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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

09-28-2010, 01:29 PM	#5
Lien Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Haarlem, the Netherlands Posts: 835	Re: what scans? 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 __________________ Diagnosed age 44, January 2004, 0.7 cm IDC & DCIS. Stage 1, grade 3, ER/PR pos. HER2 pos. clear margins, no nodes. SNB. 35 rads. On Zoladex and Armidex since Dec. 2004. Stopped Zoladex/Arimidex sept 2009 Still taking mistletoe shots (CAM therapy) Doing fine.