I am being treated for bone cancer, with Ibrance, 2 cancer drugs (chemo and ? the 2 types evades me at the moment) and B12. How many CAT Scan's can I expect to get a year? I've had 3 going on 4. Recently, they requested, which I cannot physically take, the high protein last meal then only water the day before the scan. I got dizzy, felt faint and wanted to loose my cookies and had to leave. Also, a new policy is to take blood samples to find sugar level. I'm not diabetic and the first scan they did this (3rd scan) the tech was shocked at how low I was. Of course, I will talk to both my oncologist and radiologist especially since my body had these reactions. I graduated as a medical office specialist and learned by getting a CAT Scan that it is the equivalent of getting 37 x-rays (give or take) at one time, so there is the possibility of getting another cancer. Thank you for any suggestions.
How many CAT Scan's can I expect to g... - SHARE Metastatic ...
How many CAT Scan's can I expect to get a year?
I can't comment on your particular situation. I have had a bone scan and a cat scan every 8 months or so depending on my reaction to the drug I was on. I think that is the standard unless there is progression.
Cheers, June S.
Just to add, I was only required to drink a litre of water one hour before the cat scan. Otherwise no special instructions.
Cheers, JuneS.
Hi 8576 JuneS, I understand with the PET Scan, that when they prick your finger, they are testing to make sure there isn't a problem with your liver, bladder or if you have diabetes besides the radiation put in our bodies. Kind of scary. My 4th PET Scan the business canceled and I rescheduled. Then when I went I canceled. I had urinary track problem, the protein the night before made me constipated, I only drank water and I was sent to the wrong location. By the time I arrive at the correct facility, I was to weak. But my oncologist is getting a location closer to my home and she said I only had to be on water for 4 hours before. Then I have an appointment with my urologist to get back up medication in case there's a problem again. Phew! Thank you for responding, -GH
Sounds like they are trying to get your situation improved. I have never had a PET scan. Not available here. Saw your note about the difference. I did realize the difference just speaking generally. Wishing you all the best,
Cheers, June S
Smiles, -GH
I have a CT scan every six months. I have to go without food for four hours before. X
Oh dear, a CT Scan isn't the same thing as a PET Scan. But there are other's who have answered with a CT Scan. I thank you for your time writing. I put the definition of the two tests on other's email answers. I wish you well, -GH
Sorry, I thought you said CAT (CT) scan in your post.
If I get a CT Scan I'll remember what you had to say. Cheers! -GH
You must be talking about a PET scan along with the CT scan. I started off with one every 3 months and then as I've stabilized every 6 months. My doctor has decided just to do CTs now rather than the PET scan too. I've not had the problem with low blood sugar as you have.
Aww actually I was seeking a PET Scan answer! People seem to confuse PET Scan's with CT Scans which are not the same thing. CT Scans vs. PET Scans: What are the Differences ...
[Search domain hdc1984.com] hdc1984.com/ct-scans-vs-pet...] The main difference between a CT scan and a PET scan is their focus. A CT scan creates a detailed non-moving image of organs, bones, and tissues. A PET scan, on the other hand, shows doctors how the tissues in your body work on a cellular level. But what you had to say was helpful! Thank you, GH
When I had a PET scan I always had a CT too. The PET shows activity and the CT measures it.
Hi luckysmon13, Oh my oh my. My doctors only have me taking the PET Scan. I won't have both as it's way to much radiation. It's either one or the other. Of course I think having 4 PET Scans a year are too many with 37 (?) s-rays at one scan. But thank you so much for you writing. And, I wish you the best! -GH
My CT scans I just have to fast 3 to 4 hours before the test and I do have to drink a contrast either barium or iodine but I think probably the benefits outweigh the risks when it comes to those CT scans they got to see what’s going on in your body I think that’s probably the safest most accurate way to do it. I get a CT scan and a bone scan (even though Mets not in my bones?) every 3 months then go to 6 months if all is well. My first 3 month scans are tomorrow.
Hi Gibby21, I hope all went well. Fingers crossed. I couldn't answer right away as I couldn't find the password for this HealthUnlocked. Sorry as CT Scans and PET Scan's are not the same. I'll have a PET Scan shortly and I just received an excellent rating on all the tests she took. Take care, -GH
I have always wondered about the difference. I have only had CT scans. No PET scans. I know other people who have had the opposite. I wondered if it was a doctor's preference.
