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Thursday, May 13, 2010 Lolo asks

Q: PET scan

had a mastectomy, lymph node removal (11), chemo and raditation - treatment ended in late 2008 - I  have had a CT of chest and abdomen but no other tests.  Should I request a PET scan???I've been havving some pain under my arm and in the "breast" area.  I had asked my doctor via his nurse - he hadn't ordered any because I did not have insurance -  just found out my current health insurance does not have pre-existing and therefore would cover a scan so I am wondering should I have any scans or anything -

 

thanks

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Answers (1)
Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide
5/13/10 7:28pm

A PET scan is not a routine follow-up test.  You need to make an appointment with the doctor to evaluate the pain.  The cause may be a new problem, in which case, your insurance should cover whatever tests are necessary for diagnosis.  A biopsy, blood work, or more CT scans may be preferable tests to find out what is going on.  Your doctor is the best judge of what tests are needed.

If your insurance did not lapse between your first treatments and now, the pre-existing condition should not apply even if you are with a new company.  If you were uninsured, however, there may be problems getting treatments covered IF this does turn out to be some sort of recurrence of your first cancer.  Talk to the social worker at your hospital, your local American Cancer Society office, or your county health department about your options if your current insurance will not pay.  

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5/13/10 10:22pm

I have seen the doctor and that is when we did the CT scan - he said te scan was okay - I am still having the pain under the arm and the breast area.  What are routine after-treatment tests??

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5/13/10 10:25pm

I have seen the doctor and that is when we did the CT scan - he said te scan was okay - I am still having the pain under the arm and the breast area.  What are routine after-treatment tests?? Since I was uninsured during treatment, the dcotor did not order any scans, etc. at all except the chest CT - so I am wondernig what should be done. My insurance I have now was effective Dec. 1st and they will pay for scans, etc. I am just uneasy

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Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide
5/14/10 6:05am

Oh, I misunderstood.  I thought you were saying that your current insurance didn't cover any pre-existing conditions.  This article on follow-up care explains what is usually done after breast cancer treatment.  Since you are having new symptoms, you need more than routine care to find out what is going on.  Many women have pain following breast and lymph node surgery, but typically that gradually gets better following treatment.  Assuming that this pain is new, I'd suggest going back to the doctor and asking more questions about possible causes (which could include scar tissue or nerve damage from the surgery, hormonal changes, infection, etc.)  Pain is not a typical breast cancer symptom, but with your breast cancer history, it makes sense to be assertive about getting your questions answered.  The doctor who has actually seen your chest and poked around is the best person to determine next steps.  If you feel he isn't taking your symptoms seriously enough, ask for a referral to a breast specialist or a doctor at a comprehensive cancer center.  I hope you soon get the answers you need.

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5/14/10 10:33am

thank you Phyllis - this helps me

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By Lolo— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 05/13/10