pet scan, when? before chemo?

lbaccash
lbaccash Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
On July 11 I had a lumpectomy of what was thought to be a 1.5 cm. invasive ductal tumor. It turned out to be lobular with 1.5 cm. as the main mass but with "extensive angiolymphatic invasion" (I don't know exactly what that means but I know it's not good) measuring 5.5 x 4 x 2 cm. Also 2 of 17 lymph nodes were positive. I am ER/PR neg. and HER-2/neu negative. I haven't met with my oncologist yet as my HMO has you go through surgery first and then oncology after you have your pathology report. I do know that I will be getting chemo & radiation but I'm concerned about whether it spread as I have been told my cancer is very aggressive. I don't know exactly what my oncologist will have me do but I have been told by friends who have doctor friends that I should have already had a pet scan. I talked with the breast care coordinator and she said my HMO does have the equipment to do this and my dr. may recommend it but it doesn't show cancer smaller than 1.5 cm. so a MRI or cat scan may be better. At this point I feel like I want to insist on every scan there is to see what I have and where it is. My other concern is that I'm scared to put off chemo while I wait for my HMO's time table to get other tests done. Can I have these tests done while on chemo? What do you think? What is your experience?

Laurie B.

Comments

  • mattsmom05
    mattsmom05 Member Posts: 4
    #2
    hi there! First let me tell you that I am sorry that this happened, but I am here so is everyone else. All I can tell you is from my experience. I did biopsy first, then the lumpectomy. confirmed it was cancer. Told my general surgeon I wanted to do a bilateral masectomy as soon as possible. Seen the onocologist she set me up for CAT Scan and Bone scan, blood work. Then I did my surgery. Then I seen my onocolgist at that time she had my path report also the results of my lymph nodes. I had to wait two weeks after my surgery to start chemo, so things could heal. My ononcogist did not give me a PET scan said I did not need it. I was STAGE I. I have heard some people do chemo befor surg. to shrink the tumor. Also, I am a triple neg just like you. Please keep all of us informed. If you have any questiones please don't hesitate to email me or just keep posting. Right now I am on my last round of chem AUG 18th !!!
    Take care,
    denise
  • BonnieT
    BonnieT Member Posts: 13
    #3
    HI
    I am sorry you have to go thru this.
    But this is a great place to ask ?'s or just vent.
    I have had a PET scan, I don't know how small of cancers if detects, but it does check your entire body. MRI is also a good option. Make sure you get an oncologist that will take the time to listen to all your concerns , also a second opinion is always a good idea. Find someone you can trust it really makes a difference.
    I know how scared you are right now, but remember people are beating cancer every day , there are so many advances in medicine.One thing I found out when I joined this board is how many people have had their cancer spread and are doing fine.
    God Bless and keep us posted, we are all in this together !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    BonnieT

Discussion Boards