Sketchy Cat Scan

[Scaredy Cat]

I am 30 years old and diagnosed as stage 3C colon cancer. I completed 12 rounds of Fulfox in November. I had my first Cat Scan after treatment last week and met with my Oncologist today. My Cat Scan shows areas all over my body that my doctor is concerned about. In particular, my liver, my lungs, my ovaries, lymph nodes in my neck and lymph nodes in my back. As you can imagine, I am freaking out. My Oncologist told me these areas may or may not be cancer. If it is cancer, the amount is so small that a biopsy can not be performed. I am scheduled for a PET Scan next week and will discuss the results with my doctor the following Tuesday.

I am looking for some hope here. Has anyone received questionable CAT Scans that turned out ok? Or do you think I'm doomed?

This Sucks!

[Guest]

Same thing happened to me, but biopsies performed have shown no cancer thus far. I was Dx at 30, stage IIA. It may possibly be inflammation. Stay positive and get second and third opinions. Make sure that you are going to a good hospital too! Think positive thoughts, that your body is healing. Best of health to you in this new year.

[missjv]

hi,
the only way to tell for sure if the areas are cancer is a biopsy. and if the areas are as small as you say pet scan may not light them up. if i were you i would be at a large cancer center with good scanning machines. there are cat scans that now do angiograms that alot of places don't have up to date equipment which is crucial in diagnosis and ruling out cancer. you need to get another opinion especially with the amount of areas in your body that are being questioned.


missjv

[Scaredy Cat]

Hi MissJV,

I'm getting treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York City. I'm pretty sure they are advanced when it comes to screening. Thanks for the heads up about the PET Scan possibly not picking up the same spots that appeared on the CAT Scan. I will definitely bring this up with my Oncologist and I am looking into a second opinion.

I will update this post with the results.

Thanks!

[Scaredy Cat]

Hi MissJV,

I'm getting treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York City. I'm pretty sure they are advanced when it comes to screening. Thanks for the heads up about the PET Scan possibly not picking up the same spots that appeared on the CAT Scan. I will definitely bring this up with my Oncologist and I am looking into a second opinion.

I will update this post with the results.

Thanks!

[eitter]

Who is your oncologist at MSK? I went there in November for a second opinion and saw Deborah Schrag, do you know here?

[missjv]

hi,
hey scaredy i go to msk as well i see dr kemeny. just had liver resection back in december. you are in the right place for sure they know what they are doing. good luck!

missjv

[Scaredy Cat]

I also see Dr. Schrag and love her but I'm still scared sh#$less!

In addition, I was accepted at the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California. I started planning my new life after cancer prior to the CAT Scan results. I still want to move from NYC to Cali but will have to change doctors and hospitals. I'm nervous about that, too.