MRI in a year?

[mimoore]

My neurosurgeon said that because my last two MRIs since surgery are stable (tiny residual left behind) I only need yearly MRIs , is this okay? Should I insist on going every six months?
Michelle

[sgerrard]

I think doctors must have a pretty wide range of opinions on this subject. I have seen all sorts of answers from different ones.

My ENT/neurotologist takes the view that you don't really need an MRI that often. If the response to anything that showed up would be "let's wait another six months and do another one," then you might as well just wait a year in the first place. The time to do them more often is when there are signs of something happening, such as growth, that needs to be monitored more closely. Even though I am a radiation patient, I am already waiting 18 months from the last MRI to do another one. At that time I will have had them at 6, 18, and 36 months.

So, I think you are safe to wait a year. I believe that your tiny residual is never going to do anything.

Steve

[tenai98]

After surgery I saw my  ENT first. He booked one for six months....Then I saw my Neurosurgeon and he said a yr. I had to inform him that ENT booked one for six months...then I guess we'll go from there...if no growth with the residual tumor, I'm guessing a yr...
JO

[leapyrtwins]

Michelle -

All docs seem to have their own recommendations.

My neurotologist had me do my first MRI @ one year post op and I just had my second one @ two years post op.  I know I'll have them annually for a period of time, but I can't recall what that period of time is.  I don't think it's for the rest of my life, though I could be wrong about that.

Jan

[JerseyGirl2]

I had an MRI one year following my surgery and sent the CD to House Clinic (where I'd had my translab procedure done) -- my doctor wrote back that I wouldn't need to have another follow-up MRI until 2013 (five years after my AN surgery).

At the time of my surgery the doctors were quite confident that they had removed the entire tumor, so I'm assuming that was factored into the determination that more frequent MRIs were not needed.

I should add that I feel quite comfortable with that decision, though I don't find the MRI procedure to be uncomfortable.

Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)

[mimoore]

Thanks Gang!!!
Honestly this is the best place when you are questioning things. Everyone helps each other sees things from all angles and I am so appreciative.
Yes Steve you are right my tiny  residual is never going to be an issue! My new hat protects me!
Hugs Michelle 

[leapyrtwins]

I had an MRI one year following my surgery and sent the CD to House Clinic (where I'd had my translab procedure done) -- my doctor wrote back that I wouldn't need to have another follow-up MRI until 2013 (five years after my AN surgery).

Don't know if I could go from 1st year MRI all the way to year 5 without one.  I'm too much of a worrier 

I do have to say though that my anxiety in year 2 was much, much less than it was in year 1 - and I did kind of like the tube of gloom this time around.  Noisy, but a nice rhythm to the noise - strangely soothing

Although my docs are confident they got 100% of my tumor also, I know that chances of regrowth are still 1-2% and being the kind of patient who likes to have my hand held, the annual MRI works just fine for me.

Jan

[Kaybo]

Michelle~
I seemed to get a few the 1st year and then yearly after that for 5 years.  I guess the the theory was that after 5 years I would not ever really need one again.  No matter how strong your faith is, it seems that after a few years (usually about 5) and an increase again in headaches (which are always easily explained and rationalized AFTER a clear MRI), I get another one - just to make sure!!

K 

[jazzfunkanne]

in the uk if it is clear after 2 years , you go onto 2 yearly scans, then 5 yearly scans, but i think i will be paying for extra in between.