bone scan

[darcytwin]

Should I have a bone scan before i start chemo?  I was diagnosed with stage 2a (one sentinal involved).  I had a mastectomy(clear margins and no radiation) and they are starting reconstruction with the chest expander..I am so confused...I have heard people say that the bone scan is a must and others not so much...

I turn 40 this week and start chemo the following week....is there a need right up front or is it something that should wait until after chemo is all over...i am so afraid of it metastisizing...what is the best suggestion...????

[lizziecee]

I was very naive when I was dx with idc 4 yrs ago so just went along with the surgeon,oncologist and radiologist.  As I started chemo I had a bone scan and a nuclear scan of my pelvis to check the liver. This was the normal protocol at my hospital - a centre of breast care excellence. Luckily, I had no metastases. I am not sure if I had the scans because the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes (4/18 cancerous) or whether everyone with bc got them. I just didn't think to ask, and I didn't know anyone with bc at that time. If available, I would definitely have a bone scan - it is not an invasive procedure and will set your mind at rest.
Liz.