what scans?

anotherone · 09-28-2010, 10:15 AM

I am 4 years of original diagnosis ( stage 3, Her+)and was lucky up to now not being diagnosed with a recurrence. Started feeling tired lately though and have an intention to ask my oncologist for scans. As I live in the UK and healthcare is state funded here and there is data that early detection of metastasis does not influence overall survival I feel the system is not wired for early detection. I am afraid if I don't know what scans I want to have done I will be advised the cheapest/easiest ones, not necessarily best for me. Keeping in mind some scans are good for soft tissues, some for bone and some ( as CT ) involve significant radiation I feel lost. I would like to exclude/confirm metastasis presence anywhere in my body accurately and with minimal harm. If you have some information, please share.

Jackie07 · 09-28-2010, 11:45 AM

Anotherone,

Congratulations on being 4 years out!

Before getting a scan, your doctor most likely will check other factors. He/she probably will order a full-panel blood test first.

There are many reasons for feeling tired: anemia, low sodium level, low electrolytes ...etc. And if you are experiencing/approaching menopausal state, there can be lots of changes which might include/cause tired feelings.

Did you have a PET scan when you were originally diagnosed 4 years ago? One approach might be to request for follow-ups of the scans you'd had at your diagnosis.

Lien · 09-28-2010, 01:29 PM

Why do you think the fatigue could be a symptom of a recurrence? Do you have any other symptoms? Pain? Lumps? Headaches? Cough? If you don't have any other symptoms, I'd rule out other causes first. Like the ones Jackie mentioned.

If there's reason to look further, you could ask for a CT scan, a Pet scan or an MRI. Depending on what they find during the first round of tests.

In my experience it helps to exaggerate the symptoms a bit, so you get the diagnostic tests you want. About 6 months ago I had a small lump on my non-bc side and wanted it checked. The doctor wanted to wait and see. So when I came back after six weeks, I said it itched sometimes and that I felt it had grown. (it did itch once or twice) So I got a mammo and ultrasound and nothing was found. It was probably caused by hormonal changes. I stopped the Zoladex shots and Arimidex, and my periods returned. I was worried about that too, so I wanted to be checked thoroughly. I'm glad I persevered.

I live in the Netherlands, where doctors don't like to do unnecessary tests, so I guess things should be a bit similar on the NHS.

Hope this helps a little.

Jacqueline

anotherone · 09-28-2010, 01:31 PM

Thank you, those were good 4 years I must say

I had bone scan, CT scan and MRI of brain ( paid for the last one myself). I would try to avoid CT and bone scan due to high radioactivity and in any case I would prefer to have minimum tests. I am not even sure whether CT scan checked my liver and lungs

.

anotherone · 09-28-2010, 01:40 PM

thats the question, CT, MRI or PET. MRI not good for bones, good for brain, is it good for liver/lungs? If it is I might go for MRI of everything and bone scan, if it gives me less radioactive load than CT scan. If radioactivity is more or less the same I could go for CT scan if it does check all the organs. I heard PET scan is less harmfull than CT, if the difference is marked and PET can check everything I may go for PET.

I would like to rule out metastasis first as all the other reasons are difficult to confirm, my health is generally good and all small irregularities may or may not be the cause of the symptoms, in any case even if I did not have any symptoms I would like to be checked for either piece of mind or knowledge what I am up to, hopefully the former. I have lumpy remaining breast and I may be just paranoid or may not but it seems to me it is getting worse, mammography and ultrasound of it will be done.

tricia keegan · 09-28-2010, 02:47 PM

Hi,

I live in Ireland and had severe back pain earlier this year, my onc began with a bone scan which showed one hot spot, so followed with an MRI that was inconclusive. I then had a clear pet/ct and as the area was too small to biopsy I waited two months to repeat the MRI which showed the spot was gone and all clear.

Thankfully we also have universal health care and I think these scans are the norm for suspected mets, depending what does or does'nt show on one will lead to another until they get answers.
My onc was very enouraged the pet scan was clear but think for suspected lung mets a CT or MRI may be better but not sure.

Good luck and I hope it's nothing serious!

joletta · 09-28-2010, 08:28 PM

Hi,
Good luck. It may just be anxiety of reaching your 4 years. I am ending treatment on Oct 19 and my dr tells me there is no need for further test unless I have a symptom for 2 weeks. He seems pretty confident there wont be. Although anxiety causes all and any symptom you can think about. I think your doing the right thing by finding out so you can get it out of your mind. If it is something like anemia atleast you will be able to take care of it and know its nothing to really worry about.
best of luck to you sending hugs and prayers.
also a cat scan shows lungs/liver/abdomen/(all neck & below no bones no brain.) Not sure what has least radaition.
Warm Wishes keep us posted
Joletta