Thanks SistersI self discovered my second tumour that was invasive lobular 25mm hiding in dense breast tissue.My monitoring facility didnt discover it, even though there was strong knowledge that dense tissuehides these tumours. If you can get a copy of your mammogram reports it should show a Bi Rads measurement of your breast density and when Ultrasound or MRI should be added. 3D Mammogramgives better definition. We should be told our Breast Density. I wasn't. My first tumour was Invasiveductal with lymph node metastases. The tumours are different.. Stay strong and Proactive..

Hi @EAA - So sorry to hear of your 2nd occurrence. I hope your treatment is going well.There are a few of us who were diagnosed with ILC after having 'clear' mammograms (my own mammogram was just 4 months prior to my GP finding my own ILC tumour.) I also have dense breast tissue, but was not aware that it made the detection of the tumours so much harder.At their own request, I recently had my BreastScreen NSW mammogram 're-examined' by 2 radiographers at BreastScreen NSW & they said that in their opinion, I did not have breast cancer!! Well, bugger me - that was a surprise!! I now have NO FAITH whatsoever in BreastScreen NSW!Currently, Breast Screen Western Australia is the only state who not only advertises for 40-49 and 75+ year olds to have free mammograms, but also advises women of their breast density at the time of their first screening.This is essential for more accurate & early diagnoses ..... and I am sure that BCNA are advocating on our behalf to get this recognised & acted upon in all states.I now tell all my family & friends to be aware of the dense breast tissue issue in particular - and to ask to be advised the status of their own breasts.Take care, all the best xx

Thanks Harpie. It is an encouraging advance in screening..Hopefully as more women become aware screening guidelines will change.

Yes, Mammograms give false negative reports.I think one clueis to ask regarding Breast Density. and then make sure Ultrasound is done or MRI. No more professional silence on dense breasts.

Invasive Lobular Cancer | BCNA Online Network

EAA
Member
6 years ago
Absolutely! Hoping it can be honoured !
kmakm
Member
6 years ago
I'll believe it when I see it.
EAA
Member
6 years ago
I’ve also read from 1 November 2019 there will be a Medicare rebate
for Breast Cancer patients having PET or MRI.
Handed down in the Morrison Govt Budget. 2019 .
I think it’s viewable on Australian Government Health website.
primek
Member
6 years ago
My understanding is if a specislist orders a mri it at least has a medicare rebate. It doesn't if a GP orders it.
JulieVT11
Member
6 years ago
@youngdogmum I paid $740 for an MRI just 5 months ago and got nothing back. May have to have another in a couple of weeks and stressing already about the cost
kmakm
Member
6 years ago
@youngdogmum True story.
youngdogmum
Member
6 years ago
@kmakm four figures?!? Is this for real!!!!
EAA
Member
6 years ago
Thanks kmakm.. all about ‘Ching Ching’! Again, doesn’t make sense
re early detection and intervention.
Thanks Brenda.. especially with Family History, I opted in both tumours for mastectomies . I was ok losing one bosom; but losing
two was quite traumatic! Opinions differ, but bosoms for me are so
much woman! May have been similiar to you. The tumour was larger than anticipated. The surgeon said it was just as well I chose
‘amputating’ (horrible word! ) my breast, Dense tissue obstructs
calculations when the tumour is deeply embedded in it,
Brenda5
Member
6 years ago
Fortunately when I opted for the single mastecomy from IDC they picked up the ILC in the biopsy of the whole breast. Lucky that. :)
kmakm
Member
6 years ago
@EAA Access to subsidised MRIs are virtually impossible if you are 50 or over. If you have a doctor who will order one for you (and many are reluctant), you can pay a huge amount, sometimes even four figures.