Slightly Enlarged Spleen.....

Dearest Lisa,

I have no medical advice to give you, Lisa, but I know that reports usually will note anything that might be out of the norm just as a safety precaution for future litigation. I know when I read all of my PET and CT scans recently they mention things that are of no real medical concern, but note them because they are a little irregular.

As for PET and CT scans, my original oncologist and the one I am now traveling four hours to see, orders both tests for me routinely. This last time he had to get prior approval for the PET, but it was approved rather quickly. Both of my scans came back clean, but I have a slightly rising CEA which he is not concerned about, but I am. So, to answer your question, we always react to something that is different or out of the normal, but most times it is unnecessary worry.

Sending love, prayers, and well wishes your way while BELIEVING all is well.

Love,

Kay

Hey, Lisa:
One of the few BENEFITS from meeting the beast is a much higher sensitivity to our own bodies. We really become the 'expert' for ourselves. NEVER discount that. I "overreact" to everything, now, but can sleep at night knowing that I did everything I could.
Watch and Wait? Nope, I couldn't...it would drive me nuts!!!
CT Scan? PET Scan? How long since your last ones? Ultrasound of the area? Maybe, too.
Note: Can I come to Canada? I am sooooo tired of having to fight for stuff, even though in the end I've gotten pretty much everything I've asked for.....
MAJOR HUGS and GOOD VIBES from here.
But, I know I would probably wait till after my trip if I were you....anticipation of a test is much easier to take than anticipation of results!

Hugs,
Kathi

First of all, don't freak out. Breathe in, breathe out. Better? One thing that can cause an enlarged spleen is hepatitis (simply swelling in the liver). Certain drugs, like chemo, can cause the liver to swell (hepatitis is not necessarily caused by a virus)and not work as efficiently as it should, so the blood backs up in the spleen. Usually, this is mild and with no other symptoms, you can go along fine with a slightly enlarged spleen and some swelling in your liver. HOWEVER - in my case, my liver was badly damaged by the chemotherapy, so it has collapsed on itself and now I have cirrhosis of the liver with first stages of liver failure. This makes my spleen VERY large and I've even had 2 blood clots in the spleen, so I have to take coumadin daily.

To check to see what's going on with your liver, they can do a liver scan, but really, you're probably fine going on just as you are.

unknown said:

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My dear Baby Lisa.....I don't think you are over-reacting at all.I would probably react in the very same way gal.I did just that when it was thought that the chemo was playing havoc with my heart. I worried the whole time they were doing tests over a 4 week period.
BUT.....you and others here sweetie helped me to "cool it" while I was waiting on results. The only thing you can do is wait for a response from your doctor.I am sure you have already searched for info on neutropenia. I would think that if the report on you had serious connotations your doc would have reacted quickly.You said " he did not see any reason to be concerned ..." .
I truly hope that is the case Lisa.....when my doc suggested all the heart tests she said the same thing to me but wanted it confirmed by all the testing. She said my concerns were warrented....so "lets make sure nothing is a major problem".So...I had the tests. Stay "cool" Lisa and when we meet yah you can have my shoulder for a while gal!
Luv n huggs, Ross n Jen