Scans

ali68

Hi, would love to know what stage 3 grade 3 ladies are having with check-up's.

Me, I've only been offered 6 month mamo's and 3 months breast exam. So no TM blood tests or any scan unless I have a problem.

This is freaking me out thinking cancer could be somewhere else, am I thinking too much?

RebzAmy

Hi Ali

I started off having checks every 3 months once I'd finished all my treatment and eventually it went to every six months. I did have blood tests but only because my white blood count was low for a while after treatment. I did have a few ultrasound scans but that was only because I had slight discomfort and it was to make me feel better. It seems that we only gets scans if we have symptoms - it's a case of get on with your life - hard I know - and go back if you have any symptoms! I know exactly how you feel worrying about the what ifs. My theory behind it all is if I feel good, can exercise, work, do all the things I normally do then I'm most likely fine. Life is different after breast cancer - we lose trust in our bodies and we have to learn to find that trust again - it happens with time.

Ruby 

ali68

Thanks Hun, hope your good xx

RebzAmy

I'm good thanks Ali - had my second reconstruction 5 weeks ago and feeling pretty much back to normal. Got my 6 month check up next week.

Hugs

xxx

ali68

What part of uk are you?

jennyboog

My other dr didn't do TM's or scans unless sypmtoms are present.  I have another dr now who does TM's and wants to scan yearly...I'm happy about that

ali68

Jennyboog, I would like the same but my surgeon and onc have said they can't. I also have some pain in my back the same side as surgery from under my arm and down to my waist. It only started a few weeks ago I'm thinking it is fluid but not sure.

Momine

Ali, have you seen a PT to check you for lymphedema? Mine (now under control) started in the trunk.

Also, can you get the tumor markers done privately somewhere? I know the UK and Greece are vastly different, but here there are private blood testing labs all over the place. You just walk in and tell them what you want tested and they do it, for a fee naturally. My doc does 3 tumor markers and the tests are expensivish, but not prohibitive (although that is a matter of perspective, of course).

ali68

Hi, momine, when I see my surgeon they also send me for check up about my arm. It will be interesting to see if it shows signs. My arm, hand & boob is painfull and still have numbness in most places. I have my first mamo on 19th dec so I can talk about my arm and back then.

Momine

Ali, good to hear that it will be checked out. Docs tend to be very laid back and even dismissive about it, but it is real, and the sooner you nip it in the bud the better (if that is what it is).

kathleen1966

I get blood work only, every three months.  I don't want the scans to tell you the truth, I think it would be horribly stressful for me.  The blood work is stressful enough.  I don't think I want to know until what-ever it was would cause symptoms. I just want to live my life without thinking of cancer. I do get yearly mammorgrams and I just had an MRI due to dense breasts.