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MJ6266
MJ6266 Member Posts: 180
edited June 2014 in Second or Third Breast Cancer

Hi Everyone,

I'm pretty new to the mets dx (2 weeks ago).  I was wondering....how it works....

I've read through tons of the posts and I get the idea that you get treatments...then you get scans...and then you get treatment if the cancer is growing.....

I guess what I'm wondering...how often do you get scanned?  I have bone mets....what kind of scans?

Thanks

mary 

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  • ElaineD
    ElaineD Member Posts: 2,265
    edited April 2009

    There's no real consensus on this-we all vary so much, so really just depending on what your onc feels is appropriate. Most like to keep scanning to a minimum though, as the whole scan process can trigger huge amounts of stress if done regularly. However, any changing/worsening symptoms are usually investigated pretty promptly.

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  • rkt
    rkt Member Posts: 793
    edited April 2009

    Dear Mary,

    I saw doctor initially every two months, now every three months (am going to oncologist in Houston).  They have done bone scan every time.  Last two visits I had PET scan, mammogram and ultrasound also, so they could document treatment status as I head into surgery in May (right mastectomy).

    There is hope - I have same Er/Pr, Her2 status as you.  After 5 months on Arimidex (in Dec), they couldn't find mass in breast on ultrasound; bone mets (throughout spine, pelvis, sternum and ribs) still showed up on bone scan, but PET scans in Dec and March showed no active cancer anywhere in body - not bones, not breast. That little pill each morning seems to be doing what it is supposed to do.  I do zometa monthly here at local doctor.  He also does bloodwork every month and sends it to doctor in Houston. 

    Will keep you in thoughts and prayers - first couple months after my diagnosis were very hard - I eventually started going to counselor to talk through some of the issues.  Now, if I get busy, BC and my diagnosis gets pushed from my mind.  Last summer I would never had thought I could forget the diagnosis even for an instant. 

    Becky

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  • lovinmomma
    lovinmomma Member Posts: 1,879
    edited April 2009

    Well I am 6 months into the diagnosis. I have had my first 8 rounds of chemo. I am getting my first scans next week (PET and MRI). Then off to surgery, posiblly radiation and then on to some med (not sure what yet!).

    I do not know how often I will get scans and what type. I have bone mets also!

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  • MJ6266
    MJ6266 Member Posts: 180
    edited April 2009

    Hi All

    Thank you so much.  It helps to hear your stories.

    Mary 

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