The Colon Club

Thanks for the prayers guys—I would have posted an update yesterday but was waiting for the report to be published to the portal.

So here’s what the PET said:


Left lower lobe pulmonary consolidation has essentially resolved, compatible
with pneumonia. A left upper lobe part solid nodule is decreased with trace FDG
uptake above adjacent pulmonary parenchyma, series 7 image 73. Persistent
emphysematous changes in the bilateral lungs. A right lower lobe partially
cavitary pulmonary nodule is likely stable allowing for differences in
respiratory effort. Additional smaller, tiny bilateral pulmonary nodules are not
significantly changed. No new or increasing pulmonary nodules. Stable calcified
right calcified pulmonary granuloma.

Noncontrast CT demonstrates calcified atherosclerotic plaque, calcified
mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes compatible with prior granulomatous infection,
emphysema.

IMPRESSION:
1. Resolved left lower lobe pneumonia.
2. Stable tiny bilateral pulmonary nodules without significant FDG uptake,
though possibly below PET resolution.
3. No evident recurrence/metastasis.


So obviously the good news seems to be that much of the stuff seen a month ago has resolved, but this main spot that was of most concern is still there, although apparently smaller? The oncologist still said he wants ya back in 2 months for another CT to monitor this spot. I’m honestly not sure what to make of it. I know it’s borderline size to light up on a PET but wouldn’t the fact that it’s smaller be “proof” it’s benign? Or is the measurement variable between machines/radiologists so maybe it’s not really smaller but stable? And the fact that he wants us back in 2 months makes me feel like we aren’t in the clear and he thinks this is cancer. Ugh. We just aren’t sure how to feel or process this.

Im sorry about your stress. You are in my thoughts.

Nicole

Hi Punky,

Seems like pretty good news all around after reading this.

2. Stable tiny bilateral pulmonary nodules without significant FDG uptake,
though possibly below PET resolution.

3. No evident recurrence/metastasis.

Pulmonary nodes without significant FDG uptake & no evidence of recurrence. Don't look for problems that aren't there. Enjoy the good times now and deal with any issues that "may" arise when they arise.
I spent too much of my time worrying about possible recurrance that I spent several years of my life not enjoying my life and I certainly wish I had done differently now. You can perhaps help your Mum by letting her enjoy the "now" instead of letting her worry about the future. I get it that you are scared, but keep that inside and just be mindful that they are your fears.

If the doctor is not worried, then I don't see that you have a lot to worry about until something bites you in the bum, which it may never do.

Kiwi

They always leave some ‘wiggle room’ when describing these things. I mean they are never definite.

Looks like a good scan to me. I know it’s next to impossible, but try to relax as much as you can.

Thanks for the update, I'd call it good news!

Thank you all. Really trying to not dwell on it during the holidays and just pray it ends up being nothing but in the meantime not let it ruin the “now”. Easier said than done for sure but I’m trying.

Scanxiety is setting in hard.

Please send prayers/good vibes for my mom as she gets her follow up scan/bloodwork tomorrow. We will know the results of the bloodwork tomorrow and CT results on Tuesday.

CEA has now risen to 2.8.

This CEA continues to creep upward. Also a lot of the CBC bloodwork levels continue to trend to the high point of normal (platelets, lymphocytes, etc.) I am so worried that this is all “evidence” that a recurrence is in the making.

Will know more tomorrow when we get CT results.

Hopefully tomorrow will put your mind at rest . It’s still very low . I don’t think my mum has ever had such a low reading . It’s a case of finding out what’s normal for her .
I totally get the anxiety it brings . Hoping for the best for you both ,
Stu

Thank you so much Stu!

She just got out of the meeting and they said everything looked great! The spots on her lungs got smaller even. They still want her back in 3 months for another scan but if that looks good they can go back to every 6 months. This is also when she will have her colonoscopy.

I do still worry about creeping CEA values because of articles like this: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/17573747/

But I also know the many things that can cause increase and fluctuation so I am hoping it’s that and praying that maybe it can go down on the next draw and break the upward trend.

Ok I can breathe again for three months.

My CEA was 1.4 after treatment and has fluctuated between 2 and 2.8 thereafter. At my last checkup my lab results weren't back yet but he sent me on my way. I was all like, "what about my CEA?" He said he wasn't concerned no matter what it was, unless it was something super, crazy high. It was 2-something; I can't remember exactly. I wouldn't get bent over a 2.8. The number is always going to change. I know very little about lung mets but shouldn't the nodules shrinking be pretty definitive they're not cancer? Mets just don't up and shrink on their own, do they?

All sounds like good news . Phew . You can concentrate now on packing in good times .
Take care ,
Stu