Results of PET/CT Scan
Not so sure I am ready. Anyway, mets to the lungs cannot be ruled out. The report says "consider histological correlation of the larger right lower lobe nodule which is quite peripheral." It says that the there are several nodules in the right lung that are "below the spatial resolution of PET and remain indeterminate." Also, "additional lingular atelectatic/fibrotic changes are noted."
There is a notation about "the liver is mildly heterogeneous BUT no hypermetabolic foci present." Physiological GI and GU activity is present.
Here's the fun stuff ::::: (kidding of course)
Postsurgical changes are noted at the right breast with surgical clips and asymmetric appearing density with some mild skin thickening present. Maximum SUV value ranges up to 2.0, rather low level, favoring postsurgical type changes. Of course, uderlying neoplasm cannot be totally excluded. Recommend clinical correlation and correlation with surgical history.
Uh, what the heck does THAT mean?
Then it goes on to say "in addition to the above findings, fusion CT scan reveals a few shotty cervical lymph nodes, not FDG avid (phew). There are a few shotty axillary and mediastinal nodes, also not FDG avid."
Shotty? Interesting terminology don't ya think?
"small sclerotic focus in the right ilium, not FDG avid, most likely benign. This can be re-evaluated at time of follow-up PET/CT scan (which is set for Feb). Post surgical changes are noted at the cervical spine with anterior from C3 to C6 with consequent FDG artifact."
I am very confused. Some of this looks not particularly good while other parts bring a smile to my face. It's scary to think the breast cancer is still where it started. I've had 2 surgeries to that breast already. I have to see what those correlation reports say before jumping to have the breast removed.
I've read a little about the jargon for the lungs. It looks like the radiologist thinks have a biopsy is the best route. I am not sure what the MO is going to think about that. What would any of you do? I want to know if this is cancer or NOT.
My MO usually calls after 6 o'clock once she has the report. I find it interesting that the last entry the radiologist made was "arrangements were made to fax this report to the referring physician at the time of dictation, ON A PRIORITY BASIS." This report was made on the 22nd at 6:25PM. Perhaps the doc didn't want to spoil my Christmas.
I think the radiologist's IMPRESSION should've simply stated: Patient is a mess!!!
xoxo
Mary
Comments
-
Mary ... We are here --- holding your hand, waiting
for the call... is it 6 p.m. in your neck of the woods, yet? I am here for you ..., I do not pretend to know what you are going thru -- the hell, the pain, the anguish . .. Please know that I have been fasting and praying for you all day .. on my knee's asking our Lord for that Miracle .. we need 1 for you, Mary, Nancy, Carol,and Doris .. Fasting and praying for all you Sisters in PINK!!!
The only comfort I have for you .. is to keep you mind busy and sane. What helped me as the following
I took each phase on my path reports ...
example:
in situ ... I search Internet, hand wrote what I found, left 2 to 3 lines for what my doctor described via phone and/or visit.
I continued for hours .. with each term, verb, or description.. this helped me organize my thoughts -- concerns and anxiety.
Please let us know ..
Vicki Sam0 -
Mary ... We are here --- holding your hand, waiting
for the call... is it 6 p.m. in your neck of the woods, yet? I am here for you ..., I do not pretend to know what you are going thru -- the hell, the pain, the anguish . .. Please know that I have been fasting and praying for you all day .. on my knee's asking our Lord for that Miracle .. we need 1 for you, Mary, Nancy, Carol,and Doris .. Fasting and praying for all you Sisters in PINK!!!
The only comfort I have for you .. is to keep you mind busy and sane. What helped me as the following
I took each phase on my path reports ...
example:
in situ ... I search Internet, hand wrote what I found, left 2 to 3 lines for what my doctor described via phone and/or visit.
I continued for hours .. with each term, verb, or description.. this helped me organize my thoughts -- concerns and anxiety.
Please let us know ..
Vicki Sam0 -
Miss Vicki ...VickiSam said:Mary ... We are here --- holding your hand, waiting
for the call... is it 6 p.m. in your neck of the woods, yet? I am here for you ..., I do not pretend to know what you are going thru -- the hell, the pain, the anguish . .. Please know that I have been fasting and praying for you all day .. on my knee's asking our Lord for that Miracle .. we need 1 for you, Mary, Nancy, Carol,and Doris .. Fasting and praying for all you Sisters in PINK!!!
