Before bilateral MX, pre op tests questions...

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Bonniebleu
Bonniebleu Member Posts: 71
edited May 2016 in Just Diagnosed

I have surgery scheduled for May 12th, bilateral MX. My Mom had breast cancer at 68, (1996), which metastlicized to her bones.

I was under the impression that I would need a pet scan, MRI, etc. However it doesn't look like I will have these. Should I ask for these?

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  • Artista928
    Artista928 Member Posts: 2,753
    edited April 2016

    They won't do a scan before sx for mets because your mom had mets. You'd have to present with problems where bc can go. After sx is when you get the final path report which will give you your stage and any lymph node involvement. That's when you'll know your case better. At that time your MO will set up a treatment plan based on your path report. So unless you are feeling something is wrong elsewhere (liver, lungs, bone, brain) they don't just do a scan before surgery. Now if you are going to do chemo then many MOs will order a CT scan to see how everything looks before you start. Mine did. The purpose of surgery is to get the tumour out asap really. The rest is dealt with afterwards.

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  • Bonniebleu
    Bonniebleu Member Posts: 71
    edited April 2016

    Thank you Artista. Just so many things to think and worry about.

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  • Artista928
    Artista928 Member Posts: 2,753
    edited April 2016

    Yeah, I think we all understand that. Try not to worry though. Sx was a lot easier than what I imagined, and I've read that for BMX from other ladies here too. Just take things 1 step at a time and don't look too far ahead. It gets so much easier once you have a treatment plan and you start it. Best wishes. :)

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited April 2016

    Ask your Drs ( Chemo Dr/MO and surgeon) why a full body scan is not being done. There can be mets without any 'signs'/'symptoms' known/felt. Scans can rule in (or rule out) the need for neoadjuvant Chemo for the best surgical outcome. Your Drs are the ones who can explain why (or why not) Scans (MRI/CT with Contrast, Bone or PET) are in order for you individually. Surgery is not always the best first line TX. No 2 of us are the same so even with a very similar DX the same TX plan is not 'right' for all.

    Do not ever be afraid to bring your concerns to your Drs - not just your Surgeon but also Chemo Dr and Rads Dr as your TX is a Team effort for your best results.

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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited April 2016

    I also had no screening for mets at the time of my diagnosis or since. I sometimes wonder if I could be stage 4 and not know it. Really don't understand why we are not all screened at the time of diagnosis ....

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  • Bonniebleu
    Bonniebleu Member Posts: 71
    edited May 2016

    Thank you all for help figuring this out.

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