Forum Discussion

Kirstydee's avatar
Kirstydee
Member
9 years ago

PET Scans

Hi my name is Kirsty and I'm just chasing some advice and stories...

I was 36 and I was was six months pregnant with gestational diabetes and noticed a lump and was sent for an ultrasound which lead to a FNA and the results where a blocked milk duct. 

My baby boy was delivered by c section all
safe and healthy. Being a first time mother and overwhelmed, tired etc the lump grew and I didn't notice it and finally got to the doctor nearly a year later. 

This year in June at age 38 I've had a wide excision to remove a 18mm grade 3 invasive carcinoma HER -, 98% + oestrogen, 90% + Progesterone as well as 4 lymph nodes and 1 of the 4 had a 2.75mm spot of cancer present. 

The margins where no clear on the tumor and it was decided it was best to have a second surgery and it came back with a clear with no cancer present. 

My Staging scans - CT & Bone Density test were clear. 

Im currently have chemo and decided on TAC 6 treatments, with 2 to go and then travel to have radio therapy for 6 weeks and then followed up with hormone therapy for 5 years. 

As my cancer was oestrogen driven I have elected to have a hysterectomy next year after radio therapy as my oncologist advised to not fall pregnant within the next 5 years and we are happy with our only little boy. 

I asked for a PET Scan but was told it was not really necessary, does anyone have a similar story and has had a PET scan?

We just farwelled a friend who had various cancers and she fought really hard and it's left
me a little scared, daunted and doubtful as I'm feeling a little bit of back and foot pain and hoping it just the chemo but wondering if it's something else?
  • Kirstydee's avatar
    Kirstydee
    Member
    9 years ago
    Thank you Glemmis, Tracey62, Deanne & Cate64, I'm going to see my oncologist this Thursday before #5 treatment on Friday and I see if can get a referral for a PET Scan, thank you again everyone
  • Cate64's avatar
    Cate64
    Member
    9 years ago
    @Kirstydee , if you feel you should have a PET scan then push for it. MY CT & Bone Scans came back clear BUT my PET Scan picked up metastasis 
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    9 years ago
    If they were staging scans then I would think it was a nuclear bone scan that you had Kirsty. This is what I had to check for bone mets. This is different from a bone density scan. Bone density scans are not used for staging or looking for cancer mets. Tracey is right in saying that peace of mind is important however. If you really would feel better than ask your oncologist about the Pet scan for peace of mind. xxx
  • Tracey62's avatar
    Tracey62
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Kirsty, while I agree with the others about chemo being active throughout your body, there is a big difference between bone density scan and a PET scan. The bone density test looks at the strength of certain bones, it doesn't look for cancer. The PET scan will search for cancer at a cellular level and is much more specific than either a CT or MRI. My Onc said it wasn't required for me as thankfully my nodes were clear. But I was diagnosed at the same time as 2 other women I worked with and we all had different treatment plans. When I pushed the Onc on how I didn't understand why they weren't looking for mets in my case (large aggressive tumour), she agreed to go ahead with the PET scan mid chemo. It came back clear, put my mind at ease and Onc says we can use it as a baseline for future events if necessary.  If you feel the need for reassurance (don't we all), ask your doc for the PET. By the way, joint, muscle & bone pain are all side effects of the Taxol type chemo you are on. Many of us have had the same. Try some regular panadol or a hot pack, and talk to your Onc about how you are feeling. It must be really tiring having a beautiful little boy to look after while you go through treatment, is there anyone you can ask for help around the home? You don't have to go through this alone xx
  • Glemmis's avatar
    Glemmis
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Kirstydee, I am on 4 rounds of AC, had 3 so far, & then 12 rounds of Taxol. I too had CT & bone scan which were clear. My back has started aching the last week & I am worrying too but I think it is the chemotherapy attacking everything. The scan picked up I have mild arthiritis in hips so any issues you already have might be made worse. I am having acupuncture which really helps. Try not to worry you are in good hands xx
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    9 years ago
    Brenda is right Kirsty. The CT and bone scan would have picked up anything significant. They are the standard tests to check for spread of the cancer. Meanwhile the chemo and radiation that you will have is to take care of any stray (miniscule) cells that may be still in your system. 

    It is normal to worry. We all do it. The pain you are feeling is probably just from the effects of your treatment or just general aches from being stressed about what you are going through. It is natural to worry but it sounds like your doctors are being very thorough. Take care. Deanne xxx
  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    9 years ago
    The ct scan should have picked up if there were any other cancers present. While on chemo all cancer in whatever minute traces will be zapped and radiotherapy just to make sure of it. Even if you had a tiny cancer in your body somewhere it would be so minute there is no scan to detect it.