Scans - How often

Thank you so much everyone for your responses. I had my follow up appointment re scans and official  N E D   Yay. What a relief. I wasn't too worried but once my husband and I left the surgeon's office and I let out a huge breath it was like this huge cloud had been lifted off my shoulders.  Fantastic!!!!!!!!  I pray this result for each and every one of you that are facing forthcoming scans :) xxx

Hi Andij. I will have my first post treatment mammogram & ultrasound later this month. For the next year or two, I expect to be reviewed around every 3 months, by either surgeon, medical or radiation oncologist.  My surgeon appointment is the day after investigations. I have been advised that they don't do other tests unless there is a reason, as screening tests don't make any difference to outcomes. 

Hope your results are/were all good. 

Take care, Lyn

Thank you. It is a nerve wracking time that's for sure.

Thank you Brenda. Yes, I have developed an allergy to the ct dye too unfortunately. But wouldnt be happy not having it. So would have to do another option.

Hi, everyone has different treatments, according to their treatment team. I'm seeing one of my doctors (varies which doctor) every 3 months, however my scans are scheduled every 12 months. My breast surgeon said that she does it that way, as it stresses patients out who are otherwise well. Hope this helps, Trace ????????

It does depend on your circumstances and your medical team. Last time I saw the surgeon for follow up I got his trainee Dr who looked at my chart and said oh we need a mammogram as its almost 6mths since you were diagnosed. I had just finished chemo a week before and asked what do you think you are going to find after 3 months of chemo? He rethought that idea and said we'd meet again in another 3 months or so.

I've not long started Tamoxifen pills so we had a blood test and my oncology doctor will review that today to make sure my body is taking it well and I don't have any loss of vita D or anything. Check my liver etc. That's a 6 week check up which I don't mind. Also seeing the GP Dr today so he can review the test also and I am hoping he can give me something to get this rotten cold out of my sinus and chest which I have had nearly 2 weeks now.

Once this cold is gone I will be visiting the optometrist to check  if there is any damage from the chemo and to recheck I don't yet have our hereditary glaucoma. A new set of glasses for distance vision wouldn't go astray either.

I am not sure what we're going to do if a CT scan is in order as I have become allergic to the CT dye. Maybe we will just stick to ultrasounds and mammograms?

Hi 

Much the same for me - I see my oncologist and surgeon every six months but they time it so one of them sees me every three months. Mammograms, ultrasound every 12 months - I always get very nervous! Will be 4 years in October, so far so good.

Best of luck to you.

Thanks Deanne. Yes will add it to my list of questions for surgeon on Monday.  I so hope your scans are clear this time round as well:) xo

Hello

It can sound confusing and some doctors may do things a little differently depending on individual circumstances. In general most of us seem to have a mammogram/ultrasound if applicable every 12 months after diagnosis. Check-ups which may include a physical examination may happen every 3 months at first. These check-ups are often shared between your medical team.

I am just about to have my third mammogram/ultrasound post diagnosis three years down the track. I will then see my surgeon for the results and a physical examination. I see my surgeon and medical oncologist alternately at 6 month intervals now (was 3 monthly at first). I also have an annual bone density test because I am on Femara and annual blood tests to check hormone levels etc.

Hope this clears things up for you. You can always ask your medical team when and why you will be having any checks/scans/tests as everyone has a slightly different situation.

Deanne xxx