The only comfort I have for you .. is to keep you mind busy and sane. What helped me as the following
I took each phase on my path reports ...
example:
in situ ... I search Internet, hand wrote what I found, left 2 to 3 lines for what my doctor described via phone and/or visit.
I continued for hours .. with each term, verb, or description.. this helped me organize my thoughts -- concerns and anxiety.
Please let us know ..
Vicki Sam
you are a blessing! I cannot thank you enough for every word you have posted to me and to others.
It is now 7:25 and no call. I am assuming I will hear something tomorrow. The RO has this report as well. I will be calling both docs in the morning.
It's just unbelievable to me to THINK cancer still resides in my breast. I am concerned because while in the shower today I noticed that my nipple is now fully extended and the color is brown AND there are little pimples surrounding it. It has been somewhat inverted since the first surgery. So, this is possibly something to be concerned about along with the radiologist's remarks. There is some SUV. I don't understand how a correlation will do anything.
So once again, I wait. The liver issue can be a few things but I don't think cancer. I am truly leaning toward having the histological procedure done on my lungs. I looked up "lingular atelectatic" and it means collapsed lung. Or at least a part of my lung. I just don't know how that happened. But I am always short of breath. I thought it was allergies. Guess I should really pay more attention to what my body is saying.
I am trying to focus on that fact that the word metastasis did not show up on the report. I know I am not out of the woods YET but, believe it or not, I feel a little better. Very little ... but better none the less.
How are you feeling? I don't see much on your status when you post. I do pray for you as well and can't imagine how everyone on this forum deals with the BIG C.
All I know is I want it gone!
Thank you again for all your support.
Your PINK Sister
Mary
(I kept some tissues for my next visit to the MO or RO. Never can have enough of those)0 -
Wishing...MsGebby said:Miss Vicki ...
you are a blessing! I cannot thank you enough for every word you have posted to me and to others.
It is now 7:25 and no call. I am assuming I will hear something tomorrow. The RO has this report as well. I will be calling both docs in the morning.
It's just unbelievable to me to THINK cancer still resides in my breast. I am concerned because while in the shower today I noticed that my nipple is now fully extended and the color is brown AND there are little pimples surrounding it. It has been somewhat inverted since the first surgery. So, this is possibly something to be concerned about along with the radiologist's remarks. There is some SUV. I don't understand how a correlation will do anything.
So once again, I wait. The liver issue can be a few things but I don't think cancer. I am truly leaning toward having the histological procedure done on my lungs. I looked up "lingular atelectatic" and it means collapsed lung. Or at least a part of my lung. I just don't know how that happened. But I am always short of breath. I thought it was allergies. Guess I should really pay more attention to what my body is saying.
I am trying to focus on that fact that the word metastasis did not show up on the report. I know I am not out of the woods YET but, believe it or not, I feel a little better. Very little ... but better none the less.
How are you feeling? I don't see much on your status when you post. I do pray for you as well and can't imagine how everyone on this forum deals with the BIG C.
All I know is I want it gone!
Thank you again for all your support.
Your PINK Sister
Mary
(I kept some tissues for my next visit to the MO or RO. Never can have enough of those)
And praying for good news, Mary.....waiting is just hell! Most of us spend so many days, hours and minutes, waiting....waiting.....it brings almost as much anxiety as the news...
Please keep us posted...you know we care..
(((((((hugs))))) Nancy0 -
Faxes When the Doctor Actually Sees ItMsGebby said:Miss Vicki ...
you are a blessing! I cannot thank you enough for every word you have posted to me and to others.
It is now 7:25 and no call. I am assuming I will hear something tomorrow. The RO has this report as well. I will be calling both docs in the morning.
It's just unbelievable to me to THINK cancer still resides in my breast. I am concerned because while in the shower today I noticed that my nipple is now fully extended and the color is brown AND there are little pimples surrounding it. It has been somewhat inverted since the first surgery. So, this is possibly something to be concerned about along with the radiologist's remarks. There is some SUV. I don't understand how a correlation will do anything.
So once again, I wait. The liver issue can be a few things but I don't think cancer. I am truly leaning toward having the histological procedure done on my lungs. I looked up "lingular atelectatic" and it means collapsed lung. Or at least a part of my lung. I just don't know how that happened. But I am always short of breath. I thought it was allergies. Guess I should really pay more attention to what my body is saying.
