Does this normally happen before starting chemo?

Hi!

First of all, I'm sorry that your oncologist has made you feel more uncertain about your future. ((Hugs))

With respect to the PET scan... Yes, your nodes are clear, but, alas, that doesn't mean that your cancer hasn't spread. Cancer cells can break off and travel through BOTH your lymph system and your bloodstream. So, cancer cells can be anywhere in your body right now. Your doctor obviously thinks that you have an aggressive cancer (high oncotype); a PET scan and a CT scan will let him see if you are Stage IV. If you are stage IV, your doctor may recommend a different treatment plan.

You are getting a MUGA because you are slated to get AC. Adriamycin can affect your heart, so your MO wants a baseline scan. At some point, you will probably get another MUGA to make sure that the Adriamycin isn't damaging your heart. If it is, chemo will be stopped.

My MO won't give AC without a port since AC can periodically cause problems if injected into veins. That is why you are getting a port.

I pretty much had the same work-up before beginning chemo. What you're undergoing is not unusual.

Be kind to yourself; no one really enjoys chemo, but many women here have made it through treatment. Also, if you still wonder about whether or not chemo is warranted, get a second opinion.

my oncologist ran me through all the same tests, and I was petrified. Best of luck, thinking about you. avoid carbs and sugar a few days before the test because I was told they can cause false positives

I had a small but very aggressive (KI-67 of 70) tumor. Yes, all the testing is difficult - at least the waiting for the results are - but you and your doctor will know exactly what will be needed.

And here is a silver lining to your small but nasty tumor, chemotherapy is extremely effective on aggressive tumors as the the chemo works on cells that are dividing and your cells are dividing rapidly.

And DO NOT avoid all carbs and sugar for a few days before testing. You will be told to fast for a certain amount of time before your tests and that is what you should do. An area will be declared metabolically active when its uptake of glucose is higher than the surrounding area. If you deplete your blood glucose and liver glycogen levels before your tests by avoiding all sugars and carbs for an extended period, your tissue will rapidly uptake the infused glucose and may throw off the test results.

I echo the posts above. I am sorry that the results did not come back as the BS initially thought, but thankfully your MO ordered the oncotype so that you know how truly aggressive the cancer is. You caught it early which is great, and as others have stated, chemo works best on cancers like yours, so it is a valuable weapon in your arsenal against this beast. It is your ally. Cancer is the enemy.

Join the August 2016 chemo group, make time for you, accept help and meals when offered (it helps friends cope when you allow them to help), and plow full speed ahead. Everyone tolerates chemo differently. Thankfully, I am one who tolerated it very well both times. I worked and exercised (but did make time to rest) the whole way through. Assume you'll be the same until proven otherwise. Hoping all of your tests come back clear and that you can get started right on time. The sooner you start, the sooner you finish! Best wishes.