Forum Discussion

kchehade's avatar
kchehade
Member
12 years ago

bone scan

hi

I went yesterday to see my local doctor for the first time after I had my lumpectomy. He received the usual letters from my surgeon and oncologist but he was surprised that they didn't request a bone scan.

following my second surgery and I was told that I have clear margins but my grade level has been moved up. I now have grade 3 cancer (instead of 2) and will start my chemo in 2 weeks.

should I be asking for a bone scan to be on the safe side? I would like to know if it is a common request.

thanks for your help

Katia

 

7 Replies

  • kchehade's avatar
    kchehade
    Member
    12 years ago
    Thank you all. I feel better now. I was dreading the bone scan. I know that it's not that bad but I have trouble with tests
  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    I worried why my oncologist didn't request a bone scan too.I asked about it,and she told me that because my nodes were clear,there was no need for a scan.I have had a mastectomy and chemo,and I am about to start on hormonal therapy.My vitamin D levels are great,so I won't need a. scan until further down the track ,just to keep an eye on things.All the best with your treatment. xoxo Robyn
  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    I worried why my oncologist didn't request a bone scan too.I asked about it,and she told me that because my nodes were clear,there was no need for a scan.I have had a mastectomy and chemo,and I am about to start on hormonal therapy.My vitamin D levels are great,so I won't need a. scan until further down the track ,just to keep an eye on things.All the best with your treatment. xoxo Robyn
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    12 years ago

    If you have early breast cancer with clear margins after surgery and no cancer in your lymph nodes then you don't automatically have a body or bone scan.It's up to your specialists.But if you have cancer cells in your lymph nodes then you could be ordered further scans.Talk to your oncologist if you are worried.I hope you are recovering ok from surgery.  Tonya xx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    12 years ago

    If you have early breast cancer with clear margins after surgery and no cancer in your lymph nodes then you don't automatically have a body or bone scan.It's up to your specialists.But if you have cancer cells in your lymph nodes then you could be ordered further scans.Talk to your oncologist if you are worried.I hope you are recovering ok from surgery.  Tonya xx

  • Lorraine's avatar
    Lorraine
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Katia

    It would be useful to discuss the need for a bone scan with your surgeon and oncologist and to ask you local doctor about the reasons behind his surprise one had not been done.  

    It is my understanding that a bone scan is done prior to the commencenent of on going drug therapy.  For example aromatise inhibitors have an effect on bone density so it is important to monitor this while on the drug.  

    As with all questions it is advisable to go to experts for information.  

    All the best with you treatment.  

    Love

    lorraine

  • Lorraine's avatar
    Lorraine
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Katia

    It would be useful to discuss the need for a bone scan with your surgeon and oncologist and to ask you local doctor about the reasons behind his surprise one had not been done.  

    It is my understanding that a bone scan is done prior to the commencenent of on going drug therapy.  For example aromatise inhibitors have an effect on bone density so it is important to monitor this while on the drug.  

    As with all questions it is advisable to go to experts for information.  

    All the best with you treatment.  

    Love

    lorraine