Suspisious CAT Scan

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northernlights

Suspisious CAT Scan

Postby northernlights » Wed Nov 22, 2006 2:34 pm

Here I was thinking this was all over and now the CAT scan results have come back with something suspicious. They can't confirm what it is and I need to have a pelvic ultrasound to determine it.

What could this mean? How obvious are tumours on CAT scans? I see the oncologist tomorrow, what should I ask him? The ultrasound is not for another 2 weeks and this is the first time that I have been scared through everything I have been through this year. I just don't think I could survive going through this again.

Sharon

Holly
Posts: 537
Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2005 11:06 pm

Wow

Postby Holly » Wed Nov 22, 2006 6:01 pm

Dear Sharon,

I am NOT a radiologist nor do not play one on TV. I am a bit curious as to why you are getting an ultrasound? Could this be an ultrasound guided biopsy? The resolution on ultrasounds are much poorer than the resolution of a ct scan. This perplexes me. Any mention as to what the 'suspicious' finding was? In what area?

You asked, what should you ask the physician? Sharon, if it were me personally, I would have the films rereviewed. At which time, I would ask the physician to clarify 'suspicious' finding and give a location. Once I had that information, I would request a petscan. If the suspicious finding was in an area namely soft tissue, I might request an MRI of the area.

Sharon, you have been proactive in the management of your health and I commend you for such! You Rock! Despite our efforts, in some sick way we have been programmed to get anxious or spooked when our medical teams uses words like abnormal, suspicious and such. You must remember that all things are truly possible and have faith that you will get through this part of your journey as gracefully as you have thus far. Keep kickin' alittle cancer a#$ and know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers!

Holly

colonator

Postby colonator » Wed Nov 22, 2006 7:02 pm

I was just doing some reading on CT scans ability to distinguish cysts from mets on the liver and read that when it is inconclusive, a sono is used. Sonos are better at distingusing cysts from mets because of the fluid associated with a cyst bounces off better with a sono.

Joy
Posts: 460
Joined: Wed Apr 12, 2006 6:33 pm
Location: Ontario, Canada

Re: Suspisious CAT Scan

Postby Joy » Wed Nov 22, 2006 7:16 pm

Sharon: I too had a "suspicious" cat scan...here I was thinking that you and I were in the "clear" and we got kicked in the gut again.

I'm going to Florida and will fly back for my repeat Cat Scan.

We will beat tbis!!!!

Joyce
Ontario, Canada

I asked for a copy of my Cat Scan results..
Anyone care to comment???



.Findings: There is unchanged ill defined soft tissue stranding in the presacral space,presumably post surgical or post radiation in nature, No abnormal mass is noted in the anatomotic region at the sigmoid/rectum region.

No lymphadenopathy detected throughout.

Unchanged hepatic cysts. No new hepatic lesions.

There is a non specific 1 cm subpleural nodule within the right upper hemithorax, which may be lung parencgyma. There is presumed atelectasis in the posterior aspect of right upper lobe. There are a few scattered irrgular linear/small nodular opacities within the periphery of both lungs, probably longstanding.

Opinion

No definite evidence of recurrent/metastatic didease within the chest, abdomen or pelvis.

Presumed chronic changes within Lung parenchyma as well as nonspecific subpleural module in the right upper hemithorax.

Suggest short term three month scan followup of the thorax.

SHOULD I BE SCARED????? Onc says it is probably nothing to worry about however I can't help but worry.

northern lights
Posts: 127
Joined: Tue Mar 21, 2006 10:48 am
Location: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Postby northern lights » Thu Nov 23, 2006 9:07 pm

I spoke with the oncologist and the surgeon and all is well. The radiologist stated there was fluid near the incision site and a pelvic ultrasound will confirm it.

They don't think it is likely that it is cancer. The liver and lungs are clear, so I feel a lot better about things. Ultrasound is scheduled for the 7th so hopefully at that point I can just look forward to Christmas with my kids and then Disneyland in January.

Thanks for all your responses. They really helped settle me down yesterday.

Sharon
Diagnosed Stage III Jan 06. Completed Treatment Oct 06. NED Dec 06,

Joy
Posts: 460
Joined: Wed Apr 12, 2006 6:33 pm
Location: Ontario, Canada

Postby Joy » Thu Nov 23, 2006 9:49 pm

Sharon: I'm so happy to hear that your Onc thinks everything is o'k with you.

I also spoke to my Onc and she says "if I took 20 people your age off the street the great majority of them would have a similar Cat Scan reading, Radiologist is noting every detail because you have had cancer and they tend to be very vigilant and note every little detail"

I have to trust her because my Onc is a Lung Cancer specialist. I'm sure she has seen thousands of Lung Cat Scans. She didn't pressure me to return from Florida (we go for 5 months) but she asked me "what is your comfort level" so I gave it thought and decided to fly home for a week in February, which would take me into the 3 month period.

Works out fine for me because 2 grandkids have birthdays in February and I really will enjoy being with them.


Have a great time in Florida. Your kids will be "over the moon". enjoy, enjoy enjoy!!!

meighan
Posts: 65
Joined: Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:31 pm

Postby meighan » Fri Nov 24, 2006 4:09 pm

Sharon, I saw your posts yesterday and you were in my thoughts throughout so i was so happy to see your later post.....YEAH :D I hope you have a beautiful trip to disney with the kids.


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