Does Breast Cancer Spread to Other Parts of the Body?

They did a ct scan on my body to see if the cancer has spread, they also did a breast MRI to see if I have more tumors, they did find another one in the same breast smaller size that they missed when they did the mammogram and the ultrasound

I see. What did you end up getting done?

Yesterday was my second chemo session

Are they gonna do surgery too?

Yes surgery after chemo then radiation

Hi.. I refused a MRI due to being claustrophobic. So they talked me into a petscan with taking medication. This was to determine if cancer was anywhere else. ( thank the good Lord there wasn’t) However it is important to have one or the other test for peace of mind. If I can help, let me know 🩷

Hi Angelita, Having cancer in one area does not mean you have it in other areas. I had an MRI done of the breast, and some time into the MRI became torture. As hard as it was, I stuck with it because I wanted to know if I had cancer on the lymph nodes. Believe me, I had tears coming down. I told my surgeon that they are NOT removing any lymph nodes, and that's why she had one done. I also had a bone scan to rule out that it had not spread to my bones. Sometimes, they just do all these tests. This is my second time with BC after almost 4 years in remission. If you are having a lumpectomy, it's not horrible. Not that I wasn't in some pain or discomfort, but it was tolerable, but everyone is different. Good luck, you are and will come out of this. 💕

Hi Carol, The MRI I had done was the one where you are on your chest with your boobs hanging. A dye through IV was also given. I'm not sure if that's the one you are referring to. I just let my mind go somewhere else and listened to the music with headphones. However, sometime into it, it gets more and more painful, laying there on your stomach with a metal divider in between your breasts. My chest, back, and shouldlers were definitely hurting. I didn't want to do it, really, but the trick for me was to focus on the music as much as possible and never open my eyes. It was still very uncomfortable. Good luck with everything 💕

Nil T Thank You for the advice. My surgeon wanted me to get a whole body MRI. I refused and settled for a pet-scan. An now she wants me to have a breast MRI. Being face down for me may be worse. This is torture for those who are claustrophobic. With all the technology you would think they would find a better way than to squeeze us into a tube. God bless and stay strong 🩷

All depend if you had cancer in your limp-noes.

I had the MRI laying on stomach. You can certainly ask for meds to help deal with the claustrophobia

I had all those test or exsams . In this machine .and aim here . Aim in my remition and finely in August I will be free cancer but still going to be in observation for 1 year doing some blood lab . So I belive that if you keep doing this study’s test you hey will know how they are working . And can keep the treatment . My cancer it was Her2 positive . In stage 3 my tumor in my breast was 8.cm 5.cm 2.cm 1.3.cm I had a lot . And thank to my healty eating and taking Vitamins take care of my skin no Sun no smoking no alcohol . Aim here still aim 62 . My blood work are super good nobody says that aim in treatment for cancer because I dint look like I have Cancer . So hope your all keep doing the correct what doctors says And remember NOT ALL CANCER ARE THE SAME AND ALL IF TEAM HACE DIDRENTE TRETMENTE EVEN IF IS BREAST CANCER. Hugs bye

You doctor can give you a prescription for xanax or something similar. You would have to have someone drive you. If you don't want a prescription med you could try taking benadryl if that makes you sleepy,again someone needs to drive you. Also limit caffeine before to promote calmness. Don't eat for at least 3 hours before if it's a breast mri because you lay on your stomach. It's not too bad,they know how to get you as comfortable as possible. Try putting your favorite scent on your neck so you don't smell hospital smells. My radiatiology center has lavender. You can do it! I have found the radiology professionals provide some of the best care.

I am also claustrophobic. I looked up how many MRIs are conducted each day in America, about 40,000, and I decided if they could do it, I could do it too. I also found a mantra I found soothing and healing and repeated this to myself over and over again.To my surprise, I got through the MRI with no difficulty.

Biopsy,MRI,Placing the wire ,all of it was painless even the lumpectomy. So far so good 20 Radiations later and the worst was the itch and heat. But I rang that bell and hope it stays away.

Carol, I am extremely claustrophobic. There is an mri machine that is wider. You have to ask for it when you make appt. It was so much better!!!!!!!!

Elaine Thank you for letting me know. I did a pet scan with medication. I know a breast MRI will be next. Can’t breathe just thinking about it. 🙏

You got this!

Breast cancer can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, but many factors like tumor size and type help doctors determine your specific risk. Your medical team will likely discuss staging tests with you, which may include imaging or blood work to check if cancer has spread beyond the breast area. It's completely normal to feel anxious about these possibilities and to have questions about what tests are needed - your oncologist will be the best person to explain what screening is recommended for your particular situation.