Possible recurrance

swanny

I was diagnosed with Stage IIIa non-small cell lung cancer in 9/03. I underwent chemo which shrunk the tumor by more than 1/2. 12/03 had a portion of my lung removed. Then three more rounds of chemo. Have been cancer-free since 2/04. My routine CT last week showed something "suspicious" so I'm scheduled for a PET scan Mon. This area in my lung has shown for quite a while and they assumed in was soft tissue, scarring from my surgery. But in comparing it to my CT in Jan. it has now grown, measuring a little less than 2". My oncologist said that if the PET scan shows something (a medical word I did not understand) then he would want my surgeon to take a piece of it. I am, of course, quite worried. I'm also a little confused. First time around they told me for sure I had cancer when I had the first CT. Following that they did a needle biopsy. Also PET scan, MRI, bone scan to check other areas of my body. I don't understand now why the CT alone doesn't tell them whether or not it's cancer. I also wonder why a surgeon would need to "take a piece" of it when the last time they just did the needle biopsy. I have the PET scan tomorrow and see the oncologist TUes. so guess I'll have answers soon. But 2 days away can sound like a very long time when you are worried! Any info or similar experiences from anyone out there?

AuthorUnknown

Hello,

You may want to contact the American Cancer Society's National Cancer Information Center. Cancer Information Specialists are available 24 hours a day and can assist you with your questions. They can be reached at 1-800-227-2345 or by clicking on the "Contact ACS" link at the top of the page.

I wish you well on your tests.

Take care and be well,

Dana
CSN Dana