Bone Scan

Just a quick query… does anyone know the criteria for getting a bone scan… i.e. why some people seem to have one early on in treatment, but others not? Just wondered why? I’ve never had one…
AliS

Hi Ali,

Not really sure - it does seem to vary a lot on these boards. I had a bone scan, MRI etc after dx, but my tumour was large and they could tell from first biposies that I had lymph node involvement. Not sure if this makes a difference in the additional tests they think you need etc? Mine were clear. If you are concerned there is no harm in asking. I have been worried about funny little pains (my own neuroses probably!) and have had additional scans while undergoing chemo to put my mind at rest

xx

Hello Ali
I was diagnosed with grade 2 in August with 2 lymph nodes involved. I am having chemo first to shrink the tumour and I’m on a trial. I was frightened when I was told that I had to have a bone , and liver scan and also a lung xray. I asked why and they said it did not mean that they were extra worried with me. I had all the tests which were clear except foe gallstones! I must say it has given me some reasurrance knowing the tests were clear although at the time it felt scary. I would just say do not be too concerned.

Just curious, as I never got any scans - only a chest x-ray prior to surgery, which is routine… then a some heart test, prior to starting chemo. I’m wondering if it’s related to whether or not there was lymph node involvement?

AliS

I have just had surgery and when the breast care nurse gave me my results she has told me that because there is lymph nodes affected and I also had a large tumor I will have to have a CT and bone scan before I start any other treatment. I’m really scared and feel like I’m in a waiting game until I have them done and get the results back.

I was done a bone scan after knowing that the size of the tumour was larger than 3 cm

It might be because of lymph gland involvement, I could not seem to get any answers frothe team. They just said it does not mean they think it has spread.

this is something that troubles me too about bone scans, my mum got told yesterday after her masectomy that the cancer hadnt spread and that the lymph nodes were checked too and they were also clear (she doesnt have many as they were removed from a previous Dx of BC. So why does she still need a bone scan?

I asked the oncologist this week and was told that it’s one of the hormone therapy drugs that affects the bone density, in which case you’d get a bone scan before starting that treatment and obviously afterwards. I was told that I wouldn’t require a bone scan because I’m triple negative and not going to get Herceptin/Tamoxifen. At least I know now, rather than wondering why not…

AliS

i’m glad thats why, i thought it was but my mum was convinced it wasn’t. That will cheer up. thankyou.