Stage II w/+nodes: how often for PET scans?

Yes, I've heard the term extracapusular. And to reply to your next post, I do believe that a bone density as well as a bone scan is a good thing. My onc ordered both right after I saw her for the first time. But I'm not sure about how often they need to occur. She hasn't said when I will get more of them. Yep, testing and scaning are good things, except for our nerves!

This Aug will be 3 yrs since DX. I have not had a PET since then. I had a head MRI a yr after surgery (showed nothing), a bone scan because of increased upper back apin (just the arthritis acting up), then had some abdominal issues so had an abdominal CAT (again showed nothing other than the gall stones that had developed after TX. Within a yr post TX my surgeon and Rads Dr both 'kicked me to the curb' as long as I see my PA every 6 mths - not a prob. My Chemo Dr st8ill insists on seeing me every 6 mths because I'm "High Risk" being IBC but he doesn't order any blood draws any more. My PA is very on top of everything though and sends him all reports she orders. In Feb I had cataract surgery and the protocol with VA is that you have not had a chest Xray in the last year you had to have a new one. I fought it and won - I potentially have a lot of radiation in the future so not going to something so silly as a chest Xray for cataract surgery.

Fearless - I had 2 of 12 positive nodes with extracapsular extension. I have had no radiographic studies other the breast MRI. I sometimes have wished that my MO would order a scan but I have read the NCCN guidelines and they actually don't recommend routine scans for Stage 2 BC. I think that your previous MO was probably following the guidelines. It's evident that there are great variations between MOs for f/u of early stage BC. It's great that you're comfortable with your current MO's plan.

Extracapuslar invasion does mean that there was some tumor burden left behind. I'm sure that maxed out on the rads with that armpit.

I would have the tests he is requesting.

I am coming up on a year since my 6 months post chemo PET/CT scans. Debating asking for one when I go for my next appt mid-June. I am not having any "issues" but I wonder if getting a yearly all clear on my scans will be a psychological boost. I am not wild about the extra radiation as LouLou pointed out. Any thoughts on the risk/benefit to go asking for this as part of the yearly follow-up? My tumor pathology was nasty... No nodes but lvi, so I feel it probably got into my bloodstream.

I think some MOs think that the CT/PET is only really valuable for initial diagnosis if there is a reason to suspect mets and/or to monitor treatment.  It can only tell the story of the day it is taken, and of course, it cannot detect mets below a certain measurement threshold.  I have never had one, and don't expect to unless I have some symptoms.  While it can give one peace of mind in the moment if it is clear, a good scan is no guarantee that the disease will not appear at some future date.  For me the stress of regular CT/PET scans would not be worth the momentary peace of mind.  Not to mention the possibility of false positives for a body like mine with a lot of milage.  I am afraid I would always be thinking ahead to the next scan date and start to worry the day after the all-clear.  

Me too riverhorse. I have never had a scan either and I would be just like you - freaking out until the next scan. My sister had lobular carcinoma and have to have scans. Her type of bc has a tendency to move around so she had to have scans. Hard enough to handle more frequent mammograms and trips to the ONC. It is also hard not to worry about every ache and pain you have after been dx and through treatment. Even the pills to prevent recurrence can make you anxious because of SE. All in all this is such a sucky disease.

I had MRI PET and PEM after diagnosis.

No routine scans.

I did have a shoulder MRI at the cancer center.

I also have tumor markers.