Richard, I’m so sorry to hear about your wife having cancer. You are both going through a such a stressful period right now. And it’s so darned frustrating when insurance turns down a request for tests or procedures. I’ve had that happen and my oncologist wrote a narrative to the insurance company as to why I needed a test and it was then approved. So don’t take this as the final word. Keep pushing for the PET/CT scan. Call your insurance company and speak with an underwriter or contact your wife’s oncologist office to have them re-submit the request. It’s ok to be the squeaky wheel! I hope you’re doing well…sending a hug to both of you.

Hello:
My question is why your doc didn’t request PET scan in the first place instead of trying to get it as a last resort. PETs pick up hot spots in the body that might not be seen using other diagnostics. I would suggest pushing a little harder or if necessary pay for it out of pocket. For proper treatment you need to know as much as possible about the situation.