CT scan worth the radiation?

I always ask for a thyroid shield. (A lead collar to protect your thyroid). I've never had a CT tech refuse.

This is a good blog thanks. I myself was exposed to cobalt 60 in the 90's at a Nuclear power station. I Injested it while working and carried it in me for at least a month. I have been under dr care ever sence doing chest exrays yearly. I now have bladder cancer and am wondering if that is the cause. Anyone have any input. Alan

Personally I do think the CTs are worth the exposure. If I had what Jim was diagnosed with Stage IV BC I would not hesitate. Jim didn't either. Will it end up causing problems down the line? I doubt it will. As a former and older RT(R)(M) Registered Radiologic Technologist Radiology and Mammography who worked in Nuclear Medicine way back with I131, Strontium etc I have participated in a survey for the past 30+ years. The survey is conducted by the U of MN and focused on those of us who have had a lot of exposure to radiation. I also worked in radiation therapy using Cobalt systems. The survey is finding that we who have been exposed a great deal don't seem to have any higher rate of cancers etc than other people. So, if you need the CT (remember they are lower dose these days) have it. I know I will encourage Jim to have his when it is requested. I am somewhat concerned as we move forward in our new medical insurance system that we may be rationed on some testing but that will be a discussion for another day. Meanwhile, stay well, All! PS Jim is 3 yrs post RC/IC next month and cancer free until proven otherwise. Not too shabby for a stage IV BC survivor!

Hey Folks,

Yes, I hear you all. One of those very difficult decisions to make. Catherine....4 in 4 years. Not bad. I had 3 (also double because of the contrast.....actually one was a triple!) in 1 year! When the Dr. suggested one more that same year--I questioned whether it was really necessary.
Yes, with high grade bladder cancer, and esp. because it started in my kidney and now I only have one kidney left--I need to know what's going on in that other kidney. But I'm still not absolutely convinced that a CT scan is the only way. Even a urine cytology would show cancer cells IF something IS going on in the kidney. I am sent for regular chest x-rays too!

I will probably need another soon, and yes, I'll probably have it.

I did find a great article (that I tried to attach but wasn't successful) with suggestions for helping to guard against the toxic effects of CT scans. It could be found on the internet if you do a search.

Blessings to you all!
Teresa
p.s. BCG #4 (of induction phase) tomorrow!

I get mine. I have one coming up next month but I'm on chemo and stage 4 so it's clearly worth the risk.

Mike