PET Scan - Updated Official Results
Actually got the unofficial results yesterday…, but I don’t think anything to worry about as of yet.
They used a new machine and picked up a slight change from the past PET.
Mildly increased radiotracer uptake in the region of the left palatine tonsil and tongue. Findings are likely due to normal physiological processes. Residual or recurrent tumor is unlikely. Findings may alternatively be secondary to post treatment changes. Please correlate clinically. No other foci or abnormally increased radiotracer uptake are identified. Follow up is recommended to ensure stability of these findings.
The radiotracer uptake in the region of the left palatine tonsil is new since the prior study.
My tonsil cancer and lymphnode were on the right, but they did remove both tonsils and zapped both sides with radiation.
Not really sure what is meant by, “Findings may alternatively be secondary to post treatment changes.”
So, I’m not really sure at this point until I see what my ENT has to say this coming Monday.
It did say that "No other foci or abnormal radiotracer uptake are identified in the head & neck region. There is no lymphadenopathy. No foci of abmormally increased radiotracer uptake are identified in the chest, abdomen, or pelvis. Normal uptake and excretion of radiotracer is noted."
So at least nothing else is appearing to be going on....
****UPDATED RESULTS****
OK, had my "official" appointment with my ENT today going over the results, scope,poked and probed...
He feels that the residual is just common long lasting changes in tissue due to radiation and nothing new to be concerned about. Continue on the regime of six month scopes and scans.
He actually said today that he considers you cured ath three years...unfortunately I have a few more months to get there, LOL....
Couldn't say the same for my sense of humor, unfortunately, no cure for that.
Thanks for all of the thoughts, prayers and well wishes.
Best,
John
Comments
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New Machine
John, most likely (and of course, most hopefully!) it was the machine. After having my first digital mammogram after having film all those years, they found several things - and actually told me to expect it because of the clarity. Technology! In the meantime, until Monday, put out your "gone fishin'" sign. I am sure the waiting is the hardest part...Take care!0 -
John,KareGiver said:New Machine
John, most likely (and of course, most hopefully!) it was the machine. After having my first digital mammogram after having film all those years, they found several things - and actually told me to expect it because of the clarity. Technology! In the meantime, until Monday, put out your "gone fishin'" sign. I am sure the waiting is the hardest part...Take care!
Maybe “Findings may
John,
Maybe “Findings may alternatively be secondary to post treatment changes.”
means scar tissue. Here is praying for good outcome and no worries. Go catch fish!
Debbie0 -
My Presumption AlsoKareGiver said:New Machine
John, most likely (and of course, most hopefully!) it was the machine. After having my first digital mammogram after having film all those years, they found several things - and actually told me to expect it because of the clarity. Technology! In the meantime, until Monday, put out your "gone fishin'" sign. I am sure the waiting is the hardest part...Take care!
That's what I'm going for as well...the newer machine is supposedly more detail oriented, so hopefully that's all it is.
My ENT is top notch, he's a touchy, feely, poking and probing guy. The machines and technology are great, but to him just tools, the real expert is him.
John0 -
What do they know?Skiffin16 said:My Presumption Also
That's what I'm going for as well...the newer machine is supposedly more detail oriented, so hopefully that's all it is.
My ENT is top notch, he's a touchy, feely, poking and probing guy. The machines and technology are great, but to him just tools, the real expert is him.
John
Asking for correlation sounds like they don't know what your treatment history is (a good thing, as you don't want them making assumptions) so they are saying, "could be an artifact of previous radiation or surgery" to which the ENT is supposed to say, "yup, that's it," after he pokes and feels just to make sure.
When do you see the ENT? All in all, this sounds pretty good.0 -
Interesting choice of words.....
John,
Based on your description of your ENT below I'm sure he will check out that area thoroughly and compare to the PET findings.
Let's call it a "Cloudy PET"
Glad all else is clear. It's nice to see "no lymphadenopathy".
Keep us posted!!
Thoughts and prayers....
Chris/Mike0 -
New Machine Makes Sense
Good to see "Residual or recurrent tumor is unlikely." - especially when you remember the medical pros like to err on the side of caution. Do you know what they mean by "Please correlate clinically."? I'm voting for good news now - better news Monday.0 -
SIMILLAR TO MY FIRST CHEST CT
John, kind of a simillar description was used when my initial chest CT was done. The follow up confirmed there was no issue.
Positive thoughts and a prayer for a great ENT visit.
Try to enjoy your day.
