I had CT and bone scans today. Before the CT scan the radiographer told me my consultant had asked for a scan of my stomach and pelvic area, and as a sort of afterthought, chest area. Does this mean he suspects something is wrong in the stomach/pelvic area? Plus, does everyone have to drink that strange barium mixture beforehand, or is that for specific scan areas?
Worried of Wales,
Annie x
Hi Annie,
I have replied to you on one of the other threads, but hopefully if reply to this one also it might bump it into latest replies section.
Faye
Hi Annie,
I could b wrong but i think scans are requested if ther is lymp node involvement?
I was sent for a ct scan and bone scan as i complained of pain under my breast, breast bone, rib cage?? If you have not raised any concerns my guess would b that its just a precaution but im no expert.
I But i do know how scary waiting for those results are. I just kept telling myself that at least if ther is anything it will b picked up early and treated.
An yes i had to drink that barium liquid.
I wish i could say more to make you feel better but i no you cant stop worrying till you get those results.
Wishing you all the best.xox
Hi Annie
I think as Monarose says these scans are done if there is suspected or obvious, as in my case, lymph node involvement. I also had a MRI scan. I know it’s so hard not to worry whilst waiting for results but try and keep busy and remain positive. These tests are done to cover all bases and so we they have the right treatment plan for you.
Take care and good luck.
Emma xx
Thank you all so much for your reassurance - yes, I have lymph node involvement and am having an ANC next Friday. I was just a bit worried about the stomach and pelvis request by my consultant - now I’m imagining all sorts of things wrong with my internal organs (as you do!).
I think the scans must be precautionary in the main, so will try try to put possible results to the back of my mind. 
Annie x
Annie, it is part of the treatment plan if you have node involvement they like to do a scan for ‘staging’ purposes so they can see the picture prior to any treatment and then if you need more scans later they compare to see if there are any changes - It is nothing to worry about and it does mean that your consultant is being thorough. After having a diagnosis of breast cancer I think we all do worry that is has spread and we all fear the worst and waiting for results is horrid. I had a scan of my ‘soft tissue’ which basically was tummy, chest and pelvis and as I had some ‘bone pain’ they also did a bone scan too. This was in 2010, I had mastectomy, all lymph nodes removed, chemo, rads and now on hormone theropy but I am still ok - I hope this reassures you x
Oh, thank you saffronseed, that sounds like the same scan I had (I have no bone pain but I think they do a bone scan in my local health area anyway). I never thought, but perhaps the radiographer (?) didn’t know my dx and was just stating what areas he’d been asked to look at. I’ve had a mastectomy already, just the ANC to go before chemo and rads I hope!
Yes, you’re right - I’m imagining it’s spread everywhere…thanks again to all of you lovely ladies for helping me to feel a bit better about all this.
Annie
Hi there - I was diagnosed a year ago and had a CT scan straight away and then a bone scan about 6 weeks later. I didn’t have to drink anything before the CT scan but had something injected into a canula instead - but it definitely scanned down as far as my pelvis. It was a bit weird really because whatever they inject you with gives you a hot flush and when it hits the nether regions it makes you feel as though you’ve wet yourself - luckily they warned me beforehand LOL x
Hi this is my first time posting on here. I’m so glad you put this post on Annie62 as i have been going out of my mind with worry as i was told on Friday i had to have these scans myself and since then ive been imaging that my cancer has spread everywhere. The waiting is the worst part for me as my mind just seems to go into overdrive.
Thanks for the info Witchypoo about the injection scan as i think thats what i will be having sometime next week. doesnt sound like a pleasant experiemce but im glad i know what will happen before i go in for it.
Hi Annie
I’ve just has the CT and bone scans too (similiar to the description by wtichypoo) and the BC nurse described it as a standard procedure as a precaution to check it hasn’t spread. I’m assuming mine’s ok until I hear otherwise. So let’s keep our fingers crossed x
Thanks, Witchypoo and jenny - I had the barium drink AND the canula injection!
I’m sure it is just a precautionary procedure and I am reading way too much into the odd remarks people make - I’ve been having strange stomach cramps for the past couple of weeks, so of course I am thinking all sorts… 
Annie x
Annie, like Lynsey said it is worrying. I was told on Thursday I need bone and CAT scan on Friday due to lymp node involvement and vascular invasion. Absolutely terrified that it may be in other places. But Witchypoo thanks for the warning about the effects of the injection, that brought a smile to my face on a pretty down day.
Good luck ladies
Sam xx