Scans -- Should I have had one??

Hello, I am a newbie to posting - have been lurking for a while . I was diagnosed with BC 25th June 2007. I have had a WLI with ALC - I had a 2cm lump removed that was a grade 3 and no lymph nodes affected. I am on TACT2 Arm 2 and have just had my second dose of chemo - have just shaved head on no 2. My question is this - I have noticed that lost of people seem to have had scans - i guess to see if the cancer has spread to anywhere else? - but I have not had a scan - nor has it been mentioned at all - should i have had a scan - do I need to ask for one ??? - or am I just being paranoid again??? - Hope you can help

Jo

Hi Jo

I think all areas are different with regards to scans, but if you are really wanting one, why don’t you ask and see what they say. I had a scan within week of being dx with bc, but I know others on here haven’t had any either. Maybe with your dx, they don’t think you need a scan as dont think there would be a spread, but for your peace of mind you need to ask the question.

Sorry cannot be of much help, but maybe speak to your onc or bc nurse and see what they say.

Take care and let us know
Love
Dawn
xx

Hiya Jo,

sorry you’ve had to join us but ‘welcome’ to this wonderful site. I was diagnosed in march, age 34. I had a right mastectomy and total axillary clearance a week after diagnosis. As I had extensive lymph node involvement I had a CT scan pre-chemo. I then started E-CMF in may and am also on arm 2 of the TACT 2 trial.

As far as I know, the scans they give us largely depends on the individual health authorities and even individual docs! I had a CT and bone scan as ‘base lines’ due to my lymph node involvement, however other people at my hosp have had none. They do not scan ‘routinely’ at my hosp and said they would only do it if I had any ‘symptoms’ of further spread. Its mad as others on heres have had the works, MRI and all sorts!

I would mention it to your bc nurse and see what she recommends,

Take care,

Kelly
-x-

Hi Jo

I asked for scans after my mastectomy and I was told It wasnt nescessary - not sure if they can tell from the biopsy if you need scans or not, they dont really seem to give much away it is like pulling teeth getting information or it has been for me…I too was grade 3 no Lymph nodes affected and sentinal node clear.

takecare and I hope you sort things out…

best wishes
Pam

Hi Jo

I am in the North East, had about same size tumour (grade 2) as you with 3 lymph nodes involved but offered nothing in the way of any kind of scan.

Hope this helps.

Diane x