Post-Op Scan Results

mojogirl67
mojogirl67 Member Posts: 306
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Like most, I hate the waiting and guessing game involved with scans. Even tho' I am Stage IV and chose to do no more chemo, I do want to monitor what happens from here on to a point. I met with the oncolongist today and I kinda feel like I am still holding my breath. Neither my surgeon at MUSC or my oncologist in SC did a post-op scan so my new oncologist here at home has no base line for comparison. He nor the radiologist could say one way or the other on two areas in question. The CT showed some stubtle areas of decreased density that are small and near the surgical border measuring up to 5mm in diameter. Right at the surgical border is an area of low density measuring 11 mm. My doctor wants to repeat the scan in 2 months with bloodwork. The larger area is right at the surgical border and the bile duct and could be residual healing/fluid from my lobectomy. The smaller spots could be nothing as well. If the places grow in size, we'll know we could have something to chase. In the meanwhile, my oncologist is sending the results to my liver surgeon to get his input. My oncologist seems to think my CEA level is a good marker for me and that with the fact of my iver enzymes/functions being normal as well, the low-density areas  could most likely be from residual healing after such a huge surgery. I am praying that is the case. Wishing all who find themselves here wisdom and strength to get thru one day at a time and find peace in the choices you find yourself facing daily. I intend to keep running with the sweetness of my life like I stole it until the next scan rolls around..lol...Hugs, M

Comments

  • Ruthmomto4
    Ruthmomto4 Member Posts: 708 Member
    #2
    Are they calling them

    Fluid collections? Saying they can’t see in them so they can’t rule them out? I can tell my husband had fluid collections along the surgical margins for 3 years until they cut them out in his second resection. Convinced they had to be tumors, they were not. Fluid collections along the surgical margin are totally normal and a radiologist who knew you just had a resection should know this.

  • abita
    abita Member Posts: 1,152 Member
    #3
    I don't wnat to be negative,

    I don't wnat to be negative, but in my post mop up chemo scan, there were two spots. The doctor and 5 radiologist were sure it was just scarring. They were not. There were tumors. I was supposed to be "cured" and now have those two plus a tumor or three on my lungs. I hope the best for you. And I hope you don't rule out chemo if you ever do get a recurrence as while all chemo sucks, not all the protocols are as horrific as folfox. I believe your no chemo is based on experience with folfox. But mostly, I hope this is not a recurrence and that you are all great!

    Before my liver resection, my CEA levels were crazy high. And were reduced by chemo at the same rate my tumors shrunk. After surgery, I was a steady 1.0. When discovered new tumors at 1.5. While waiting for a new treatment protocol, went up to 2. All in normal range, but gradually going up. But I have 2 small tumors on my liver, and at least 1, possibly 3, small tumors on my lungs. 

     

  • mojogirl67
    mojogirl67 Member Posts: 306
    #4
    Ruthmomto4 said:

    Are they calling them

    Fluid collections? Saying they can’t see in them so they can’t rule them out? I can tell my husband had fluid collections along the surgical margins for 3 years until they cut them out in his second resection. Convinced they had to be tumors, they were not. Fluid collections along the surgical margin are totally normal and a radiologist who knew you just had a resection should know this.

    Liver Surgeon Weighing In...

    My oncologist is sending the results to my surgeon for his take on things. I opted not to do anything at this point and recheck again in two months  unless my surgeon in Charleston weighs in with a different view. I think fluid as well... Hope you and your family are doing well!! Hugs, M

  • mojogirl67
    mojogirl67 Member Posts: 306
    #5
    abita said:

    I don't wnat to be negative,

    I don't wnat to be negative, but in my post mop up chemo scan, there were two spots. The doctor and 5 radiologist were sure it was just scarring. They were not. There were tumors. I was supposed to be "cured" and now have those two plus a tumor or three on my lungs. I hope the best for you. And I hope you don't rule out chemo if you ever do get a recurrence as while all chemo sucks, not all the protocols are as horrific as folfox. I believe your no chemo is based on experience with folfox. But mostly, I hope this is not a recurrence and that you are all great!

    Before my liver resection, my CEA levels were crazy high. And were reduced by chemo at the same rate my tumors shrunk. After surgery, I was a steady 1.0. When discovered new tumors at 1.5. While waiting for a new treatment protocol, went up to 2. All in normal range, but gradually going up. But I have 2 small tumors on my liver, and at least 1, possibly 3, small tumors on my lungs. 

