ct/pet scan

[ladypar72]

does everyone who has breast cancer have a pet/cat scan as a fallow up ? i have 2 doctor opinions, one say no need fo the test if mamo is fine and no symtoms. the other one wont see me again until i have one and cancelled my appointment .i had, untiol i do . should i go for a third opinion. had a lumpdectomy and radiation. all blood test are alsofine been 1 yr now. need an opinion.the first doc was my surgeon at top notch hosp the second is a local who gives me my pill ,

[Tinabudde]

Hi ladypar, well it's debatable.  My mother's doctor has her down every 3 months for blood work to watch her levels, and a mammogram with ultrasound on her remaining breast ( she had 1 removed last August, and this Jan lumpectomy ).  Usually they do bloodwork, mammo/ultrasound on remaining breast if there is one, and a bone scan.  Not everyone has the pet scan, my mother didn't and won't unless her blood levels rise then she would, rising levels usually mean there's a chance the cancer has returned somewhere else.  Most doctors base the need on the bloodwork.

[japdip]

NO they don't ... it is usually at the order of the Oncologist who prescribed your treatment following surgery. If you don't care to have these scans then I would see another Oncologist. All Oncologists do not believe in the routine scanning following treatment for Breast Cancer. It has been proven that IF metastisis is discovered by symptom or by scan there is no difference in the end result. We as patients always have the right to refuse any or all treatment and I'm not sure it would be ethical for your Dr. to cancel your appointment and/or not continue prescribing your pill because you refuse a scan, especially if you have no symptoms. If you can I would certainly seek another opinion since you seem reluctant to have the scans.  Regards ....