PET scan - inflamation in the lungs!

[maria]

Well, I've been putting off writing this in hopes of not letting my worries get the best of me! Maybe someone out there has had a similar situation - if so - I'd love to hear from you. I completed 11/12 rounds of chemo on 12/06 I had a PET during chemo 8/06 which came back clear. In Feb. I had my first scan after completing chemo. The results indicated the bronchial area of my lungs - some small lymph nodes- lit up - the radiologist, my oncologist and surgeon all felt as if it was in an area of the lungs not typical for reoccurance. The consensus was that I probably had an upper respiratory infection. I was asked to repeat the PET scan due to my history within about 2 months. I had a follow up PET a few weeks ago and again the same area "lit up". I'm due to go to the oncologist next week but did speak to my surgeon who told me the news. He said 2 radiologist read the results and there was no change in the size, shape etc. of the area however if the next scan picks up the slightest change - a biopsy will be done. I'm trying to remain as positive as I can - but this news continues to weigh on me. I can't help but think back to a year ago when I was first told "narrowing" in the colon after a CT ....then a blockage during the colonoscopy etc. etc. it seems like when your being spoon fed the results it's not so bad but when you look back ..yikes! I feel like I'm headed down the same path all over again. If anyone has an experience like this please let me know - or if you have any advice on some good questions I need to ask the oncologist next week - I'd appreciate your feedback - thank you. Maria
PS - never had mets to liver or lungs - just additional tumor in peritoneum that was removed during colon surgery - 3/11 lymph nodes involved

[Frank G]

My Dr. told me I had a sinus infection before I said anything after my last scan. My first scan after beginning treatment lit up in the thyroid and throat. 10 weeks later the scan showed all clear.

It is unfortunate we have to deal with false positives but I would rather get those than have them miss something.

[bailey1]

Hi Maria
If you look at my message of 17 April "Need support and information" you will see that we might have a similar problem.
However, my PET scan gave a false negative; I had been having serious breathing problems and a sore throat but my medics all said it would not be a colon cancer met, that colon cancer did not travel to the throat and the PET scan did not show up anything.
My breathing got so bad I had a laryngoscopy which showed a swelling on the larynx, this was removed and histology came back positive for a colon met; I am told there are other multiple lesions in the trachea.
My lung surgeon (I have previously had 3 mets on lungs, and 1 liver, all resected) is intending to zap these with laser surgery in the next few weeks.
I'm sorry this is probably not what you want to hear, but although I am scared too, I wanted you to know that there is treatment available for respiratory duct mets.
You're right that we get spoon fed bits of information slowly - I find it infuriating.
7 years on from my initial dx I am still here and still fighting - be strong.
Let us know how you get on with your oncologist next week and if you're not happy with what you hear, get a second opinion.

[bailey1]

Hi Maria, how are you doing.
Did you have a good meet with the oncologist and get all the information you needed.
Are you having any further treatment now or are they just waiting to see if anything has happened when you have the next PET scan.
Am thinking of you.

[maria]

Hi - thanks for your emails and concern. I did see the oncologist on Friday and he was very positive - he still feels this is a resperatory infection that is working its way out of my system. He said the inflamation was smaller than the previous scan - and if it is cancer, it would be larger in size. He said he does not want me worrying! Coming from him, I felt good since he is very conservative and cautious. I have another scan late June w/follow up appt. first week of July. I will keep you posted.

[Lifes2short]

Maria, glad to hear the news is good. Sad that you had to go through such a scare. I recently went through a similar thing where the docs thought they saw bone mets in my spine. Two scans later a specialist thinks it is related to osteoporosis. But I have to have another scan next week to follow up and I'm really nervous.

Bailey - seven years and lots of resections and your still here. So glad to hear that. You are an inspiration to all of us who continue to fight these battles.

[bailey1]

Great news Maria, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that your next scan will be all clear.

Sorry to hear your potential problem Lifes2short, I hope your scan next week brings you good news too.

You will both be in my thoughts.

Spare one or two thoughts for me too please; I have the laser surgery on the trachea mets next week and I'm pretty scared about it - much more so than anything thats happened before. Wish me luck !

[maria]

You are both in my thoughts and prayers - stay strong and please keep me posted! Maria