Originally Posted by Vrae

Hi NurseKris, IMO go get your mamo, MRI and any other test they suggest you have and don't worry about spread.. really. I've had CRPS for 11 years and I've dealt with spread, but never from any of these types or procedures and I've had my fair share of them. Like you I have a strong history of breast cancer in my family. My mother passed with it, and other direct family members. I started testing early in my life too. Baselines are ALWAYS a good idea, but your right that if you have dense tissue you will likely be ask, at some point anyway, to have an MRI with contrast, and with your first MRI they do not have a baseline so don't be freaked out if the think they see something (false positive) and call you in for an ultrasound. Time of month with your cycle and doing the MRI is SO important as not to create a false positive. Follow instructions to the T.

As for me, I decided I wanted to know if I have the gene. So this year I did the BRACA test. It was negative (thankfully) but my risks are still high. BTW, insurance will pay for most if not all of the BRACA testing for gals like us. They figure it's cheaper in the long run. I wanted to know because I wanted to be pro rather than re-active. I would like to try and avoid fighting cancer AND CRPS.. ugh!

I hope that helps.