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I was diagnosed with TNBC 6/24. Over next year and a half had chemo, lumpectomy, radiation and immunotherapy . Path report total remission.

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭

I had a PET scan 6/24. I have diagnostic mammogram yearly and MRI yearly but never a PET scan. Should I have another scan yearly

August 30
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A MyBCTeam Member

Thanks

August 30
MyBCTeam

First, congratulations on achieving total remission — that is a huge milestone and a testament to everything you've been through! 🎉

It's a really great question to be asking. After completing treatment for TNBC, follow-up care typically focuses on monitoring for any signs of recurrence. The standard recommended follow-up Show Full Answer

First, congratulations on achieving total remission — that is a huge milestone and a testament to everything you've been through! 🎉

It's a really great question to be asking. After completing treatment for TNBC, follow-up care typically focuses on monitoring for any signs of recurrence. The standard recommended follow-up imaging usually includes:

- Mammograms every 6 to 12 months (especially after a lumpectomy)
- MRI scans annually
- Physical exams at least once a year PET scans are generally used when there's a specific concern — like new symptoms or suspicious findings — rather than as a routine yearly screening tool after remission.

That said, TNBC has about a 40% recurrence rate, often within the first 3 to 5 years, so staying vigilant is really important.

The best person to answer whether a yearly PET scan makes sense for your specific situation is your oncologist. They can weigh your personal history, risk factors, and any new symptoms to decide what monitoring plan is right for you.

August 30
A MyBCTeam Member

The PET scan is checking your entire body for cancer. It looks for a recurrence of your breast cancer, to see if it has metastasized elsewhere in your body, or can find new cancers. I have 2 kinds of cancer and the quarterly PET scans I get discovered the return of endometrial cancer twice and breast cancer once. It's a worthwhile test to have if your doctor orders it for you.

August 30

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