[Lala]

MJo,
My personal experience is unique. I have to answer you question with a little more of my background story.

In response to your question; I started having mammograms at the age of 35 to be proactive. I continued at age 37 and at the age of 40 a lump was found. The size of the lump was just under 2cm.

I was told I was Stage 1 and I planned to have a lumpectomy. On the day I met my surgeon, I asked for a last minute PET scan. The PET scan was completed and the results revealed metastases to my bones. Additional tests confirmed the liver metastases. The PET scan enabled me to have the proper diagnosis.

I have no idea how long the time span was between mammograms in which my metastases grew. I can say that I strongly advocate the use of PET Scans as part of the diagnostic tools to properly diagnose all Stages of Her2+.