Mike0 -
Thanks All
I agree that the more I think about it that the “Findings may alternatively be secondary to post treatment changes.” could possibly mean as a result of prior treatment. I just wasn't sure as he already stated something similar to that.
Overall, I'm not really that apprehensive as I feel based on the comments that he provided, nothing seems to be going on anywhere else. That there is something that appears mildly different than before near my left tonsil area but that doesn't appear to be cancer related, but needs to be monitored or looked at a little closer and over time for stability.
My ENT will thoroughly check it out on Monday and advise me of his thoughts concerning.
Best,
John0 -
Great news John!Skiffin16 said:Thanks All
I agree that the more I think about it that the “Findings may alternatively be secondary to post treatment changes.” could possibly mean as a result of prior treatment. I just wasn't sure as he already stated something similar to that.
Overall, I'm not really that apprehensive as I feel based on the comments that he provided, nothing seems to be going on anywhere else. That there is something that appears mildly different than before near my left tonsil area but that doesn't appear to be cancer related, but needs to be monitored or looked at a little closer and over time for stability.
My ENT will thoroughly check it out on Monday and advise me of his thoughts concerning.
Best,
John
So glad to hear this news. Keep it up and I wish you and your family the best.
Mike0 -
All in all it doesn't sound
All in all it doesn't sound like bad news, sounds like you don't need to worry, and keep us posted with what he says Monday.0 -
"It's a Clean Scan"sweetblood22 said:All in all it doesn't sound
All in all it doesn't sound like bad news, sounds like you don't need to worry, and keep us posted with what he says Monday.
My Omcologist would call that one a "It's a clean scan for you, Rat" John, thats the way mine have always come back. In the cancer world , even scans get a new normal category of their own. Go celebrate!0 -
Mine was similarratface said:"It's a Clean Scan"
My Omcologist would call that one a "It's a clean scan for you, Rat" John, thats the way mine have always come back. In the cancer world , even scans get a new normal category of their own. Go celebrate!
I am thinking it's all good! Enjoy polishing up the boat & get ready for fishing bud!0 -
Hi John
I am not sure why they can’t just put it in plain English, I too get very confused when trying to read my PET scans and find that no two doctors read it the same way. My oncl dr was saying one thing and my ENT sometime different on my last PET, makes me wonder. Keep fishing and keep strong, vacation almost done will be back in the USA on Friday.
Hondo0 -
ENT MondayKareGiver said:New Machine
John, most likely (and of course, most hopefully!) it was the machine. After having my first digital mammogram after having film all those years, they found several things - and actually told me to expect it because of the clarity. Technology! In the meantime, until Monday, put out your "gone fishin'" sign. I am sure the waiting is the hardest part...Take care!
Ya, I think the MD that reads the results and writes the report just needs to cover himself with the "I don't think anything is going on, but there is something that's different from last time, so the ENT which ordered it should follow-up"...., LOL.
JG0 -
Secondratface said:"It's a Clean Scan"
My Omcologist would call that one a "It's a clean scan for you, Rat" John, thats the way mine have always come back. In the cancer world , even scans get a new normal category of their own. Go celebrate!
I agree with ratface, it's like radar has become over the years... it shows rain but it is not raining. I like scans as they give a reason to look closer. New normal scans with the new technoligy.
Prayers going out for your doctors, that that see and more importantly feel (with the touchy feely) is what it is all about.
Not bad until bad, not something till it is something, nothing is nothing....
right now nothing is nothing
Head up, light feel with the fishing pole and have some fun.
Prayers continue for wisdom for both you, your family and doctors.
John0 -
Sounds Pretty Good
John:
I agree with Sweet. Doesn't sound bad to me! Hope everything is explained in plain English to you next week. Keep up the good work! God Bless!
Jan (Basketcase)0 -
Sounds like everything isJan Trinks said:Sounds Pretty Good
John:
I agree with Sweet. Doesn't sound bad to me! Hope everything is explained in plain English to you next week. Keep up the good work! God Bless!
Jan (Basketcase)
Sounds like everything is just fine.. Soon you will be doing the 2 year jig. LOL!!0 -
Sounds encouraging!!!arndog64 said:Sounds like everything is
Sounds like everything is just fine.. Soon you will be doing the 2 year jig. LOL!!
Sounds like encouraging news!!! Will be keeping you in my prayers Monday that the ENT say "All Clear".
Enjoy the good news and relax with your usual weekend fishing!!0
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