I am here for my 84 year old mother who lives in India and is under the care of a Surgical/Medical Oncologist there for MBC, metastasized to liver and lungs. After undergoing a radical mastectomy (left breast) in May this year she was placed on a regimen of 1 mg Anastrozole/daily, on June 11.
She meets her doctor this week as he wanted her to return for a check up after 3 months.
When setting up this September appointment he ruled out doing a PET/CT scan.
So, if no PET/CT scan what should she expect during this appointment?
What tests/exams can she request during this appointment?
How to understand if Anastrozole is working or not.
Her digestive issues are escalating and her fatigue continues to increase.
Written by
ANKN25
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Hi! I have to admit I'm confused why the doc ruled out a PET/CT. She should ask about that - why no scan and when will the next one be. Tell your mom she needs to explain in detail about digestive issues and fatigue. Anastrozole does cause digestive issues and fatigue in some people; maybe a different AI would help. I'm not familiar with the drug dispensaries in India, but could she request her drug made by a different manufacturer or even non-generic Arimidex? My pharmacy once filled my letrozole with a different manufacturer and I could tell within three days - miserable side effects! She should also have extensive blood work done. Maybe the numbers will trigger a scan sooner rather than later. Does she have someone to go with her to the appointment? She's gone through a lot - a mastectomy at age 84? Ugh, that's rough.
Thank you Susan for your very helpful inputs. I will instruct her regarding the medication bloodwork and scan. Thank you. She has extended family there to go with her to the appointment. Yes this has been very tough on her.
I agree with Aquadog that it makes no sense for your mother's physician to rule out a CT scan. How will he know whether or not the cancer is continuing to metastasize? He should at least have her bloodwork checked to see what is happening with her liver functioning. Three months is long enough to evaluate progress or lack thereof.
I'm glad your mother has a family member go with her. I'd ask the family member to be quite forthright in indicating your concerns.
She should be having a scan every 3 months at least. She should also be having blood work taken at every appointment. It could be that the surgeon thinks he knows enough with the original diagnosis. Just guessing. Never the less ask why the scans/bloodwork aren't being done.
ll I appreciate your question and often wonder er the same thing for myself.
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