MRI vs PT scan

Continuing the discussion from MRI for lobular cancer:

Hi, new to posting and have a question on testing; I meet with my oncologist next week.
I have IDC with lobular features, tumor was 5 cm and 10/19 + lymph nodes.
ER+ PR+ HER2-.
I had 5mo chemo (cytoxan/adriamycin then taxol) followed by radiation.
I have been on Femara for 2 yrs in Nov, and 2 yr Verzenio in Feb.

I meet with my oncologist and don’t understand why first short term oncologist did Pet scans early on, and current oncologist for last 1.5 yrs prefers CT scans.
Hi often and what type of scans should I be requesting. I want to be proactive, not wait to find out it has spread to bone or organs.
Recent slight nausea past month that I have never had. and left mastectomy arm/armpit has pains that Is probably just surgery related but never know. Currently 3c so should I request scans now, it’s been a year, the plan is ct in Nov for lung that had a tiny something to keep eye on and Ct in Feb for chest/ab I believe.
I want the best scan to see what’s going on; they missed my initial diagnosis saying in situ and a small lob and did breast saving surgery before realizing how large tumor was. Thanks

Hi @lb_hopeful

Not sure what a pet scan is.
The CT scan looks at bone and soft tissue
The MRI looks in more detail at soft tissue.
Then there are different types of bone scans.
I think the CT is the one that covers off checking most things at once, they use the contrast dye to check for odd things showing up. Then I think they go to the other scans for the in-depth detail when they know what they’re wanting to investigate.

Only going off my experiences.

Take care xxx

Hi @lb_hopeful

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Lisa

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Hi lb_hopeful

Thank you for posting.

It’s understandable you’re wanting to know more about which type of scans you should be having and why you initially had a PET scan and are now having CT scans.

As Ahbc21 has said there are different types of scans to look at the bones and other body tissue. The type of scans you might have and how frequently you might need to have them depends on your individual clinical situation. The best people to talk to about this are your treatment team as they have all this information to hand, and can explain why you had a PET scan initially and are now having CT scans. You can also ask them about the timing of the scans. You can contact your breast care nurse to arrange an appointment to discuss this.

You mention that you have been suffering from slight nausea over the past months. Nausea can have many causes, including being a side effect from the Verzenios you are taking. But it’s always best to check any new symptoms out with your treatment team. So do mention this to your breast care nurse.

You also mention that you have pain in your arm and armpit. As you suggest this may be related to your surgery. Ongoing (chronic) or persistent pain may be caused by damage to the nerves, particularly those in the axilla (underarm). However, it is important to get any new pain checked out so again, do tell your treatment team or breast care nurse about it.

Having regular scans and knowing that there is something in the lung to be kept an eye on, along with the possibility that the cancer might return understandably leads to a lot of worry and anxiety. The previous link provides information about things that might be helpful to explore further.

We offer a range of free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

You are also welcome to call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

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Best wishes

Val

Breast Care Nurse

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As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.