Body scans

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Body scans

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Body scans Hi
This is my first time on the chat forums. I was diagnosed with grade 2 13 mm tumour in November 2006. I had 3 lumpectomy operations and lymph node clearance. Although the lymph were clear the surgeon was unable to clear the margins so I had a 4th operation - a mastectomy with a reconstruction.
I am no Tamoxifen and the surgeon now states that I am clear of the cancer, however, I feel fearful that due to the time lapse between the first and last operation that the cancer may have spread and I was wondering whether I could ask the surgeon for a body scan.
Has anyone had a scan to put their mind at ease and stop the anxiety and fear.
Thanks

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Hi I think scans are only offered if the lymph nodes have been affected, as in that case the cancer has demonstrably begun to spread beyond the breast. I had 3 nodes affected and had a bone scan and liver CT scan, which thankfully were clear.

There’s no harm in asking your doctor, Alternatively you could have a private MRI scan - there are ads appearing in the newspapers - but this would set you back upwards of £600.

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my nodes were clear so had no body scan as routine just a bone density scan as a baseline.However today had ct scan after what surgeon believes is just damage to lymph glands but doing it for me to be totally reassured-he is always happy for this nurse said-so no harm in asking.
good luck sharonx

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Thanks Thank you for your advice, I will ask the consultant and see what she says. I know it will take time to trust my body again but at the moment I think I need lots of reassurance. Great news that yours scans were clear.
Cathy