long time to wait, but I trust my doctor so I'll follow his advice.  I know that I ever reallly wanted one sooner, I'd just have to call him and he'd write the referral to get one.

I'd say as long as you're not having any odd symptoms, you're safe to follow your doctor's advice.

Lori

[JerseyGirl2]

Michelle,

I'm among those who had an MRI at the one year post-surgery anniversary and was told by my surgeon (at House in Los Angeles) that I wouldn't need to have another one for five more years. My surgeons had been confident that they had removed the entire tumor during surgery and I've had no reason to doubt their decision. I'm more than happy to follow their recommendation.

Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)

[Jim Scott]

Michelle ~

As the previous posts state, a 12-month spread between MRI scans on a successfully healing post-op AN patient is perfectly normal.  A year between scans seems reasonable unless symptoms kick in that would indicate a possible problem requiring an MRI.  After a few years, your doctor will probably allow 2 or 5 years between scans.  Trust your doctor and try not to worry.

Jim   

[Pembo]

I had my first MRI, the day after surgery. The second one at 1 year post-op. I saw my doctor every couple months for the first year, then every 6 months and now once a year. My doc seems to like to see his patients ALOT.
I skipped my year 2 MRI but had one at year 3 and 5.

[michelle d.]

Thank you all for your imput-- it really helps me to feel more at peace with the situation....and like someone stated, just to let go of it and live my life for awhile without worrying about it.  Thanks again--you guys are awesome.