Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Joliet, IL

I question no followup scans to attempt to catch new cancer or recurrent cancer. Is this the norm?? My last chemo is a year this March. How would you catch the cancer early enough....without a scan? (Had bilateral mastectomy and chemo for triple negative)

February 22, 2015 (edited)
 · 
Reactions
A MyBCTeam Member

My Doctor told me their would not be more scans but they would to continue to monitor me. I most report any changes in my health such as pain that is persistent and any other new symptoms.

February 23, 2015
A MyBCTeam Member

I am triple negative too. I finished chemo 3/20/13. I have not had a scan. My oncologist will only do a scan if I have symptoms. I was seeing him every 4 months since I complete treatment but at my last visit he graduated me to every 6 months. He does blood work at that appt. I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation.

February 24, 2015 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

Same here. No scans, just blood work, mammograms, and a physical exam by my surgeon, unless I have problems or symptoms.

February 23, 2015
A MyBCTeam Member

My onc is not doing scans unless there are symptoms. He follows with exams and labs. He said this is now the standard to avoid further radiation from the scans.

February 23, 2015
A MyBCTeam Member

Most oncologist will do yearly scans unless something symptomatic comes up. As for catching recurrence it's usually just close monitoring of skin ( aka cancer site) and some labs.

February 23, 2015

Related Questions

View All
A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Scottsdale, AZ