Has anyone insisted on a PET scan?

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perky
perky Member Posts: 241
edited June 2014 in Stage I Breast Cancer

And did it work? I'm 2 years out and still worried. I think a PET scan would help me get perspective. I havent straight out asked but have said I had concerns at every appt with no testing offered.

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  • doingbetter
    doingbetter Member Posts: 117
    edited January 2012

    So long as I am feeling well and seeing my doctors reguarly for follow up (physical exams, blood work), and recommended screenings, I would rather live with the belief that I am fine and not go looking for things. While there is always going to be that "worry' that something else might be looming, there is no real benefit to finding mets before you start having symptoms. And no reason to think you do at this point. If you really want a PET scan, then I don't see why you couldn't get one if you insist on it. The only issue might be with your insurance company, but a doctor should be able to justify it.

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  • peggy_j
    peggy_j Member Posts: 1,700
    edited January 2012

    No one suggested a PET scan for me. I see that you have 0 nodes (and no micro-mets, I assume) and that the tumor was grade 1, the slowest growing kind, so the likelihood of it having spread is probably pretty low. Is that what your docs have said? My Dx is similar to yours and my understanding is that I have a moderate risk of recurrence and risk of second primary (possibly in the second breast) but a generally very low risk of mets, which is what a PET scan would detect. That said, I can understand your worries; also, part of me likes the idea of being proactive and doing everything possible to know what's going on. But my understanding is that the docs do a cost/benefit analysis. i.e. what's the likelihood that it will find something vs. the risks of the test? PET scans emit a fair amount of radiation, so docs may be hesitant to recommend one if they think it's highly unlikely to detect anything.

    Of course, your worry/anxiety is real. Not sure if this is relevant, but a few months after I finished rads I was still very very worried, and I talked to a counselor (and went to a few support groups, did some journaling, went to guided imagery) and that helped reduce my worry.

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  • perky
    perky Member Posts: 241
    edited February 2012

    It worked! I met with my onco today and just said its time for scans for my piece of mind and she agreed! I'm getting a CT and bone scan. I know the scans will make me a nervous wreck but assuming everything is fine, I will feel like I am on much more solid ground. And if not, I get to fight the beast that much sooner and hopefully that will help! Yay!

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  • christine47
    christine47 Member Posts: 1,454
    edited February 2012

    perky, I am stage IIa, I have had 2 pet scans, a bone scan, and a CT (if I could start every morning with a scan, I would feel better, LOL).  I understand exactly what you are saying.  Peace of mind is a good thing and technology is wonderful.

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  • carcharm
    carcharm Member Posts: 486
    edited February 2012

    I did and he ordered it. He thought it was fair. That was last year. He doesn't want to scan too much for fear of getting cancer from the xrays.

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited February 2012

    Christine47, your note made my laugh out loud.  I feel the same way... scan away. MRI's would be nicer though as they don't have radiation Smile

    Perky - I am a T2nomo, stage 2, with 0/5 nodes.  I have had a combo Pet/CT (due to an issue w  radiation-not mets), and another  CT scans of chest , abs and pelvic area.  My office also does blood tests. I like those too.

    I too wish that post BC was easier to manage and for me, wish I hadnt become a hypochondriac :)

    Let us know how every thing goes with your scans. Praying for good results.

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  • perky
    perky Member Posts: 241
    edited February 2012

    It's just not in my nature to assume anything. I will be too happy to believe them if they say the scans look good and not worry about every ache and pain. Won't that be nice...

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  • perky
    perky Member Posts: 241
    edited February 2012

    Scans are finally scheduled for this Friday! Really looking forward to having it over with.

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  • perky
    perky Member Posts: 241
    edited March 2012

    Did the scans on Friday and then slept in till 1 pm on Saturday, I love to sleep in but never that late. Just shows me how much anxiety I have been carrying and what a good thing is is for me to do the scans. Don't know the results yet, hoping for no surprises but so glad to KNOW.

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  • Elizabeth1889
    Elizabeth1889 Member Posts: 1,036
    edited March 2012

    I am so glad you had your scans, perky.  I wish I could get them, too.  Good luck with the results.

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  • perky
    perky Member Posts: 241
    edited March 2012

    Wow! Heard back on the bone scan already... Clear! Piece of mind is a great thing!

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  • perky
    perky Member Posts: 241
    edited March 2012

    CT is back and also clear. I feel so relieved right now even though I expected those results. Wish I had pushed for scans sooner.

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