I am trying to focus on that fact that the word metastasis did not show up on the report. I know I am not out of the woods YET but, believe it or not, I feel a little better. Very little ... but better none the less.
How are you feeling? I don't see much on your status when you post. I do pray for you as well and can't imagine how everyone on this forum deals with the BIG C.
All I know is I want it gone!
Thank you again for all your support.
Your PINK Sister
Mary
(I kept some tissues for my next visit to the MO or RO. Never can have enough of those)
Dear Mary,
The fact that your doctor did not call might be that they are on a long holiday break. The report was sent late on the 22nd and perhaps the doctor wasn't in on the 23rd. I have had that happen even with priority biopsy reports that were read several days after I knew they had it. Doesn't mean that they didn't want to spoil your holiday by not calling. More than likely means they were not in, or haven't had a chance to catch up on the paperwork. It means a lot to us who are waiting but, to them it is all in a days work.
I am an expert on reading my own reports as they more or less say the same thing. More or less. Some of your report is what my radiologist would say was "cover your A--" statements. If it states "mets to the lungs can not be ruled out" then you will need a biopsy. I had the VATS and it wasn't bad at all. I was back to work in 5 days and 2 were my regular days off.
There is nothing worse than not knowing what you are dealing with and I hope you know tomorrow. Tell the person who answers the phone if your doctor isn't in, you want some other doctor to interpret the report for you.
Gosh, I am so sorry for all this waiting you have to do. Livers can have so many non-cancer problems. My son had a collapse lung when he was a baby and it happens for a variety of reasons.
Keep your courage up, we are all here for you Mary.
Best,
Doris0 -
For VickiSam Again, I say you are a GEMVickiSam said:Mary ... We are here --- holding your hand, waiting
for the call... is it 6 p.m. in your neck of the woods, yet? I am here for you ..., I do not pretend to know what you are going thru -- the hell, the pain, the anguish . .. Please know that I have been fasting and praying for you all day .. on my knee's asking our Lord for that Miracle .. we need 1 for you, Mary, Nancy, Carol,and Doris .. Fasting and praying for all you Sisters in PINK!!!
The only comfort I have for you .. is to keep you mind busy and sane. What helped me as the following
I took each phase on my path reports ...
example:
in situ ... I search Internet, hand wrote what I found, left 2 to 3 lines for what my doctor described via phone and/or visit.
I continued for hours .. with each term, verb, or description.. this helped me organize my thoughts -- concerns and anxiety.
Please let us know ..
Vicki Sam
You are a wonderful asset to this board VickiSam. I do the same for my own reports. One does learn a whole new vocabulary, learning word for word. When I received my ct scan report in 2008 for my 3rd recurrence, I didn't hear from my doctor for another 2 days, which made it the 5th after my ct scan. When they called, I said, I had the report and have already done this, I needed them to do this. Waiting is such an awful time.
You are very kind.
Best,
Doris0 -
Mary,MsGebby said:Miss Vicki ...
you are a blessing! I cannot thank you enough for every word you have posted to me and to others.
It is now 7:25 and no call. I am assuming I will hear something tomorrow. The RO has this report as well. I will be calling both docs in the morning.
It's just unbelievable to me to THINK cancer still resides in my breast. I am concerned because while in the shower today I noticed that my nipple is now fully extended and the color is brown AND there are little pimples surrounding it. It has been somewhat inverted since the first surgery. So, this is possibly something to be concerned about along with the radiologist's remarks. There is some SUV. I don't understand how a correlation will do anything.
So once again, I wait. The liver issue can be a few things but I don't think cancer. I am truly leaning toward having the histological procedure done on my lungs. I looked up "lingular atelectatic" and it means collapsed lung. Or at least a part of my lung. I just don't know how that happened. But I am always short of breath. I thought it was allergies. Guess I should really pay more attention to what my body is saying.
I am trying to focus on that fact that the word metastasis did not show up on the report. I know I am not out of the woods YET but, believe it or not, I feel a little better. Very little ... but better none the less.
How are you feeling? I don't see much on your status when you post. I do pray for you as well and can't imagine how everyone on this forum deals with the BIG C.
All I know is I want it gone!
Thank you again for all your support.
