Hi I am new to the forum. I was recently diagnosed and had a masectomy on 10 September. When i was diagnosed i was advised i would probably have Chemothrapy and Radiothrapy. I go back in on 27 September and they would then have the pathologist’s report and advise me of the treatment plan.
So far they have not mentioned CT or MRI scans. Does anyone know if these are offered to all breast cancer patients or is there a special criteria?
Thanks
Rubi
Rubi
Hello and welcome to the forum where you will get loads of help and support from the wonderful ladies on here.
I am not sure but I do not think that MRI or CT scans are given as routine to ladies who are diagnosed with bc, I think it depends on the final diagnosis if they want to do any more checks however one of the other ladies on here might be able to advise on this or you could post on the Ask Our Nurses section to see if they can help.
Helena xx
Hello Rubi,
Hope you are recovering well after your mastectomy. I have a funny feeling different places and different people may do different things. Also, some screening and diagnostic tests will only be used for specific circumstances. I wouldn’t worry too much about the scans. If you are having chemo they may be more likely to do CT. If it is bugging you, then contact the BCNs and ask them under what circumstances would you get a CT scan?
I had a CT scan prior to any treatment or surgery and prior to full her2 results being available. This was to check that there was no spread outside the breast. I have noted that on another thread someone said that people usually only got CT scans if they had evident spread to nodes etc. There was no evidence of spread to my nodes from pre-operative screening or diagnostic tests so this is not the case always. There was also no other reason or symptoms that suggested spread.
Although it was an anxious time waiting for the CT results, I was glad I had it because it gave me reassurance at the time.
I also had an MRI of both breasts prior to surgery. However, this was because my tumour decided not to play ball and some finer details needed checking. Hence, it was not standard practice. I was also glad in one way to get this because it gave reassurance that my other boob was clear.
Wishing you all the best Rubi,
Chick ? X
Hi Rubi, I had WLE last February, followed by chemo and rads. I had a CT scan after my op had healed, and before rads, to check that the cancer had not spread. I had a full LN excision and half showed signs of the same cancer which is why I had the scan, and why I had full excision. I asked about MRI and was told it’s not normally done unless there are real concerns it has spread outside the LN. I am on hormone treatment now, and had my 12 week scan a while ago. Hope this helps. Good luck. ? X
Hi Rubi, Sorry you find yourself here. It is common to have CT scans so try not to worry too much. It is a very anxious time but once your treatment plan is fully in place, it gets easier and you can chat with others on the “going through treatment” threads on this forum. I found this really helpful. I had CT and MRI scans because I had a large tumour and lymph node involvement and had chemo, surgery and radiotherapy. Here is my story which gives you some tips at each stage as well as the emotional journey which you may be able to relate to: lifeafterlola.com
Feel free to come on here to offload away from your loved ones whenever you need to. We understand. xxx