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Topic: scans again ..scared!

Forum: Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY —

Please respect that this forum is for members with stage IV/metastatic breast cancer only. There is a separate forum for caregivers and friends: Caring for Someone with Stage 4 or Mets.

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC; also called stage IV) is breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, most commonly the bones, liver, brain, or lungs. Metastatic breast cancer can be treated but not cured. Metastatic disease is NOT hopeless. There are a wide variety of treatment options for metastatic breast cancer, and new medicines are being tested every day. More and more people are living life to the fullest while being treated for metastatic breast cancer.

Note: Please contact your doctor for any specific concerns about symptoms you are experiencing or your course of treatment.

Learn more about living with MBC.

Intro medically reviewed by: Brian Wojciechowski, M.D.
Last review date: November 22, 2020

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Posted on: Aug 5, 2007 05:44PM

Fllorik wrote:

I have scans done every three months. The last set of scans I had, (pelvic,abdominal,thoraic)I was told to drink contrast and had an edema during the procedures. Needless to say, I throw up and all h*ll let loose. Has this happened to anyone else? The techs. say it happens all the time. I was teribly embarassed. Is there any other choices that I might have? Log in to post a reply

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Posts 1 - 30 (31 total)

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Aug 6, 2007 04:39AM PJB wrote:

FLoriK, that contrast stuff IS awful. Maybe they have a different kind? It seems to me they must. Have you talked to the nurses there to see what your options are? I hope they can help you. It's bad enough to have to be going through scans without all the rest of the stuff on top of it...

Hugs,
Paula
May 2004, Stage 2 IDC. Recurrence in 2005. On Femara til mets diagnosis in Feb 2009. On Faslodex 8/11. Brain mets in April 2012. Progression in liver 6/12. On to Etoposide. Dx mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Aug 6, 2007 07:05AM Fllorik wrote:

does anyone have any "tricks" to get through the 3 month scans?

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Aug 6, 2007 08:08AM debman wrote:

I hate the scans - I think it's the worst part of treatment - the waiting just drives me insane.

I have found that listening to my IPOD during the actual scans helps me relax. Haven't figured out how to relax once it's over though.
Dx 5/27/2004, IDC, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, 1/28 nodes, mets, ER+/PR-, HER2-
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Aug 6, 2007 08:39AM CTG wrote:

I have discovered that there are two options for the Cat Scan medium drink. I once suffered from nausea from chemotherapy and could not drink the white liquid fruity cocktail, so I asked was there an option. I was offered a clear drink that was mixed with sprite. My stomach was able to handle this so since then I have only requested the clear.

I also want to warn everyone that Allergies to Iodine Contrast can happen at anytime. Those of us who CAT scan on a regular basis need to look out for the signs of allergy. I became allergic to Iodine after numerous cat scans since my diagnosis in 2005. I was in the Cat scan machine and felt my sinus burning and my eye swelled up as if I had been hit. I was immediately escorted to a private area then observed for hours before I could leave. It was explained to me that Iodine can be dangerous to those that become allergic. I now have to pre-medicate for all Cat scans by taking steroids and benadryl by IV. Its no picnic but I feel safe knowing I am watched over.

Hugs
CTG
dx fall05 stage4 liver and bone mets
dx fall06 brain mets / spring07 brain mets gone
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Aug 6, 2007 10:28AM katie11 wrote:

FLlorik,

Hi sweetie! Thinking of you as you come up for your next lot of scans. I don't think it ever gets easier waiting for those results. I've had about 4 CT scans so far and I've never had to drink anything - don't understand why!

Good luck and hugs to you,

Katie xx
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst! Dx 7/15/2006, ILC, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Aug 6, 2007 10:47AM CTG wrote:

Katie
I have Cat scans of abdomen with and with out contrast. This means I drink the contrast medium drink prior to my scans. Iodine is injected only after the non contrast images are taken. I think it is important to have a Cat scan with and with out contrast images to compare. I use this to monitor my liver as well as keeping an eye on elsewhere.
I would recommend that you ask your oncologist why no contrast is needed in your case.

CTG
dx fall05 stage4 liver and bone mets
dx fall06 brain mets / spring07 brain mets gone
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Aug 6, 2007 12:08PM katie11 wrote:

This is what I don't understand, CTG! My scans always say before and after contrast - I have non contrast scans first, then the iodine is given via the IV, then more scanning - but I don't have to drink anything - is this possible?! I'm confused!

