Scans questions

Hi, friends. In considering regular tests I have now had 3 times (every 3 months) and will continue to have, I assume, for awhile, I'm facing the question of radiation. As it now stands, I've had 3 series of CT scans (head, torso, pelvis) and only MRIs when we need to look closer. But now I'm concerned about continual radiation-based scans over MRIs. I've also only had CT scans of the brain, which my onc tells me are not as sensitive as MRIs, but bring potential problems to light for further investigation. I haven't yet asked why he does CTs over MRIs, but I will. Cheaper, easier on the patient? I'd love you to share you thoughts, feelings about these tests.

Love and healing light to all,

Lisa

Bingo, Lisa, you've asked the same questions I've been wondering about. I haven't talked to my onc about it but based on the fact that my annual CT of the chest-abdomen-pelvis in February missed the lymph over my collarbone, whereas the PET last month didn't, I'm going to discuss switching to full-body PET and brain MRI from now on.
I intend to be here for many more years, so the cumulative effect of the radiation IS an issue!
Love, Lolly

With all the scans I have had just in the past 2 years I should glow green.I worry about then also.One thing I do is drink alot of water after each on.

Just this past week the founder of a large imaging center in my area spoke in front of our support group. They do all forms of imaging and his opinion was that
-MRI was definitely the way to go for monitoring the brain vs CAT
-MRI better to monitor breast vs mamo.
-CAT was the way to go for lungs
-and you could do CAT or MRI for abd/pelvis


the images he had comparing breast MRI to mamo were amazing(cancer missed on mamo but picked up on MRI)

cumulative radiation definitely was an issue and the younger you are the more of an issue it is.

Kim

We are the front line in this battle so unfortunately we are being treated without the benefit of knowing what the long term side effects may be. The good news is, though, we are living longer and perhaps one day this dreaded disease will no longer be an issue for future generations.
el

Dear Lisa, My chest, abdomen and pelvis has to be scanned every 2 months for the clinical trail. I had a choice betwen cat and mri and I went with the mri. I refused the contrast injection (which has a heavy metal in it). I was told that if a suspicious area was found that they would have to repeat the mri with the injection. Regarding bone scans I read in Jane Plant's book that drinking a coke after the bone scan helps exchange radioactive phosphates for non-radioactive phosphates. In my opinion, whenever possible, the less radiation the better. Good luck, Carol