Which bone scan would be right for me

AccidentalTourist

My cancer was IDC 1.8 cm and .7cm DCIS.  I have had lumpectomy, radiation and am receiving hormonal therapy.  I have never had bone scan or MRI and would like to do this privately as my oncologist thinks that there is no need.  I have a need to do this for my peace of mind.  Would anuyone know which bone scan should I ask for as I understand there is more then one method of doing this.

Anonymous

there's a nuclear bone scan - which is easy - you get injected with a radioactive isotope - wait three hours and then they do the bone scan.  I've had one of these done  - you lay on a table and the machine slowly works its' way down your body - the tech is in the room looking at the scan output as the scan is being done (at least that's how it was done where I had mine done). 

I think the other type of scan which could be done is a PET or PET/CT scan.  I haven't had either of these - but they also look at your internal organs with this scan.  

For either of these I think you'll need to have a doctor prescribe the scan.  It might be different in the UK than it is in the US though. 

Doreen 

AccidentalTourist

Thanks Doreen, I am going to have this done in Serbia as it much cheaper but just as good.  My oncologist did not recommend any tests so I will just have to pay for a private one myself.  This may sound like a stupid question but could you tell if you are able to have a normal day after you finish with a test or do you need to take it easy.

Anonymous

with the nuclear bone scan you are absolutely able to have a normal day - just be sure to drink lots of water to flush that radioactive stuff out of your body. I haven't had a PET scan but suspect that you'd be able to have a normal day after the PET scan as well ...  of course you'll be on high anxiety waiting for the results of the scan.  I hope your scan comes back clean!

Doreen 

AccidentalTourist

Many thanks Doreen.  I see from your dx that you have recently celebrated your fourth anniversary.  Congratulations. With best possible wishes Nena

earthandie

I have had all 3 -  bone scan, CT and PET before treatment - there were radioactive tracers involved in all and in all cases I was able to have a "normal" day after - for the PET scan I had to fast for 6 hrs before, so lunch was definately in order after!   Am scheduled to have PET again after chemo is completed  - Good luck to you~

Jaydee

Hi Nena, 

Like you I live in the UK and paid to have various tests done in Spain which are not on offer here.  One of these tests was the Bone Scan - I don't know if the Dr. was being over-cautious or not but I was told not to have contact with pregnant women or young children for 5-6 hours  after it as I was radio-active.  This was relevant to me as I was staying with my daughter and her young children.  The result of the bone scan was given to me with all the images and report (fortunately clear) after a 30 minute wait.  Whole procedure perfectly painless and re-assuring.  Good luck, Jaydee

nelia48

I had the nuclear bone scan and the PET scan done.  I felt fine afterwards and went about my day.  I had the bone scan done and an MRI before any treatment began just to see if the cancer had spread.  Then, after chemo and surgery, I had the PET scan.  I'm not sure how often my oncologist will prescribe these tests -- every 6 months or yearly.

ccbaby

I, too, have had the nuclear bone scan, MUGA scan and ECG scan right before chemo started.  I also had a PET scan and MRI prior to surgery. I will have another PET scan and MUGA/ECG scan after chemo is finished. I felt fine after each scan and yes it is a peace of mind knowing the results.