Radiation and cancer(rant/concerns)

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Lynn Smith
Lynn Smith Member Posts: 1,264 Member
in Breast Cancer #1
I read alot on this and the tests we get with radiation are high.ESP CT Scans. I had one last year and refused one this year but had to get new doctor to do something else.Kinda upsetting when doctors don't listen to us cancer patients.It is there way. The thing the doctor wanted to test me for was "If I had more kidney stones than what the first test showed".There are other ways MRI and Ultrasound.My friend who is a 16 year survivor just had a ultrasound and she said her doctors never even mentioned doing a CT scan.She said you can refuse it and they can order something else.It didn't work for me. The new doctor again said a KUB(low radiation) but I want NO radiation.I did the test and now in 6 months he says another KUB. This will take some thinking for me when there are other tests(without radiation).I have talked to my Breast Surgeon and Family Doctor.They listened very carefully and the Breast surgeon said depends on how many radiation tests you've had through the years.Well I've had my share.

Any others going through this or do you just take the test the doctor orders.If you read enough you would be amazed on how much radiation a CT scan has.Alarming to say the least.I see on here many get MRI's and Ultrasounds.A few CT scans.

I read enough about how radiation causes cancer.I already had cancer and now I have the gene so why do I want radiation?????

I am not talking about radiation you get to fight the cancer cells with breast cancer.That radiation is just where the cancer is but these tests where more than one organ etc is effected is my concern.

Go online and read about CT scans etc.It will amaze you.When the one was done last year I had concerns but didn't have time to read on it.I was in ER. Now I've had time.

Mammograms have a small amount but those are a annual test all women over 40 must have.Although with so many younger people diagnosed it makes me wonder if the test should start in the 20's.

Lynn Smith

Comments

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #2
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    I went to the ER-they checked me out but said they did not want to do CAT scan or extrays etc..UNLESS I insisted to due to higher risk of cancer with radiation...SO he checked me out other ways...said to come back if any issues..then he would do so...thankfully I didn't need to go back!
  • joannstar
    joannstar Member Posts: 403 Member
    #3
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    This isn't something
    that I want to focus on...I still have 5 more rads to go and each time there are several x-rays done to be sure I'm properly positioned. Today I asked my dr about skin cancer as I notice I'm turning a bit red--he said no, that is not what is happening. My onc said that he would have his wife do rads and that was a good enough recommendation for me because I thoroughly trust my onc. I've also had 2 PET scans and a CT scan in the last 7 months.
    I figure that I'll be glowing soon...but if it keeps bc from returning--I'm ok with that.
    JoAnn
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    #4
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    This is one of those cases
    This is one of those cases where you have to make a decision for yourself, and be your own advocate. It looks like you are doing that.

    Yes, radiation can cause cancer. So you have to weigh the benefits of the information gained from the CT scan vs. the risks of the radiation. It sounds like you are doing that, and you are asking your docs about alternative ways to get the information they need to treat your situation.

    I do have one caution though, and you've probably already considered this, but not everything on the internet is true. So be careful that you are looking at reputable sights to get your information. And one more thought...I am learning from the situation in Japan that there are several types of radiation, and they shouldn't necessarily be lumped together when considering the risks/benefits.

    Hugs,

    Linda
  • Lynn Smith
    Lynn Smith Member Posts: 1,264 Member
    #5
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    Gabe N Abby Mom said:

    This is one of those cases
    This is one of those cases where you have to make a decision for yourself, and be your own advocate. It looks like you are doing that.

    Yes, radiation can cause cancer. So you have to weigh the benefits of the information gained from the CT scan vs. the risks of the radiation. It sounds like you are doing that, and you are asking your docs about alternative ways to get the information they need to treat your situation.

    I do have one caution though, and you've probably already considered this, but not everything on the internet is true. So be careful that you are looking at reputable sights to get your information. And one more thought...I am learning from the situation in Japan that there are several types of radiation, and they shouldn't necessarily be lumped together when considering the risks/benefits.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    Other tests
    DisneyFan2008.Not doing the CT scan was probably the cancer risk the ER doctor was thinking.He could push/feel there were no broken bones but if any other pains or things got worse it was warranted.I understand that doctor completely.Esp if he knew about your cancer.I THINK the doctor in ER knew about mine but still insisted.

    Joannastar.I see what you mean and sometimes radiation tests are warranted but when others can be done the doctor should respect the patients feelings.I went on line to see what test can be given to find kidney stones.MRI and Ultrasound were 2 that was mentioned.They must work BUT my doctors say NO.CT scan or KUB.

