Is PET Scan necessary?

9/28/09 Had bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction/expanders.  Pathology showed both breasts were completely filled with (both ductal and lobular) in-situ carcinoma.  Am I now cured 100%?  The surgical oncologist does not think it is necessary to have a PET scan.    What are your recommendations?

By the way doing excellent.  No feeling of loss as expanders are in (not back to my normal size though).  Less than one week and need no pain meds.  Even with two drains!  My greatest fear was dying on the table and my little girl left with no mother.  The worst is now over for me.

Tried to find humor in the situation..."old girls being replaced by better new ones...etc."  With the expanders."...the MD 'is going to pump me up'..."

[SueYoung55]

First of all, congratulations on a successful bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction, step one expanders. It's wonderful to hear people doing well.

Having mastectomies does reduce your risk, A LOT. Sadly, there is no way to get 100% of the breast tissue with a mastectomy so surveillance should still be in your future. I would see if a breast MRI could be done yearly. One benefit of that is that a good radiologist can tell how much breast tissue is still left and can see if anything is developing that you need to know about.

I hope that helps and I wish you continued success and NED!!