Frequency of bloodwork and scans for met bc?

Rich66 · 12-03-2008, 10:29 PM

I am encountering some differences and would like to know people's experiences and insights. I would also like to know about CT vs MRI for brain scans.
Thanks!

Bill · 12-03-2008, 11:47 PM

Hey Rich! My wife went to chemo. every week and they did bloodwork prior to each treatment. I don't think she ever had a CT for the brain mets. Once she began having headaches, they ordered an MRI and discovered her mets. I hope this helps. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom, buddy

Rich66 · 12-04-2008, 01:19 AM

Thanks Bill,
I should have mentioned mom is on Xeloda so the IV/clinic ritual isn't there. Still..it's chemo and you would think an onc would want all the info possible. I've made it clear any request can be accomodated.
Regarding brain MRI vs CT, I'm wondering about a Medicare reimbursement issue skewing towards CT. Hmmm.

12-04-2008, 02:32 PM

Hi Rich,

I hope your Mom is doing OK. I get a full body PET/CT about every three months. I also get blood work every three weeks when I go in for my Herceptin.

I had a brain MRI when I was first diagnosed and againg about a year and a half later, when I pushed for it. I am not sure whether my onc would have approved the brain MRI if I had not had some slight issues involving typing words other than the ones I intended to type. I believe that an MRI is the best way to find brain mets.

All the best,

Jill

chrisy · 12-04-2008, 03:43 PM

Rich,

While getting chemo, I had weekly labs drawn to check blood counts. I think Xeloda is not as hard on these. Note, this was just CBC, not any markers.

While on chemo, I got scanned around every 2-3 months to check on response to the chemo. Then while on maintenance Herceptin, I scanned every 4 months or so. I got brain MRI only with symptoms, but it was easy to "get" symptoms about once a year just to make sure there was nothing in my head.

For looking at the brain, MRI is the standard - not sure why a CT would be recommended but your theory is possible I suppose.

More is not really better, but there should be regular follow up

Chelee · 12-04-2008, 04:34 PM

Rich, I went through this with my Mother when she had lung cancer. Since she had medicare I found they try to keep cost down. In fact my own onc has done the same with me since I'm in a HMO. My onc has tried to talk me into a CT of brain versa's MRI. When you look at the cost of each scan a brain MRI is roughly $3000 and a CT of brain is maybe $500.00. (Big difference.) As far as I'm concerned that would be the only reason they try to talk you in to a CT. Don't let them get away with it.

But the best way to go is a MRI of brain...as Chrisy said...that is the standard.

Chelee