Pet scan after lumpectomy?

Good questions, I was not given one and I had lymph node involvement (2 removed). I only have Mammograms and MRIs during follow-up checkups. MRIs because of dense breast.

Laurie

I had a lumpectomy with lymph node removal 6 yrs ago. No PET Scan since my labs had remained normal- when they elevated,I had one last year. While I know it would give you peace of mind- PET scans have only been approved- if more involvement is suspected.

I have Stage 1, lumpectomy and no node involvement. Did not have a PET scan. Not sure but think part of it is they are expensive and insurance does not pay at that level. As well as, not part of the protocol unless there are other circumstances.

I had lumpectomy with 3 lymph nodes removed two years ago. One turned out positive. Follow up CAT scan showed all my "warts". PET scan ordered to check them out, all were fine. Protocol is mammogram every 6 months as follow up. No other scans needed.

Your doctor may have ordered as a precaution if you had certain abnormalities in your pathology report. I have a genetic predisposition to cancer and I was young (30s), and grade 3. These tend to more aggressive and my doctor wanted to make sure If I had any cancer anywhere else so he ordered a pet scan after all the other treatments were in my rear view mirror. I was grateful for the peace of mind, the insurance paid but there was a high co pay. May I ask where you are in your treatment plan now? Was there an abnormal finding in your pathology report?

I think everyone with a cancer dx should have one as part of the initial work up. I was set for a double mastectomy and then chemo, the surgeon wanted a pet scan prior to surgery (at that time they were saying I was stage 2b). Scan came back and I was stage 4 and my treatment plan was changed.

Wow, that is a big change. Maybe you are right about everyone having one, although I am not sure the insurance companies would agree . Can you tell me more about your cancer? How are you doing now?

I wish I could have one. I have stage 2, lumpectomy with 2 of 3 lymph nodes positive.

Welcome to connect. There are many breast cancer patients here to visit with. Are you comfortable asking your health care team for a pet scan or having a discussion with them about when this might be appropriate? May I ask how far into your breast cancer journey you are now?

Surgery June 11th, waited for oncotyping forever... (4 weeks) oncotyping of 14 and was told I didn't require chemo. Will start 15 proton radiation treatments starting Tuesday, July 27th. I brought up the pet scan to my medical oncologist and he said that studies show it hurt people's quality of life because they were living from pet scan to pet scan. I think that at least if I had one, I would have peace of mind 5 out of 6 months! I'm going to be worrying about recurrence whether I have the test or not, so let me have the scan for my peace!