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst! Dx 7/15/2006, ILC, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Aug 6, 2007 01:10PM Sam91 wrote:

I had my first CT scan two weeks ago and I had to drink two cups of some kind of weird tasting water and then wait 1 hour. Then they did some scans then the IV iodine - which by the way the tech warned my that it would feel like I was peeing my pants when she started it - man that was a weird feeling.

I had a pelvic and abdomen. They found some tiny non specific defects - whatever that means and one 8 mm nodule on my liver. Evidently my onc isn't too concerned as they said to wait till Nov 12th and do another CT scan. Does this sound normal??
Sam Dx 3/23/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Aug 6, 2007 01:20PM sflow wrote:

I had pelvic and abdominal sonograms --does anyone know wny the doctor orders that instead of CATS--which I also hate.

Dx 11/15/2006, IDC, Right, <1cm, Stage IA, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (IHC)
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Aug 6, 2007 02:08PM CTG wrote:

Sandif
It depends on what your doctor is monitoring; if this is a cyst that is one thing.
The sonogram gives a different view than that of a Cat Scan with / with out contrast.
If you have mets I would think the Cat Scan of the Chest, Abdomen and Pelvic offer a more detailed view. I would ask what these sonograms are tracking. I wish you the best.

CTG
dx fall05 stage4 liver and bone mets
dx fall06 brain mets / spring07 brain mets gone
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Aug 6, 2007 02:16PM CTG wrote:

Sam
Some oncologists take the wait and see approach. Others want to biopsy immediately. I think that 8mm is small, and waiting to see what this does seems reasonable. I would suggest that you can request tumor markers be done every few weeks to see if there is a trend. I wish you the best.
CTG
dx fall05 stage4 liver and bone mets
dx fall06 brain mets / spring07 brain mets gone
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Aug 6, 2007 02:24PM jjb1984 wrote:

Hey FloriK
I have to drink the "white glue". A bottle at nite, another one in the morning and a third when I get there. Then I get to swig down what I call "pop rocks", which make me just want to hurl. Then the IV with the iodine. And we have to pay for this treatment!
And I know there's nothing getting over the waiting; there's nothing worse, I agree. We're thinking about cha!
Julie
Dx 3/3/2006, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IV, ER+/PR+, HER2+
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Aug 7, 2007 09:50AM Fllorik wrote:

thank you so much for the responses! You have given me the courage to make thoses scheduling appts. I still just want to do just the iodine and not the "cocktails"!
Like Julie says, I can't believe we pay for this treatment!!
I'm not that worried about the results of the tests...it's more the actual procedure. My tumor markers have been low but starting to creep up. I'm okay with that as I know there are lots of meds out there to help me. thanks again!
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Aug 7, 2007 10:16AM GailAnne7 wrote:

I just had my 3 month scans done yesterday too. The thoractic/ab/pelvic. I had to drink the clear stuff in juice then get the contrast injection half way through. For the first time I had to stop half way home for the diareaha to start. I never had that happen before and it was pretty vicious. I went home int he right lane all the way so I could zip intot he next McDonald's if need be. Shesh!!!

REsults tomorrow. Ack.
Take Care
Gail in NJ
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Aug 8, 2007 11:33PM katie11 wrote:

How are you FLlorik? Had those scans done yet?

Thinking of you!

Katie xx
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst! Dx 7/15/2006, ILC, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Aug 9, 2007 06:31AM Shepgirl wrote:

I've never has a problem but I get PET/CT whole body scans at the same place everytime. This exam makes you fast for a least 6 hours. Fliorik, I have them at University Imaging at Science Park... I have moved all my scans to this location. I beleive they have the most up to date in the Rochester area. They just got a 3T MRI which has the highest resolution, so I moved my MRI out there too. You also don't have to jump through hoops to get your CDs or written reports!

Perhaps fasting would help with both issues. Being a mom with a 5 yr old, I follow the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesause and Toast) diet when my stomach or digestive system is off. Grahm grackers also work for me.

Gail, hoping to hear you get good results!

Dx 12/23/2004, IDC, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, 2/22 nodes, mets, ER+/PR-, HER2-
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Aug 9, 2007 12:07PM Kasey wrote:

Katie, I think the reason we have to drink that stuff is because our Onc orders the abdomen to be scanned too. Once my Onc didn't check it off and I didn't have to drink anything. I usually have that white chalky stuff but this time I had a water based drink because they said the barium in the white stuff would interfere with the PET scan. The water stuff went down a little easier.
Good luck to everyone having scans. I had mine Tuesday but won't get results until I see my Onc next week.