I initially had scans every 3 months to make sure medicine was working.
Sorry...hit enter too soon....After getting scans every 3 months for a while, I went 8 Months without them recently and just had them last week. Depends on your oncologist, tumor markers, labs, etc. I think
Hi Andibo, I wouldn't mind once a year for my PET Scan. No, I don't get CT Scans. There is a difference. CT Scans vs. PET Scans: What are the Differences ...
[Search domain hdc1984.com] hdc1984.com/ct-scans-vs-pet...] The main difference between a CT scan and a PET scan is their focus. A CT scan creates a detailed non-moving image of organs, bones, and tissues. A PET scan, on the other hand, shows doctors how the tissues in your body work on a cellular level. But it is nice that you replied. Have a nice summer, -GH
Sorry to hear about all the trouble you are having. Some days are better than others for sure. I had to leave an appointment once as well because could not sit up long enough to drink the contrast dye. Do not let things like that upset you, everyone there is there to help you and if you are unable to do the scan, it can be done another time. I started out with scans every 6 months in 2015. Now I am having them every 4 months. CT and bone scans. I don’t worry about them because they are realistically the only way to track progression. I’ve got bone and stomach mets. Be kind to yourself and try not to worry too much. Every day is a challenge, but one day at a time is all we’ve got. Good luck to you!
Nocillo, I am good. No I don't drink contrast dye for a PET Scan. I have an injection but I didn't go this one time. I do what I want to do. My daughter came out to stay 3 months with me even though she is a CEO of a software company. That took a lot off my mine. She did everything for me, drove me to doctors, got my meds, kept my schedule, made me food, etc. Then my brother took over after she left. I couldn't ask for better family. I've just been able to get out to do some socializing and my oncologist gave me excellent results. I feel normal. Thank you for your email! -GH
Great to hear! Best of luck to you!
I have CT scans every 3or 4 myths and a bone scan every 6 months. Seems like a lot of radiation to me!
Hi mariootsi, thank you for your reply. I was talking about PET Scans. Sorry not CT Scans as there is a difference. I agree with you as I'm afraid of too much radiation too. But, my internal body tests (liver, bladder and if I get diabetes) and I have the last say. My oncologist it the best. I just had the best reading. And, she'll schedule for a PET Scan. The last 2 times I went to Cyberknife I haven't had radiation on my bones. Pretty neat! Best regards, -GH
Hi I take Ibrance and Letrazole and I seem to have a scan every three months, I eat the day before anything I want and on day of scan have water only before it.
I get CT scans of chest, abdomen and pelvis and full body bone scan every 3 months. If my MBC continues without progression my Onc may order them every 6 months instead.
Gingerann1, That is great news! I have PET Scans. I appreciate your information! -GH
Here in Saskatchewan, standard CT scans demand no special prep as contrast dyes are not routine. They are usually given every 4 or 5 months to monitor tumours. I think modern CT scanners involve minimal radiation. I imagine different jurisdictions may have older models.Best Wishes,
Cindy
Hazelgreen -----It is so interesting that contrast dyes are not routine in your area. Have you ever had contract dye with a CT scan? Here, they insist that the scans are almost useless with out the dreaded contrast dye.
Hi Francis,
Over the past two years, I have had 13 scans of various types. Two were MRI's, but the other 11 were various CT scans with/without contrast. All "contrast" meant was a needle in my arm while I went through the machine. I drank nothing prior, nor do I recall having to fast (the MRI's may have involved more instructions?). For me, all these tests meant an interruption to my day, but little else memorable (I do tend to be a phlegmatic type).
I'm wondering whether one big plus of socialized medicine is the purchase of the latest machines to service an entire province? Perhaps, respondents from the U.K. will comment. June from Ontario did say that she had to drink a liter of water prior to scans but I don't even recall that being an instruction.
Regards,
Cindy
From Google:
"How much does a CT scanner machine cost?
Image result for refurbished CT scanners
Imaging machines are costly.
