PET scan and Breast Cancer?

I just got off the phone with my radiologist. I have tested positive for breast cancer. She is ordering an MRI and a PET scan. What can I expect with these two tests? How much discomfort is involved. I'm to get an IV for the MRI and an injection for the PET...

They took a biopsy.

They are both painless. The MRI will take about 30 minutes. They lay you face down and take pictures of your breasts so they can get a better look than what the mammogram gives.

The PET scan will take about 2 hours. You have to get an injection (you do with the MRI as well) and then you have to drink something and then wait an hour and a half. Then, when the radiation has had time to go through your body, you get the scan, which takes about 20 minutes or so. The PET will tell them if the cancer has traveled to other parts of your body, such as the liver or lungs. My PET Scan showed something on my thyroid. We biopsied it and it was benign.

These tests are designed to help your doctor assess what stage your BC is in and they take up your time, but at least they don't hurt.

Good Luck!

Did they take a biopsy of the lump? Or did they just find a lump? When I was 17 my boyfriend found a lump, I went in and did a mammogram and had to have it removed because they thought it was cancer. Luckily after they tested it; it was negative. So there is still a chance it's not cancer. I wish you the best God bless!!!

The MRI can be an easy experience (just had one in Dec for my shoulder) and you are given a headset to block out the noise as there is imaging done with magnetic resonance (like ultrasound with magnetic waves instead of sound waves being put out to map out your body). Some people get claustrophobic but if you are aware of that, and have them play music in the headset and just relax, it can be a good nap time!

The PET is more recent and uses enhancement with the chemicals injected---to give a highlighted picture of the area in question.

Don't feel that this is the death knell--my mother is over 24 years a double mastectomy survivor, and I work with a few nurses who are also many many years survivors of breast cancer.

And check into the NCI (National Cancer Institute web site) for breast cancer details. There are a few types of breast cancer, and nowadays there is so much more information on breast cancer and how to gear the treatment to the patients oncotype recurrence score---according to the genetic predisposition as to whether it is better to give you chemotherapy (very effective), hormone therapy, or both. Sometimes radiation therapy is used in conjunction with these as well, and I see many people every day who are well, and thriving and many do not even have much effects by the treatment!! It is all relative to the person, and all in all, a positive attitude is necessary and laughter is truly the best medicine.

Take care of yourself, and check out the NCI TAILORx study for more details on the lastest and greatest in approaches to suit the patient! Treat yourself good, and don't worry!!! jb

I've never had an MRI - but I have had a Pet scan - It's painless. It's comparative to a CAT scan but it takes longer

Nothing to them, see if you can schedule both for the same day.

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