If your looking for solutions (or knowing whats really happening) my opinion is the PET scan is the best. And you need multiple radiologists to analyze the scans and develop a report/diagnosis. When I first encountered the symptoms of MM, lower spine pain and extreme pain in my ribs, I had 3 xrays, a CT scan, an MRI (where I contracted covid in the tube and was hospitalized). None of them reveled the multiple fracture ribs and bone lesions all over my body. Then my oncologist scheduled a full body PET scan. It was analyzed by a radiologist, then by my oncologist (who then asked another radiologist to analyze it). Then all three of them analyzed my previous xrays, CT scan and MRI. They all found more and different issues from the previous scans. One found and showed me the obvious fractures in my ribs from the first set of xrays. The PET scan showed everything. Plus is reveled dark areas in my bones where the malignant MM cells were concentrated.

So my experience is. PET scan is the best. Many doctors and radiologists do not know how to correctly analyze scans. Just like everything in the medical field (and many other scientific fields), one person does not hold all the answers.

Good luck with your journey. I know from reading about you in this web site that you are very determined and strong and you will find your answers.

Yes, I got the radioactive contrast. I had no reaction to it. I tought the PET tube was more quite than the MRI tube. My research showed that a PET scan and bone marrow biopsy are the standard diagnostic tools for MM.
Again, good luck in your journey and I hope you find the answers your looking for.

I get the PET/CT scans every five or six months. They have been effective for tracking both my myeloma and melanomas. I also get periodic MRIs for other issues such as pneumonia and balance issues. I have had no negative reactions to either, but I do like the radioactive banana cocktails I get with the PET/CT scans!

I had MRIs early on in my multiple myeloma journey. Now I’m just getting PET / CT scans with an FDG injection for contrast. So far, I’ve not had any negative responses to that testing. My oncologist is prescribing those scans once a quarter to make sure I don’t have any growing bone lesions in the past 3 months. I do hydrate heavily on those days in order to rid my system of the radioactive solution as soon as possible. I’m now in remission. Yahoo !

Hey Paula, this is a question for your doctor, of course. I personally don't want any more CT contrast unless absolutely necessary. My kidneys don't like it. I think most of us had a PET CT for staging. I had two of them 😏