How many scans should you get?

Sunflower64

Hi girls,

Just was wondering how many scans you had. I had a bone scan and a Ct scan of chest back in May when I was dx, then again in November and now I have the 3rd set scheduled for next week!

Is this routine? Should I be worried about having too many and their side effects? Cancer again?

I don't know. My onco said this is the last set she is doing unless there is a problem. I have talked to 2 girls who only had one bone scan and one CT scan when they were dx. Do you know if too many can cause other cancers or serious side effects? Has anyone else had 3 within their first year of dx?

Just curious,

Diane

Pure

That is a lot of scanning, I am sort of surprised at how many. I am stage 3 and I only got them in the beginning, She told me next time would be only if I had pain.

I am only doing tumour markers. You don't have to have the scans-you can tell her you don't want them.

Ezscriiibe

I have had bone scans, head scans, chest scans, abdomen scans, and pelvis scans. I will likely get several of those a few more times in the next year.

I am not worried about them "causing" cancer, as I already have it. I want to find any additional.

Plus today's technology is much better than it was say, 20 or 30 years ago.

At any rate, you "should" have as many scans as your doctor wants and you feel comfortable with.

Frankly, I would not feel comfortable NOT getting a scan my doctor requested. But that's just me. 

One thing I will say, don't let your 'internet research' be your only source of information. Talk to other doctors in your area and other patients in your area.

We have a Cancer Resource Center here that is not tied to any particular hospital or oncology group. They are a great resource for questions and concerns like that. Check your locality for something similar.

Blondie1964

I've had lots of scans since DX.  Add to the CT, bone, chest and MRI the PET scan which I requested shortly after DX and before treatment.  I just wanted all of the baselines I could get so we could best monitor things going forward comparatively.  I had scans done a couple of months post DX/surgery because with me there was something on my liver with the originals that they don't think is a concern and just want to monitor.  I am scanning (CT and bone) every six months, not sure for how long.  I think the benefit to be gained from early detection of anything else far outweighs what I am exposing my body to in the form of the chemicals and processes that are being used with the scanning.  As long as my onco recommends it, my insurance covers it and I can afford it, I will continue to be scanned....

Julie

Tabatha00

After I was diagnosed I got a CT with and without contrast and a bone scan.   My Dr doesn't do the PET scans because he says they have a high rate of false positives making some of the procedures unnecessary.  I work with a lady who had a PET scan and something in her liver lit up.  She had 2 liver biopsies and they were both benign.  My Dr said it sends you on a ghost hunt.   I go back to my oncologist on July 29 where I won't have any scans or any tests.  It's just a "how ya doin" visit.

 However, at the same time I was diagnosed with bc I was also diagnosed with kidney cancer.  Yeah Me!   In March I had my 6th monh follow-up with him and had another CT and x-rays and everything was fine.

At least if my oncologist isn't requesting them I can keep tabs on everything through the scans I get for my kidney every year. 

LeggyJ

After I was diagnosed with BC, I had all the reg. scans Muga, Bone, CT etc., but since then I only had a Bone scan, 6months ago, when I reported to my Onc. during my last appt. that I still had pain, everywhere. Bone scan show arthritis from my neck to my feet, but no mets. My whole body hurts, but I was told by my Onc. and my radiologist, to not look for trouble, however, it's not that easy.  Sometimes I can't help but wonder, if I can keep working, but then what would I do.