Metastises has to be considered

[Sunwaterandsky]

I will be NED 5 years in September but my most recent CT scan has me concerned. The oncologist never tells me much about the CT scan, but my surgeon was concerned about an increase in size of my "benign" adrenal tumour. Unfortunately the size was not indicated on the report, so I don't know how much bigger it is, only "incrementally" bigger. As I read the report, I saw that there was also a right apical lung node (9mm) that was only 6 mm the last time (if it is the same node?). The report refers to the adrenal tumour and the lung nodule saying "metastisis has to be considered".

The frustrating thing is that no one seems concerned and they haven't actually told me about this, I found out incidentally when I read the report at the endocrinologist appointment. My surgeon referred me to see if the adrenal tumour was functioning - funny, as I have had the tumour for at least 5 years and this has never been done before.

I am seeing the oncologist for my regular appointment this week, what do I ask him? How do I approach the issues that are in the report when I am not supposed to have seen it?

Ah, the frustrations!

[Chayo]

I'm not sure why you aren't supposed to have seen them. I routinely ask for copies of all my scan results. As a patient, you have a right to those. Once you have a copy, it's easy to ask what things mean.

[Sunwaterandsky]

Hi Chayo,

Actually, I live in Hong Kong. For the public hospital, the results belong to the hospital. I can request, and pay for, copies of my reports. I have not done this, but I have signed consents so my private surgeon has access to my reports.

[stu]

Hi,
We had a similar situation . There is nothing more important than your health. We told the truth and focused on the problem. Its not a time to be polite but to put your health needs first.
I wish you a speedy resolution to this problem.
Kind regards
Stu

[Nik Colon]

If it's recent increase, I'm sure they will just watch atm. Not saying they will tho. Best wishes

Ask for a PET if you haven't had one

[Sunwaterandsky]

Well, they were fine with the fact that I had seen the results. For now, they are suggesting that we just wait and see. He did recommend a surgeon for the adrenal tumor- the surgeon I had already consulted with. I am okay with the wait and see for now.

[Pita]

How long are they going to wait and see? I would want to know and I'd make sure that something is planned for the future, type of testing, etc.and what date should this begin. Of course with cancer things can change quick but at this time in my journey my Onc has a full schedule of treatments and tests planned for me, it gives me great comfort knowing this.
Best of everything to you Sun...

[Sunwaterandsky]

Thank you PIta.

The docs all seem to be annoyed with the radiologist - he is apparently new and thus the vague report. I am happy with the 6 month follow up, at this point.