When do I get scanned?

[KRISS]

Hi Ladies
I keep reading that everyone is getting some scan or MRI o rsomething. NO one has mentioned anything about these to me. I don't know if I'm too early in my treatment or is this something I should be pushing for. I just had my second AC treatment. IDC clear margins after surgery, no node involvemnt. Before chemo I had a chest Xray and MUGA (80%). They said to get another mamogram at 6 months from surgery. Should I be asking for anything else at this point? I'm just worried I am not be aggressive enough. Thanks for you expertise, Kriss

[Mary Jo]

Hi Kriss,
I know from posting and reading on this site that scanning at the beginning of treatment is different amongst oncologists. For me personally, the onc. I went to at the beginning did a pet/ct scan to see if the cancer had spread anywhere else. He also did a MRI of both breasts to see if there was anymore cancer in the breast and also of the left breast to see if there was any over their. Also, I had a chest x-ray, blood work and an echocardiogram. This was all done before any surgery.

Thankfully, all scans were negative, MRI showed only right breast tumor that was felt and chest x-ray was clear. About 3 weeks after all that I had my right breast mastectomy - had clear margins and began chemo about 4 weeks after that. The rest is history.

I know that it is so confusing on what to do after hearing everyone else.

God Bless you Kriss,

Mary Jo

[Sherryg683]

Did they not run scans on you when you were diagnosed? Since you are stage I with no lymph involvements they probably won't run any more scans (unless you later develop symptoms of mets). Thats the way a lot of Oncologist work. But I would think the scans would have been run at diagnosis to make sure there was no mets to begin with. sherryg683

[MJo]

I've looked at some studies of stage 1 bc node negative women and the conclusion has been that routine scanning isn't necessary in Stage 1. My oncologist ordered a bone scan when I told him I had rib pain. I don't know if it varies from oncologist to oncologist or if insurance will pay for routine scans for stage 1, given the research. MJO

[caya]

Hi Kriss,

I am also stage 1 - My onc. ordered a bone scan, transvaginal ultrasound, pelvic ultrasound, complete bloodwork, chest X ray, breast MRI, and I also had a brain CT - all clear. I also had a MUGA - don't know the score, but he said it was fine. My case is a bit unusual though, as I was diagnosed as the result of a breast reduction surgery - my plastic surgeon found the tumor, and essentially perfomed a lumpectomy, so they had the tumor ( and 1st pathology) before the matectomy, then a 2nd pathology. So the onc. knew what we were dealing with - Her 2 neu is a nasty one - but I was also node negative, very important.

So I would push for scans, even for a baseline - and your piece of mind.

We will all be okay - I really feel it. Thank G-d for Herceptin and Tykerb.

Best regards,
Caya

Diagnosed Oct. 2006
ER/PR + (highly)
Her 2 + (Fish)
Node Negative
1.7 cm + 1.0 cm.
Stage 1, grade 2
All Scans clear
Mastectomy Dec. 18 2006
Started FEC - T chemo Jan. 25 2007
6 rounds every 3 weeks
Herceptin for a year, every 3 weeks