Got my ultrasound results- update- got written report

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  • lesvanb
    lesvanb Member Posts: 905
    lisa42 said:

    got the written report
    I did get a copy of the written report from the ultrasound in the mail yesterday afternoon. It was a little more helpful to actually read it myself, but still somewhat vague. It had handwritten on the bottom "no abdominal mass found". Types above, each of the organs in the abdomen were listed with findings listed afterwards. Most just said "normal". After the words biliary web (whatever that means), it said normal with no swelling (so that makes me think there's no swelling and nothing is backed up). I'm getting bloodwork done again tomorrow- so they can check my liver enzymes. When I had it drawn three weeks ago, I was told one of the three liver enzymes was slightly elevated, but nothing to be concerned about. We'll see if anything has changed this time. I did throw up again this morning, but each time, it's always been on an empty stomach. It was yellowish green, which i believe is bile, but I read online that it's normal to throw up bile when you have an empty stomach because that's what's in your stomach along with the gastric juices. Interesting thing it said after "gallbladder"... "normal". I don't have a gallbladder- it was removed during my liver resection!

    After "liver", it said "multiple metastasis". That's actually what the CT scan report in Dec. said about my liver, but no actual numbers, sizes, locations, etc. The scan before that one, back in July, identified four places in the liver which were lighting up (that one was a PET/CT scan) and had grown slightly from the prior scan. "Multiple" sounds like a lot more than just four, so I guess that is bad news. I just wish they would make it more clear!

    So... and, again, I'm interpreting this myself & know I need to talk to a doctor about it- but, I'm thinking that with "no mass found" and "multiple metastasis" in the liver, that what I'm feeling and seeing sticking out must be my liver, swollen with tumors, or tumors themselves, sticking out of my liver.

    My onc has not contacted me & I don't think he has any plans on pursuing anything more. Frustrating, because my HMO will not let me go to anyone else. I could pursue getting a 2nd opinion from another oncologist down at UCSD- they will allow me to go there for a 2nd opinion, but nowhere else. I've already requested to my onc's nurse to see if she can get him to put in a referral for me to go to a radiation oncologist at UCSD. I've asked this before & he's always poo-pooed it as not seeing how it could help. Well, it's no sweat off his back to give me the referral & I want to go and get an rad. onc.'s opinion to see if radiation on any specific tumors in my lungs can give me breathing relief & now I want them to evaluate my liver too. With the word "multiple" in there, they may not consider doing it, but I'm not looking for a cure here, just some relief.

    So, that's my latest!

    Lisa

    Lisa
    I'm sure hoping you get some relief and yes, it's awful sometimes how we often have to push our doctors to get what we need. Keep going for the second opinion. Are you getting enough support around you? Someone to take you to UCSD? I so hope so. Please wrap yourself up in my warm cyberhugs ((Lisa))

    all the best, Leslie
  • lisa42
    lisa42 Member Posts: 3,625 Member
    Today
    Today I am going in for bloodwork, which will include the CBC plus my CEA and liver enzymes. I've gotten my onc to change from having this done every six weeks now down to every three weeks. Should have those results on Monday afternoon. I am hoping to see my CEA has reduced some or, if it's still going up, that it's not gone up more than a couple of points & that will help me know if this natural treatment I'm doing (my vegan/organic diet & several supplements) plus the natural serum I'm taking from the UK is starting to work or not.

    While I'm at the office today, I will definitely press my onc to get going on this referral for me to see a particular radiation oncologist at UCSD. It certainly can't hurt to get his opinion!

    Thanks for your support and comments, Everyone! :)

    Lisa
  • westie66
    westie66 Member Posts: 642
    lisa42 said:

    Today
    Today I am going in for bloodwork, which will include the CBC plus my CEA and liver enzymes. I've gotten my onc to change from having this done every six weeks now down to every three weeks. Should have those results on Monday afternoon. I am hoping to see my CEA has reduced some or, if it's still going up, that it's not gone up more than a couple of points & that will help me know if this natural treatment I'm doing (my vegan/organic diet & several supplements) plus the natural serum I'm taking from the UK is starting to work or not.

