PET scan

I didn't get a PET scan. I had ER+/PR+/HER- early stage ductal BC that was on my chest wall so shrunk first with chemo, then lumpectomy, then radiotherapy. No lymph node or LVI.  I started zoladex injections during chemo and started exemestane between operation and rads, will be on both for 5 years.

Prior to chemo I had mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy then MRI, CT scan and heart scan. Also had to have dental check up and 'flu jab prior to chemo.

Finally, I'm on zoledronic acid IV every 6 months for 3 years. Had to have dental check up and bloods prior to that.

Hi, I haven't had a PET scan either but in terms of breast cancer they are really only helpful if other tests such as a CT are not clear with regards to whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. I had one positive lymph node so was sent for a bone scan & CT to see whether the cancer had spread. I was given the all clear after these so a PET scan was not required. They are expensive and are only recommended if they are absolutely necessary. You might find this link useful: 

www.breastcancer.org/.../pet

Thank you LalaLou that is helpful.  I had the CT and it hadn't spread apart from nodes but interesting to see you had one to see if it had spread and only 1 node involved.  I guess every hospital is different. X

When I got a copy of my histology report post surgery it showed that lymphovascular invasion (LVI) had been found. This increases the risk of metastases so might explain why I was sent for a CT & bone scan, although the medical team made no mention to me of the fact that there was LVI. I think the decisions about which scans are required are based on the individual rather than the hospital. Good news that yours hasn't spread either x

I wished it hadn't spread to the lymph nodes but you gotta roll with it. Following my mastectomy I never got a copy of a histology report and didnt even see the Consultant following my op before I was discharged with low blood pressure and  being sick. Maybe I should have asked for a copy but the morphine had kicked in lol so never  thought x

I experienced similar. About 2 weeks after my lumpectomy my nurse asked how it had gone and I had to say that I had no idea because no-one had told me! It was after that conversation that I asked for a copy of the histology report.  Have you now had a full lymph node clearance, or did they remove them during your op?

They did a full removal during op. The biopsies they took prior showed spread. I was told later down the line the tumour had  been removed with excellent margins. 8 out of the 14 nodes removed were cancerous unfortunately but no spread to other areas x

My node spread was picked up after the op following a sentinel node biopsy - they had all appeared fine in scans prior to the op. Unfortunately my margins were not good so I'm now having chemo, followed by a further excision and lymph node clearance, then hormone treatment  It's going to be a long slog but I'm trying to keep positive and take one day at a time. Good luck with your treatment x

Hope you are getting through chemo okay. I finished mine 4 weeks today and now halfway through Rads the n hormone treatment. The Joy's. Yes you can only take one day at a time. Best of luck with your treatment xx