Your PINK Sister
Mary
(I kept some tissues for my next visit to the MO or RO. Never can have enough of those)
I am hoping that by now you have heard from your mo, if not she will call. You are in such a hard spot because it is showing changes, yet until the mo deciphers the actual reports, some of the changes can be do to chemo, radiation or any number of procedures that may have been done.
It is funny, but definitely not in a ha ha way, but the things that I zero in on on these reports were not even the ones that my mo is concerned with. This whole process is kind of f'd up as we get reports that are in medical lingo that we cannot even begin to decipher, and what we decipher may or may not be anything. I have wished so often that my mo would call me as soon as the report comes in, but the fax comes in and it is a paper clipped to my chart which is set on his desk, usually with many others, then I either have to wait until the end of the day, or call his office and let him know that I am waiting for the report.
My heart goes out for you, and remember that until you are told otherwise it could just be nodules. I will continue to pray for you as well as others on this board. This disease sucks and there is nothing positive to say about the disease, but I will say that without this board, all that I have gone through would have been even worse.
If you have questions at anytime feel free to pm me and I will give you my cell, you are always welcome to call. I know for me some of the hardest times are in the middle of the night, and I find myself up reading this board.
Love and prayers from your sister in pink,
Carol0 -
waiting is so awful
I chose to stay in the hospital last Thursday in hopes that I could get reports faster and look my MO in the face - that time it worked! I am sure it doen't always
My heart goes out to you, waiting is impossible. Keep those tissues handy, I am.
Still praying for you,
Jennifer0 -
Yes, the waiting sucks.
Yes, the waiting sucks. I've done plenty of that.
I find it interesting that we all zero in on the part of the report that closely relates to our own case...my mets are in the lymph nodes between the lungs. My onc has never referred to them as shotty, so I had to look it up. Here's what I found..."Sometimes, following infection lymph nodes occasionally remain permanently enlarged, though they should be non-tender, small (less the 1 cm), have a rubbery consistency and none of the characteristics described for malignancy or for infection. These are also known as 'Shotty Lymph nodes'."...
"Stony-hard nodes are typically a sign of cancer, usually metastatic. Very firm, rubbery nodes suggest lymphoma. Softer nodes are the result of infections or inflammatory conditions. Suppurant nodes may be fluctuant. The term "shotty" refers to small nodes that feel like buckshot under the skin, as found in the cervical nodes of children with viral illnesses." Both are from http://www.medicalgeek.com/disease-syndromes-procedures/7026-causes-cervical-neck-lymph-node-enlargement.html
I hope this helps you. I'll be looking for your post after you've talked with the docs, and sending out positive energy in the meantime.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
Praying for good news forMAJW said:Wishing...
And praying for good news, Mary.....waiting is just hell! Most of us spend so many days, hours and minutes, waiting....waiting.....it brings almost as much anxiety as the news...
Please keep us posted...you know we care..
(((((((hugs))))) Nancy
Praying for good news for you Mary.
Hugs, Lex0 -
Waiting
The waiting game can wreak havoc on the imagination. I consider some of this professional nomanclature to be an attempt to shroud the nature of our ailments (whether physical or mental health) in terms that help the person suffering very little. Some medical nomanclature is understandable to me but I think it gets even more difficult when the medicine becomes specialized.
When dealing with my clients, I try to put things in the plainest language possible. It alleviates a lot of worry. Does it make me look less proffesional? Perhaps so, but the clients sure are glad I speak plainly.
Try not to worry too much about this report as you can easily have a few mistaken impressions on various items.0 -
Mary, I think we all hone in
Mary, I think we all hone in on certain wording in our reports but unless it incorporates the entire sentenance we may not be accurate in our research. I hope that is the case here and you get more positive results once you meet with your docs. I'm sending strength and hope to you along with a gentle (((hug))). Keep up the positive outlook. I truly believe this takes us a long way through this journey.0 -
I am sending prayers andgrams2jc said:waiting is so awful
I chose to stay in the hospital last Thursday in hopes that I could get reports faster and look my MO in the face - that time it worked! I am sure it doen't always
My heart goes out to you, waiting is impossible. Keep those tissues handy, I am.
Still praying for you,
Jennifer
I am sending prayers and cyber hugs Mary.
