No PET CT scan before treatment starts?

Yes spot on. It’s what happened to me. If they are unsure you have nodal spread anywhere they haven’t spotted with the CT and MRI you will have a PET/CT. 

The PET doesn’t compare anything. All it looks for is what we colloquially call hot spots. The MRI and CT are pretty accurate down to a few mm pinpointing exactly where the cancer is. 

Hi Dani - I'm confused, does it mean they don't think I have nodal spread (based on the other scans - MRI + CT contrast)?

Thanks Hx

Don’t forget to ask them to cut eyeholes. 

Yes. But the RT still does your neck. 

Thanks so much for clarifying, I think I'm slipping into a bit of anxiety! I need to pull myself together and find some nice music for the car journey!!

Hx

Ask your oncologist to show you the MRI sequence. It’s fascinating and frightening at the same time. 

Absolutely! I'm also requesting sequins and feathers, I'll let you know how I get on with that...

HMS said:

Hi Dani - I'm confused, does it mean they don't think I have nodal spread (based on the other scans - MRI + CT contrast)?

Folk who have definite nodes that aren’t amenable to surgery or who don’t have a neck dissection will get quite a lot of RT to the neck. Hazel had a node that couldn’t be removed and she had an extra week. 
I had no nodal spread but still had a small dose to my neck. 

Hi just chill Helen the experts know. As Dani says I had an extra week by time if my pet ct scan 2 lymph’s had  become 7 so got  extra blasts lucky me. 
Let us know howyou get in with mask. It’s your friend remember that. 
Hazel xx