Hi @jsclarkfnp1 I had stage 1 breast cancer BRCA2+ in 2013. Had a mastectomy as only treatment. They followed me with MRIs and ultrasounds the first couple years then just annual ultrasounds. I only had CT and PET at the beginning to diagnose. Optimal to monitor with no radiation (ultrasound & MRI) or low radiation (mammogram) tests unless warranted.

It wasn't until 2020 that the cancer came back in my chest wall and muscle. I actually found the lump myself 2 days before my ultrasound was scheduled. I had the chest tumor removed, but there was a positive margin. Had radiation and am on Kisqali and Letrozole. It's very aggressive this time Ki67 50% (20+ is aggressive) so they think cells likely got away before we did the surgery. I'm having routine CT scans of chest, abdomen and pelvis every 6 months now. If I have symptoms for bone or brain issues then they'll check that -- not routine. If something new shows up on the CT scans then they'll do a PET scan. PET scan is more for diagnosing extent of cancer than for routine screening -- most expensive scan and highest in radiation.

This is all just my understanding of my case. Every case is different. Your doctor can give rationale for your case, but it's always good to ask lots of questions. Best of luck to you.