    While I'm at the office today, I will definitely press my onc to get going on this referral for me to see a particular radiation oncologist at UCSD. It certainly can't hurt to get his opinion!

    Thanks for your support and comments, Everyone! :)

    Lisa

    Multiple Things
    Hi Lisa: Multiple doesn't necessarily mean a lot. They described my 5 cancerous nodules on the peritoneum as multiple. When I first read that, I panicked! But then I read further and they gave the count. Which is the same as it has always been since diagnosed. That's what you need to find out. They should have a count, size measurements, and locations. And, yup, get another opinion. It is difficult for me to do that here in Ontario as there are really so few GI specialists in London and I've got them all! Go for it.
    Cheryl
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    Wow
    You have been through so much and I'm sorry that you are searching for answers but really haven't gotten anything to work with. You should get that second opinion and stress that you need some relief. Hoping that a new doctor will give your better options to work with and a new perspective on how to move forward.

    Kim
  • lauragb
    lauragb Member Posts: 370 Member
    lisa42 said:

    Today
    Today I am going in for bloodwork, which will include the CBC plus my CEA and liver enzymes. I've gotten my onc to change from having this done every six weeks now down to every three weeks. Should have those results on Monday afternoon. I am hoping to see my CEA has reduced some or, if it's still going up, that it's not gone up more than a couple of points & that will help me know if this natural treatment I'm doing (my vegan/organic diet & several supplements) plus the natural serum I'm taking from the UK is starting to work or not.

    While I'm at the office today, I will definitely press my onc to get going on this referral for me to see a particular radiation oncologist at UCSD. It certainly can't hurt to get his opinion!

    Thanks for your support and comments, Everyone! :)

    Lisa

    Like everyone else, I say be
    Like everyone else, I say be persistent for that referrral to the radiation oncologist.
    It sounds like you are already doing so much, being strong.

    Keeping you in the light and sending prayers your way.
    Laura
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    lisa42 said:

    Today
    Today I am going in for bloodwork, which will include the CBC plus my CEA and liver enzymes. I've gotten my onc to change from having this done every six weeks now down to every three weeks. Should have those results on Monday afternoon. I am hoping to see my CEA has reduced some or, if it's still going up, that it's not gone up more than a couple of points & that will help me know if this natural treatment I'm doing (my vegan/organic diet & several supplements) plus the natural serum I'm taking from the UK is starting to work or not.

    While I'm at the office today, I will definitely press my onc to get going on this referral for me to see a particular radiation oncologist at UCSD. It certainly can't hurt to get his opinion!

    Thanks for your support and comments, Everyone! :)

    Lisa

    Hi Lisa
    I wish that you had some clear answers. You know, when I was first diagnosed I was in an HMO and I remember there being a problem with going to Sloan for a second opinion so I just paid out of pocket myself. It was about $250 but it was money well spent. I found an oncologist who was willing to let Dr K "drive" so to speak. Then I had my check ups at Sloan and treatment at the other facility. Thankfully my insurance changed and I was able to go to Sloan by the time surgery came around.
    If you feel there may be someone who can help you out there, would you consider paying out of pocket for the consultation and not let the HMO dictate everything? I know it's not cheap but it could be worth it.

    Just my thoughts.
    -phil
  • pete43lost_at_sea
    pete43lost_at_sea Member Posts: 3,900 Member
    lisa42 said:

    Today
    Today I am going in for bloodwork, which will include the CBC plus my CEA and liver enzymes. I've gotten my onc to change from having this done every six weeks now down to every three weeks. Should have those results on Monday afternoon. I am hoping to see my CEA has reduced some or, if it's still going up, that it's not gone up more than a couple of points & that will help me know if this natural treatment I'm doing (my vegan/organic diet & several supplements) plus the natural serum I'm taking from the UK is starting to work or not.

    While I'm at the office today, I will definitely press my onc to get going on this referral for me to see a particular radiation oncologist at UCSD. It certainly can't hurt to get his opinion!

    Thanks for your support and comments, Everyone! :)

    Lisa

    just keep working the treatment angles
    I hope you get the second opinion from ucsd.
    Trust your intuition.
    I hope your cea is down, along long way.

    hugs,
    pete