     

    POST mop-up

    Wow.. you did the chemo with all of the side effects and damage it can bring just to find out you had more tumors..No thank you. I’m at peace with my decision and will take what comes without the Russian Roulette game of chemo..My liver is compromised enough without pouring that crap into my system and hoping it works..not trying to be negative about your choice to do it. We just all have to make the choice that best fits our lives and gives us peace as we navigate treatment choices. Hoping treatment works for you and leaves you with a quality of life worh the gamble..Hugs, M

  • abita
    abita Member Posts: 1,152 Member
    #6
    mojogirl67 said:

    POST mop-up

    Wow.. you did the chemo with all of the side effects and damage it can bring just to find out you had more tumors..No thank you. I’m at peace with my decision and will take what comes without the Russian Roulette game of chemo..My liver is compromised enough without pouring that crap into my system and hoping it works..not trying to be negative about your choice to do it. We just all have to make the choice that best fits our lives and gives us peace as we navigate treatment choices. Hoping treatment works for you and leaves you with a quality of life worh the gamble..Hugs, M

    I became allergic to

    I became allergic to oxaliplatin after my surgery so I was switched to folfiri. Since the cancer that could be seen was removed,  there was no way to tell that folfiri wasn't working for me. So I guess it didn't kill those microscopic cells.

  • myAZmountain
    myAZmountain Member Posts: 417 Member
    #7
    Praying that the areas in

    Praying that the areas in question or just part of the healing-sure seems logical. Is there any CT scan done prior to your surgery that showed anything in those areas? Seems hard to believe they could grown so quickly--girl you stay positive and enjoy ever precious minute of feeling good! I get rescanned end of August and am nervous too but steadfast in decision not to do chemo as well. 

  • Msboop15
    Msboop15 Member Posts: 83 Member
    #8
    Scan results

    Sorry the results of the scan weren’t clear. Hopefully your surgeon can shed some light on them. I’m with you though… assume those areas are just part of the healing and wring out is much of life as you can between now and the next scan.  That’s what I’m doing… I am assuming my next scan will be clean and that I’m cancer-free. Why not think the best, right?  Same in your situation. “Run with the sweetness of life like I stole it” - love that expression!  ...and yes, run with it! 

    Elaine

  • SandiaBuddy
    SandiaBuddy Member Posts: 1,381 Member
    #9
    Ambiguity

    If it makes you feel any better, in my first post-surgery CT scan there was a large area that they thought might be a tumor.  How could it have grown that big that soon, I wondered?  I thought I might be on an express train out.  I spent a lot of sleepless nights worrying.  The issue was resolved with an unscheduled colonoscopy.   It turns out it was simply digestive matter.  Since then, I am sure there is little in my system when I get a CT scan.  

    Getting to see the surgical site when I was awake during the colonoscopy was another interesting process.  The edges were a bit raw and white.  I am sure they would have looked ugly on a scan.  But the doctor took samples and there was no issue.

    Ambiguity is no fun.  But at least now you have a baseline to compare future scans to.  Hopefully all is well.  Thanks for updating us on the results.

  • Butt
    Butt Member Posts: 352 Member
    #10

    Your Surgeon will know by looking on the scan.

     

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,796 Member
    #11
    Live Live Live

    I intend to keep running with the sweetness of my life like I stole it until the next scan rolls around..lol...Hugs, M

    You run, and enjoy life.  Stopping in your tracks, until you hear what this Doctor or that has to say, is just a waste of precious time.  

    Do you meditate?  Meditating in your mountain paradise, whenever you feel the 'what if's' coming on, can really help. 

    All is going to be well. I feel it. You spirit talking to mine. 

    Cyber hugs and much love. 

    Tru

     

     

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #12
    Scan

    Although it's not a clear scan, it's not definitive either.  Wait and see what the other doctor says and if there is no determination, just wait the two months for the other scan.  Hoping that it's just surgical related.

