Question re follow up scans?

Nichola · May 2008

Nichola · May 2008

Hi

I posted this on another board, but think it should have been on this one!:-

I had bone and chest/abdomen CT scans after being diagnosed with a recurrence Nov 2007 (satellite nodules in skin of reconstruction). This puts me at a 3b and I have been told that even with tamoxifen, I have a 25 to 30% risk of mets in the next 5 years.

After a breathing cough problem I had another chest xray and CT scan in February. My next Onc appointment is in July.

My question is...how often should I expect to be routine scanned?

pip57 · June 2008

I am also stage IIIb. My onc tells me that there is no follow up tests unless I am symptomatic. At first this really upset me. However, my docs have been very good about not brushing off any concerns I have as 'silly'. It is hard not to be anxious about every ache and pain at first but it does get better with time.

If you really do want to have regular tests I suggest you ask about being included in one of the many studies. They do a lot of screening and follow ups. So far there is no studies that I would fit into but I would consider it if one came up.

Nichola · June 2008

Hi Prettyinpink

Thank you so much for your answer.

I do know the anxiety reduces after a while, which it did after the first time: I think this recurrence was so unexpected that it coupled with the tamoxifen, has made me feel somewhat doomed!

The suggestion of putting myself up for one of the studies is great though, as there is so little info on my type of recurrence...

Question re follow up scans?

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