Hugs,
Kasey
Mets in liver, lungs, bones and chest nodes. Dx 2/25/2007, Stage IV, Grade 3, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2-
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Aug 9, 2007 06:41PM Fllorik wrote:

My CAT Scan is scheduled for next Monday and my bone scan is the following Thursday. My onc's nurse called the imagining place and I won't have to do the enema but will have to drink the clear stuff. That is a relief!
I have been in such pain that I am now on Morphine 12 hr. and another med for breakthrough. Most of the pain is in my back (bone mets), and foot problems from Xeloda and high blood pressure. What a mess!
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Aug 10, 2007 02:23PM boobbuster wrote:

Florik-
I'm sorry to hear about the pain you're going through. Prayerfully, they can come up with a plan that will make your pain go away. Praying for good news with your scans. God is able (1 Tim.4:10; Romans 14:4; 2 Cor 9:6-8; Eph. 3:20; Jude 24; 2 Tim. 1:12 ). Stephanie
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Aug 10, 2007 02:41PM RobinWendy wrote:

Florik:

I find the worst part of the scan process (besided the waiting) is the "drink". It takes all my internal fortitude to choke the stuff down but for the abdominal part of the scan, they say it is necessary. I also get the first scan without the iodine, and then after the injection. I was at Dana Farber a few months ago and they had me do an on-the-spot scan and I had to do their version of the "drink". It was so much worse than the stuff I was used to taking that I, too, could not keep it down and I vomited in front of numerous people. It was very embarrassing but everyone seemed very understanding. Don't worry about it... "sht" happens. So sorry to hear about your pain. I hope it will go away soon. Good luck with everything.

Robin
dx Stage II primary BC in Jan. 2001;dx with DCIS on other breast in Jan. 2003; dx with mets to lungs in Jan. 2004 and in May 2007, mets spread to liver. Dx ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Aug 10, 2007 06:04PM KariLynn wrote:

I've never vomited in front of folks but did refuse to drink the stuff - told them if I tried they'd be wearing it. They let me go without it.

This was before the BC stuff - now I just make them use the water-soluble stuff.
If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying? Dx 6/2/2005, IDC, 2cm, Stage IV, 14/25 nodes, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Aug 10, 2007 08:48PM Sherryg683 wrote:

When I do my PET/CT's I always have to drink a cup of pretty good stuff, tastes like peach tea. CT's alone, I have to drink the gross creamy stuff, for the MRI's I drink nothing..sherryg683

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Aug 12, 2007 07:48PM Fllorik wrote:

well, tomorrow is the day! I'll let you know if everything stays in....

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Aug 12, 2007 11:53PM katie11 wrote:

Good luck for the scans tomorrow, FLlorik! We'll be rooting for you here xxx

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst! Dx 7/15/2006, ILC, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Aug 13, 2007 01:37PM LuAnnH wrote:

keeping my fingers crossed for you

LuAnn
LuAnn -- Dx 7/2/2006, IDC, 2cm, Stage IV, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+
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Aug 13, 2007 02:46PM jacqniel wrote:

Thinking of you - Jacque

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Aug 13, 2007 06:55PM Fllorik wrote:

thank you...the CAT scan went horribly. As soon as the contrast entered my body, I threw up. Then choked and couldn't catch my breath. I HATE THIS! and I HATE THIS DISEASE! Now I'm home with terrible stomach cramps and can't stay away from the bathroom. I wish I could cry but I don't have anymore tears.....Tomoorow I have a doctor's appt. and she will read the report.

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Aug 13, 2007 07:37PM bevnurse wrote:

Awww, FLlorik! I am so sorry it went badly. I hope you are feeling better soon and I really hope those scans show NED and make this all worth while!

Hugs,
Bev
Beverly Dx 11/11/2004, IDC, 4cm, Stage II, Grade 3, 1/8 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
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Aug 13, 2007 08:03PM Lauralynne wrote:

Oh FL LORI,
I feel for you. I am so sorry to hear you could not stomach the contrast. Your body just does not want that stuff in it. At least the appointment is over for now. I hope your stomach settles down and you won't feel so terrible. I hope your good effort today will pay off tomorrow and that your doctor will have some good news for you. Until then, take care and rest. You are in my thoughts.

Laura
Dx 02/06 IDC, 06/06 IBC, 4/9 positive nodes, grade 3, triple neg, Stage IV.
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Aug 13, 2007 11:23PM katie11 wrote:

I can't believe they feel it is absolutely necessary to make you drink that stuff when you are obviously allergic to it! I am so sorry the test went so horribly - the results will be a different story, I am sure.

Good luck!

Katie xxx
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst! Dx 7/15/2006, ILC, 2cm, Stage IV, Grade 2, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-

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