    Kim

  • mojogirl67
    mojogirl67 Member Posts: 306
    #13
    myAZmountain said:

    Praying that the areas in

    Praying that the areas in question or just part of the healing-sure seems logical. Is there any CT scan done prior to your surgery that showed anything in those areas? Seems hard to believe they could grown so quickly--girl you stay positive and enjoy ever precious minute of feeling good! I get rescanned end of August and am nervous too but steadfast in decision not to do chemo as well. 

    Scans..

    There was a scan prior to surgery but not one right after surgery. The largest of the dense area is right on the surgical line and at the bile duct so I feel like that could be fluid. The other two spots are close to that but further into the remaining liver. They are very tiny so who knows what they are?..I am going to believe they are "nothing" and keep moving with my life. I will NOT do chemo and there is no question about that for me. I will take whatever comes but my decision on not doing that nasty toxic poison will never change. Wishing you good health and happy days!! Hugs, M

  • mojogirl67
    mojogirl67 Member Posts: 306
    edited July 2019 #14
    Msboop15 said:

    Scan results

    Sorry the results of the scan weren’t clear. Hopefully your surgeon can shed some light on them. I’m with you though… assume those areas are just part of the healing and wring out is much of life as you can between now and the next scan.  That’s what I’m doing… I am assuming my next scan will be clean and that I’m cancer-free. Why not think the best, right?  Same in your situation. “Run with the sweetness of life like I stole it” - love that expression!  ...and yes, run with it! 

    Elaine

    Running Fast..

    You keep running too lady!!..lol..Believe that next scan will show you as "cancer free". I will be praying and thinking of you as well. Wishing you the best..hugs, M

  • mojogirl67
    mojogirl67 Member Posts: 306
    #15
    SandiaBuddy said:

    Ambiguity

    If it makes you feel any better, in my first post-surgery CT scan there was a large area that they thought might be a tumor.  How could it have grown that big that soon, I wondered?  I thought I might be on an express train out.  I spent a lot of sleepless nights worrying.  The issue was resolved with an unscheduled colonoscopy.   It turns out it was simply digestive matter.  Since then, I am sure there is little in my system when I get a CT scan.  

    Getting to see the surgical site when I was awake during the colonoscopy was another interesting process.  The edges were a bit raw and white.  I am sure they would have looked ugly on a scan.  But the doctor took samples and there was no issue.

    Ambiguity is no fun.  But at least now you have a baseline to compare future scans to.  Hopefully all is well.  Thanks for updating us on the results.

    Ambiguity Sucks For Sure

    Yes..it sucks when it is your life in the balance. The waiting is never fun but sometimes there is nothing more to do. I feel great and I am enjoying settling in to my new place as well as soaking in the mountains around me. Hope you are out hiking your canyon somewhere!! Hugs, M

  • mojogirl67
    mojogirl67 Member Posts: 306
    #16
    Butt said:

    Your Surgeon will know by looking on the scan.

     

    Hopefully...

    I am hoping he will weigh in and give an idea. Think of you often Butt and hope you are finding peace in your days...Hugs, M

  • mojogirl67
    mojogirl67 Member Posts: 306
    #17
    Trubrit said:

    Live Live Live

    I intend to keep running with the sweetness of my life like I stole it until the next scan rolls around..lol...Hugs, M

    You run, and enjoy life.  Stopping in your tracks, until you hear what this Doctor or that has to say, is just a waste of precious time.  

    Do you meditate?  Meditating in your mountain paradise, whenever you feel the 'what if's' coming on, can really help. 

    All is going to be well. I feel it. You spirit talking to mine. 

    Cyber hugs and much love. 

    Tru

     

     

    Hugs Back Tru

    I do meditate. I am truly at peace with what comes in my life...it is just life and I am grateful to have it. Of course I want to know what's going on but I will not waste time fretting over an unknown and something out of my control as well. Living and loving my life IS something I can and will do. Hope you are taking those walks and grabbing joy every day!

  • mojogirl67
    mojogirl67 Member Posts: 306
    #18
    Annabelle41415 said:

    Scan

    Although it's not a clear scan, it's not definitive either.  Wait and see what the other doctor says and if there is no determination, just wait the two months for the other scan.  Hoping that it's just surgical related.

    Kim

    Waiting Game..

    One thing I've learned to do thru this journey well is wait..lol. Two months will go by quickly and the next scan hopefully will shed light on things in question. Life has been good and I will keep taking it as it comes.   Hugs, M

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