Hugs, Jan0 -
Any word yet?MyTurnNow said:Mary, I think we all hone in
Mary, I think we all hone in on certain wording in our reports but unless it incorporates the entire sentenance we may not be accurate in our research. I hope that is the case here and you get more positive results once you meet with your docs. I'm sending strength and hope to you along with a gentle (((hug))). Keep up the positive outlook. I truly believe this takes us a long way through this journey.
I usually think no news is good news. Over the holidays things can slip through the cracks. I would call if you haven't heard yet. If your doc is on vacation, someone else can give you the results I'd think. Then you can relax and enjoy the arrival of a new year.
Sending hugs.
Suzanne0 -
The dreaded double post - sorryMyTurnNow said:Mary, I think we all hone in
Mary, I think we all hone in on certain wording in our reports but unless it incorporates the entire sentenance we may not be accurate in our research. I hope that is the case here and you get more positive results once you meet with your docs. I'm sending strength and hope to you along with a gentle (((hug))). Keep up the positive outlook. I truly believe this takes us a long way through this journey.0 -
Mary, Please let us know if there is anythingDouble Whammy said:The dreaded double post - sorry
we can do ... Post when you can ...
gentle hugs,
Vicki Sam0 -
Mary -- So sorry for all
Mary -- So sorry for all this new development. I just want us ALL TO BE HEALTHY and not have to go through scares and fear.We will continue our prayers for everyone on this community to recover. To experience a miracle.
Please let us know about your progress and what your Dr. agrees to do in re. to the biopsy. I agree it's best to know for peace of mind.
Keeping you in my prayers.0 -
Been Thinking Of You!MsGebby said:Miss Vicki ...
you are a blessing! I cannot thank you enough for every word you have posted to me and to others.
It is now 7:25 and no call. I am assuming I will hear something tomorrow. The RO has this report as well. I will be calling both docs in the morning.
It's just unbelievable to me to THINK cancer still resides in my breast. I am concerned because while in the shower today I noticed that my nipple is now fully extended and the color is brown AND there are little pimples surrounding it. It has been somewhat inverted since the first surgery. So, this is possibly something to be concerned about along with the radiologist's remarks. There is some SUV. I don't understand how a correlation will do anything.
So once again, I wait. The liver issue can be a few things but I don't think cancer. I am truly leaning toward having the histological procedure done on my lungs. I looked up "lingular atelectatic" and it means collapsed lung. Or at least a part of my lung. I just don't know how that happened. But I am always short of breath. I thought it was allergies. Guess I should really pay more attention to what my body is saying.
I am trying to focus on that fact that the word metastasis did not show up on the report. I know I am not out of the woods YET but, believe it or not, I feel a little better. Very little ... but better none the less.
How are you feeling? I don't see much on your status when you post. I do pray for you as well and can't imagine how everyone on this forum deals with the BIG C.
All I know is I want it gone!
Thank you again for all your support.
Your PINK Sister
Mary
(I kept some tissues for my next visit to the MO or RO. Never can have enough of those)
Mary, I hope your doctor called.
Best,
Doris0 -
Praying you will get onlyDouble Whammy said:The dreaded double post - sorry
Praying you will get only good news!
Hugs, Leeza0 -
I am so sorry Mary and I amGabe N Abby Mom said:Yes, the waiting sucks.
Yes, the waiting sucks. I've done plenty of that.
I find it interesting that we all zero in on the part of the report that closely relates to our own case...my mets are in the lymph nodes between the lungs. My onc has never referred to them as shotty, so I had to look it up. Here's what I found..."Sometimes, following infection lymph nodes occasionally remain permanently enlarged, though they should be non-tender, small (less the 1 cm), have a rubbery consistency and none of the characteristics described for malignancy or for infection. These are also known as 'Shotty Lymph nodes'."...
"Stony-hard nodes are typically a sign of cancer, usually metastatic. Very firm, rubbery nodes suggest lymphoma. Softer nodes are the result of infections or inflammatory conditions. Suppurant nodes may be fluctuant. The term "shotty" refers to small nodes that feel like buckshot under the skin, as found in the cervical nodes of children with viral illnesses." Both are from http://www.medicalgeek.com/disease-syndromes-procedures/7026-causes-cervical-neck-lymph-node-enlargement.html
I hope this helps you. I'll be looking for your post after you've talked with the docs, and sending out positive energy in the meantime.
Hugs,
Linda
I am so sorry Mary and I am praying for you.
Hugs, Angie0
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