HI - I was just recently diagnosed, a week ago yesterday. Saw surgeon on Thursday to discuss options. He ordered MRI, that will be this coming Friday but he didn't order PET Scan or Bone Scan. Oncologist said she doesn't need to see me until after surgery???? (unless I would feel better) This doesn't seem right to me, I had been told by a family member who is a doctor (infectious disease) said she consulted with collegue and they said to get MRI, Bone Scan and PET Scan. When I asked the surgeon he said the Oncologist would order that stuff. I am in no way going to do surgery before consulting with an Oncologist, it just doesn't sound right to me. Everyone who I have spoken with who had BC said that isn't the way their process went, I know everyone has a different treatment plan depending on their own cancer but it just isn't sitting well with me, anyone have any idea as to what I should do??? Why would Oncologist say that?
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Hi - Actually, I had much the same process you describe - spoke to the surgeon, had surgery, then met with the oncologist once the complete pathology was available so the oncologist could develop a treatment plan. No bone scans, PET scans, MRI, or anything else.
Especially considering that right now your tumor looks very tiny, they're assuming (and probably rightly so) that your cancer is early and hasn't left your breast; if they discover, via sentinel node biopsy, that it might have spread, that would be the time for additional scans. You really don't want more scans than necessary; excess radiation increases your risk for more cancer.
So, bottom line - sounds like they're treating you just fine. It's tough, I know, to try to absorb this diagnosis and all the information and decisions that come with it; and the medical system can be frustrating at times. I'd take your oncologist up on the offer to meet, even though s/he won't have the necessary info. to discuss much yet; I think it would indeed make you feel better. Good luck - and stay in touch here, OK? We can help. PJH
Hi - You can't get cancer in your breast from anywhere else in your body - it originates in your breast. It CAN spread outside the breast to lungs, liver, bones (most commonly), or brain. I'd say your breast cancer is probably unconnected to all these other symptoms and conditions - perhaps your body has an inclination towards cancer in general, unfortunately, but it hasn't spread to your breast from elsewhere.
Given your history, though, and the docs' desire to do previous biopsies and scans that you opted not to do, I can see why you might be anxious to finally pursue them. Does your surgeon understand all of this past history? Why not meet with your oncologist, as s/he suggested, and make sure s/he's familiar with your entire medical history. You might decide together to have the scans done. Good luck - PJH
Thanks, that's such a relief....it's only been recently for the biopsy suggestions, within the past several months so ya, I think I need to pursue them before anything is done. I will discuss with Oncologist next Monday, it just seemed wierd that she didn't seem to think I would be willing to wait see her before surgery....it's all new to me. Anyway, I appreciate your help. Thanks again....
I guess that isn't very clear, Lol. Well I just thought it is wierd without having any history to want me to wait and that I would want to wait to see her. I also forgot to mention I have a cyst on my pituitary gland as well, incidentally found when they found the brain tumor....so every year I am having scans for this stuff....anyway, maybe that is why I got BC....any cooment on the the "extensive angiolymphatic invasion" from the path report? Sounds pretty scary....especially since I have/had brain and liver tumors.
Thanks,
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I forgot to mention path report states extensive angioinvasion. I guess I am really concerned because I have had problems with multiple glands swelling over the past few years. I also had a brian tumor removed (meningioma) 2008. They have also been observing a large stable (5 x 7 cm) liver hemangioma, too. The glands are in skull base and behind right ear, jaw, abdomen and groin. Nausea for at least 3 yrs, almost daily, like morning sickness, with or without food. My primary did some tests but wanted to scope me a few months ago but I refused. He also wanted to biopsy my glands but I didn't do that either. It may just all be coincidental but I am scared to death....my glands in and around breast seem fine. Could my bc be from somewhere else, like stomach? Since the live hemangioma is vascular, can it have gone there? If it is in my sentinal lymph nodes, could I not know it?
Thanks,