To scan or not to scan...

fhny2012

To scan or not to scan...

fhny2012

Hi ladies,

I finished chemo two months ago, and am starting radiation in a week.  While I am trying to manage my fear/anxiety, it's tough, and sometimes I think I'd like to get a scan so I could put my fears at rest (at least a little bit).  That being said, my onc doesn't like to scan and says it causes unnecessary stress, as does the social worker at my hospital.  I know I will be terrified if I do get scanned...but I'm pretty terrified right now.

Do you get scans?  How did you decide to scan or not to scan, and how have you felt with your decision?  I really appreciate your insight!

Luah

fhny: You will get conflicting views on this subject. Here is some factual information that informs the practice guidelines of oncologists: http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/24/31/5091.full

I get an annual mammo and breast MRI. Clinical visits to my BS and oncologist. Bloodwork at my annual physical with my PCP. That is all. If I present with unexplained symptoms for more than 2 weeks, I tell my onc or PCP who will order a scan if needed. My onc cited evidence that most recurrences are detected by patients themselves who present with symptoms -- in between any clinical visit or scan. Intensive scanning is not without its own risk/radiation exposure, which has to be balanced against potential benefits (which are slight imo for early stage BC). It is different for advanced stages.

I felt a lot of anxiety in my first year post treatment. It is natural. It does get better.