For example, the cost of a CT scanner can be as low as $65,000 for a refurbished one that produces only small images quickly. A larger and brand new CT scanner can run as high as $2.5 million. Prices are slightly higher for MRI machines, running up to about $3 million for a new machine.Jul. 21, 2014
Why Your MRI or CT Scan Costs An Arm and a Leg | The Fiscal Timesthefiscaltimes.com › Articles › 2014/07/21
Search for: How much does a CT scanner machine cost?"
Thank you for writing. However, CT Scans and PET Scans are not the same thing. CT Scans vs. PET Scans: What are the Differences ...
[Search domain hdc1984.com] hdc1984.com/ct-scans-vs-pet...] The main difference between a CT scan and a PET scan is their focus. A CT scan creates a detailed non-moving image of organs, bones, and tissues. A PET scan, on the other hand, shows doctors how the tissues in your body work on a cellular level. But I appreciate your effort! -GH
From Cancer.Net online, "A positron emission tomography scan is known as a PET scan. PET scan is a type of test that may be used in cancer treatment. It can be done along with a CT scan. If so, doctors call it a PET-CT scan. But you might also just hear it called a PET scan.
For some types of cancer, a PET-CT scan is a way to help find cancer and learn its stage. Stage is a way to describe where the cancer is and if it has spread. Doctors also learn information about the stage if and how the cancer is affecting your body's functions. Knowing the stage of cancer helps you and your doctor choose the best treatment. It also helps your doctor predict your chance of recovery."
I looked at your Hollywood Diagnostic Center reference, GH, but, even though it's dated this year, it seems to be out-of-date as it doesn't recognize the "PET-CT scan" combination mentioned by Cancer.Net. Of my 11 CT scans, only one was the combined PET-CT scan. The other 10 scans were all CT scans with and without contrast.
I get them every 6 months. My tumor markers do not indicate tumors so i have to have scans to watch potential growth. I am going into my 6th year of this.Andrea
Hi Titaniam_Turtle, every 6 months is better than every 3 to 4 times a year. But, I believe, just like cancer the PET Scans are gauged to the patient. Thank you for taking the time to write. TTFN, -GH
My MBC was accidentally found, by the grace of God, during a routine surgery. So, I had CT scans and a bone scan initially when they were looking to see if it spread anywhere else. Nothing showed up on the those scans, so a PET/ CT was done. That’s when they found it was also in some lymph nodes and my sternum. So since the CT and bone scans did not work for me in finding the cancer and the PET did, my onc just does PET/CT now every three months.
Missmaddie615, I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I am finding that PET Scan's are generally 3 to 4 times a year by peoples responses. Good luck, -GH
My name is Patsy and I also have Bone Mets after having Breast Cancer. It’s been a long battle but i have been taking Ibrance now for 5 years and 5 months along with Letrozole with no change in my tumors. I am so happy that I have done so well on this drug. I first got breast cancer in 2001 had a lumpectomy, Radiation Treatments and the took Tamoxifen for 5 years. I kept all of my follow up appointments and was so surprised in 2016 when I started having trouble breathing snd learned I had a tumor wrapped around my Diaphragm Nerve snd a partial collapse of my left lung. They couldn’t get all of the tumor but I started ibrance and I feel like it has given me more time than I ever thought i would have.
During these past 5 years i’ve had some type of scan almost every 3 months. I worry more about it spreading again and a lot can happen in 6 months. I don’t worry about the scans. I rely on my Oncologist to make decisions and am Grateful everyday that i’m here and doing so good. I’ve had Brain Scans, CT Scans,PET Scans and bone scans everything I can think of.
My hope is that you can get the same results with Ibrance. The cancer was /is on several places on my spine and on several ribs. I have some pain but all and all I’m Really doing good
I did start out on 100 mg tablets and after a month or so had to reduce to 75 mg. I’m doing good on that dose. My WBC stays around 3.1 -4.0. If you have any questions feel free to text me.
Oakhillbull, Love to read you are doing so well! -GH
Not what you're looking for?
You may also like...
How often should I be getting a nuclear medicine bone scan?
How do I get through tomorrow. Results of first 3 month scan Wednesday.
How often should I do PET scan?
cat scan
How much of a pain in the butt can I expect from Fulvestrant?
Cat Scan results. 
Liver scan after finding new growths after cat scan?
Getting CT and bone scan
Stable scan results 3 years in
One year down - PET scan results
