PET Scan

margo · 09-17-2006, 07:46 AM

My imaging doctor told me that I had a small cancer, but that my cell type could be problem. (She had looked at two of the core biopsies in her lab, before giving me the big news.)

During the following 4 days, my imaging doctor had me fully staged with full-body PET, CT, MRI - abdomen & brain. My Oncologist and team thought I would be a Stage I or II. He stated that Metaplastic BC was rare, and even more rarely HER2. I sensed he thought that she was going a bit overboard.

Well, I am glad she went overboard. With staging complete, I was diagnosed in Stage IV, and treated as such from day 1.

I have a really good team working on my cancer. However, I think the world of Dr. J.

Best Wishes,

Cathya · 09-17-2006, 07:55 AM

Hi;

I think it's standard here in Canada to have scan's initially once diagnosed. Following my surgery but while waiting to see oncologist for the first time I had a bone scan, abdominal ultrasound, and chest x-ray. By chance the mri was schedulated after seeing the onc (which took 6 weeks following surgery which again, is the standard length of time) and the onc found a second tumor during my first visit. Following my chemo, radiation etc. my oncologist had me re-staged and all the tests redone. So far so good. I have also had a brain ct since then too.

Cathy

Colleen007 · 09-17-2006, 08:42 AM

I had a bone scan, MRI's and CT scans when I was diagnosed, but never a PET scan. It was determined not to be necessary since the other scans clearly showed the mets to the bones and liver.

My CT scans can no longer differentiate between scar tissue and remaining cancer in the liver, so I will be having my first PET scan tomorrow...apparently, the glucose stuff that they give you for a PET scan "sticks" to fast growing cells (ie cancer cells), but doesn't stick to scar tissue. Needless to say, I'm in a slight panic that other spots will come to light...but so far, all news I've received in 2006 has been positive and has shown that everything is shrinking, so I am hoping that the positive news streak will continue!

Colleen

Becky · 09-17-2006, 08:56 AM

I was diagnosed Stage IIA. I did not have any scans done even with a positive node and being Her2+. I changed doctors after the first 10 months and my new doctor wanted a bone scan and CTs of the chest, abdomen and pelvis as a baseline. A few months later (due to this board), he also let me get a brain MRI. He says its up to me if I want these repeated and how often (he does not recommend more than once a year if there are no symptoms but said he would do them every 6 months for the first 5 yrs if I want). I have not made any decisions in regard to the body scans but told him I do want a brain MRI at least once a year.

Morale of the story - I think if you are Stage 2A or less, a doctor may not advocate scans which can be a mistake in Her2 disease.

Kind regards

Becky

sally · 09-17-2006, 01:33 PM

After my surgeries and before chemo, I had a bone scan, MRI and CT scan. At the last minute I had a PET scan just to be on the safe side and it showed liver mets. The PET scan was the only scan that picked it up. I have had PET scans every 3-4 months since. It has been about 2 1/2 years. Sally

Barbara · 09-17-2006, 02:09 PM

Hi:

On my first visit and before Chemo my oncoligist order MRI's of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, a bone scan and a muga scan. The muga scan was to see if I would tolerate A/C as I was almost 59 at the time of my diagnosis. I had repeat scans to follow up on what was thought were two liver cysts and spots in my lung which were determnined to be mucus plugs which I get from Herceptin. I also had a PET scan at the time my liver enzymes and CA 27-29 went up. It was later determined that the Nuelasta caused the spike in these lab results.

Barb