To PET or not to PET?

[Heathcliff4]

Hi Ladies,

I'm coming up on my 2 year anniversary and my oncologist has me scheduled for one last PET scan next month. The last time she and I spoke, we mentioned that after this scan, we do a blood test or wait for symptoms because studies show that it does not improve your odds if you catch it sooner.

So, my question is: Why do the PET at all? I know one other gal who was treated at UCSF while I was who is also HER2+, stage 2 and her doc doesn't order scans anymore and actually hasn't in at least a year. Although, I do love getting the results that say everything is fine, I dread the lead up to it. And, I've been pretty happy the last 6 months getting my health back. I don't want to feel amazing but be told my body is quietly destroying me (as it was when I was diagnosed).

You ladies are experts, so I'd love your feedback before I reach out to my doc about it.

Thanks,

[thinkpositive]

Healthcliff4,

Looks like we were diagnosed at the same time. My onc told me that hitting the two year mark without having any recurrence is an important milestone and improves overall prognosis rather dramatically.

As far as scans go, my onc only did them while I was on chemo and immediately after completing treatment. She said that there is no evidence that routine scans improve life expectancy and/or outcome. I'm comfortable with this approach. However, it would be reassuring to get a scan to confirm that all is good.

Take care,
Brenda

[tricia keegan]

Hi Kathryn,

My Onc never does scan's unless I have some pain and/or symptoms which suits me fine. I think its just various Dr's have their own views on this but I don't like having a scan and more radiation for no reason so I'm happy to inform her if I'm overly concerned about something and investigate further then.

[Heathcliff4]

Thanks Ladies. I emailed my oncologist to see if she wants to do this one. I had a suspicious CT Scan 6 months ago (which lead to a PET scan to show all was fine), so she may want to do it. But, maybe not.

As always, I'm so appreciative of this group!!