    Gabe N Abby.I am doing my best to be my own advocate but doctors aren't listening.They won't even discuss it.When I asked the one urologist about doing a second CT scan within a year he was not the least bit worried(passed me off). I've had doctors that don't care.In fact for years I had one doctor that let me know if my care by another doctor was not good and would tell me to get a new one.He was my breast surgeon since I was 20 years old.He is now retired.He even called my gynecologist after I had my hysterectomy and told him in no uncertain terms "I was NOT to take hormones with breast cancer family history or with my benign tumors for years".Now though breast cancer.

    I do weigh the pros and cons but if a test without radiation can be done(and it says they are done for kidney stones)then those tests should be done.I am not just talking about cancer patients but everyone.BUT in some cases it probably must be done and the only way to find things. Not in my case.

    If my friend is living after 16 years I want what she had done or didn't have done.This was the first time she was given tests except for mammos for years and she is doing great. She did have a lumpectomy with Stage 3 breast cancer with some node involvement and all is fine.

    It might mean another doctor.I sure wish my former breast surgeon was still in practice.He tells it like it is. He was one of the finest surgeons around.

    Lynn Smith
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #6
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    Gabe N Abby Mom said:

    This is one of those cases
    This is one of those cases where you have to make a decision for yourself, and be your own advocate. It looks like you are doing that.

    Yes, radiation can cause cancer. So you have to weigh the benefits of the information gained from the CT scan vs. the risks of the radiation. It sounds like you are doing that, and you are asking your docs about alternative ways to get the information they need to treat your situation.

    I do have one caution though, and you've probably already considered this, but not everything on the internet is true. So be careful that you are looking at reputable sights to get your information. And one more thought...I am learning from the situation in Japan that there are several types of radiation, and they shouldn't necessarily be lumped together when considering the risks/benefits.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    Anything we do, surgery,
    Anything we do, surgery, rads, chemo, hormone therapy, it is all our decision. It is our oncologist's job to guide us and to inform of us what he feels is right for us.

    And, we do have to be our own advocate. That is just plain being smart. If you question something, then ask, and, don't stop until you get an answer.

    I have had rad treatments, CT scans, xrays, a bone scan and a MRI. I don't regret any of the tests, no matter the radiation. For me, and, just me, it was the right choice.

    You do what you want and I wish you all the best of luck.


    Hugs, Megan
  • Lynn Smith
    Lynn Smith Member Posts: 1,264 Member
    #7
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    Megan M said:

    Anything we do, surgery,
    Anything we do, surgery, rads, chemo, hormone therapy, it is all our decision. It is our oncologist's job to guide us and to inform of us what he feels is right for us.

    And, we do have to be our own advocate. That is just plain being smart. If you question something, then ask, and, don't stop until you get an answer.

    I have had rad treatments, CT scans, xrays, a bone scan and a MRI. I don't regret any of the tests, no matter the radiation. For me, and, just me, it was the right choice.

    You do what you want and I wish you all the best of luck.


    Hugs, Megan

    Input
    Thank You Megan. I understand most tests are very much needed.If I had pain in my hip I would want a bone scan. If I would have needed radiation therapy for my breast cancer(or any other type) I would want it.Radidation kills the cancer cells /before/after surgeries etc.For years I have been in and out of the hospital.2 stays.One was 2 months and the other 1 month.I've had alot of testing.Now with breast cancer and me reading about the tests ordered for me I want the least radiation(or none)I can get. My one doctor said it depends on how much you've had throughout your life.Most of my doctors are new.

    My oncologist is the only doctor I haven't seen since the kidney stones.I see her next month for my 6 month check up(BC).Then every year.My new urologist is in with my oncologist group.They are different doctors but the same group.They joined forces recently.

    I had mammogram.Then 2 months later I thought I found a lump.Oncologist said she wanted a ultrasound done,not a mammogram. Found no cancer.It was a test without radiation and was sufficient.
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #8
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    Lynn Smith said:

    Input
    Thank You Megan. I understand most tests are very much needed.If I had pain in my hip I would want a bone scan. If I would have needed radiation therapy for my breast cancer(or any other type) I would want it.Radidation kills the cancer cells /before/after surgeries etc.For years I have been in and out of the hospital.2 stays.One was 2 months and the other 1 month.I've had alot of testing.Now with breast cancer and me reading about the tests ordered for me I want the least radiation(or none)I can get. My one doctor said it depends on how much you've had throughout your life.Most of my doctors are new.

    My oncologist is the only doctor I haven't seen since the kidney stones.I see her next month for my 6 month check up(BC).Then every year.My new urologist is in with my oncologist group.They are different doctors but the same group.They joined forces recently.

    I had mammogram.Then 2 months later I thought I found a lump.Oncologist said she wanted a ultrasound done,not a mammogram. Found no cancer.It was a test without radiation and was sufficient.

    bumping up
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