ChristinaMarie Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 When my husband had his PET a week and a half ago, it was to see if the cancer has spread. It has spread to his ribs and pelvis. I am wondering if the PET also checks the brain? I am probably just paranoid but my husband has mentioned head rushes when he gets up from a seated position lately and one spell almost knocked him down. I mentioned it to the Nurse Practioner at the cancer center last week but my husband dismissed them as just head rushes so the nurse prac. didn't think there was any concern there. I am sure it could be a number of things besides brain mets, I was just wondering if the PET would pick it up if that was the case though. Obviously I will bring it up again when we meet with Onc#2 and #3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 MRI is best test for brain mets. I'm sorry your having to go through all this. Please know we are here for you and will offer support and information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cat127 Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 The problem with PET scans and the brain is that the brain is so active on its own that there will be a lot of activity going on there, a lot of the sugar taken up by active areas of the brain, that it is really not a good way to look for any brain mets, you'd see too much activity that in actuality is not cancer but just normal, active brain tissue. Definitely bring it up with the doctors and make sure it doesn't get downplayed. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfourer Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 "ChristinaMarie"]When my husband had his PET a week and a half ago, it was to see if the cancer has spread.My doctor was nice enough to say that my cancer was "not curable, but it's treatable". She gave me a booklet about lung cancer to take home. Somewhere in the booklet, it said "stage IV, life expectancy 6 months." At the time, it was actually a relief to know what was wrong, even if it was lung cancer. Things have improved some since then. Some new treatments have come out, which turned out to be very good for me. I was 48 years old then and I'm 53 now. From reading this site, it sounds like adding the drug Avastin (Bevacizumab) to first-line chemo is not yet common practice. I think it may be soon. Something to look into. David in Chicago Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 I've heard or been told (can't remember anything anymore!!!) that a PET goes from eyes to thighs ~ not enough to pick up the brain. Not sure though! Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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