Recent scan results.....

eihtak
eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
edited June 2015 in Anal Cancer #1

Hi all,  so today I met with my doctor to go over my recent scan results. (For those who don't know me, I was initially dx and treated 4 1/2 yrs ago with stage 3b anal cancer treated with chemo/rad and surgery for a colostomy. 1 yr later dx with a rare breast cancer treated with a double mastectomy and daily med related to estrogen. This past January had surgery (left lower lobe of lung removed) to treat a recurrance of anal cancer in my lung followed by 3 months of chemo (cicplatin/5fu). Finished my course of chemo about 2 weeks ago and had follow-up scan last week).

I got a phone call the day of the scan to inform me that I now have a blood clot in my lower right lung, and probably a result of surgery followed by chemo. I began daily injections in my stomach (which I am able to give myself) as well as daily warfarin. The warfarin is much affected by certain foods especially those high in VitaminK so need to have labs every 2-3 days to determine a dosage that will keep my blood at a stable and safe clotting level. The clot will in time be absorbed by my body and the injections and warfarin will help to reduce the risk of it moving and more from forming. (A little scary)

Going to see my doctor today I was ready to say "what now"......but I am happy to report what I feel to be mostly good results. There are the usual low-density lesions that are common for us all on both liver and kidneys. (One on the kidney smaller than last time but one slightly larger and described as intermediate but not meeting criteria for a cyst) My spleen is described as mildly enlarged. Skin thickening in the perianal and vulvar regions, but similar to prior scans.

I try not to over-analyze the verbage in these reports as I am not a trained radiologist....but the overall impression makes me feel ok about the results. The lesions will be watched for changes through future scans, but until I have something to worry about I plan to be healthy and happy! (I may need a reminder sometime that that is my plan) For now I am concentrating on diet, exercise, and hopes that this clot gives me no issues.

I am scheduled to see my doctor again in 2 months just for a consult on how I am doing. For today, I am still tired (fatiqued) more than I'd like, but better each day!

I do hope everyone is able to enjoy their summer in some way no matter where you find yourselves on this path.  I am so thankful for the concern and support I have felt over the years from everyone here and hope that I too am able to pay it forward.

Be well........

katheryn

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #2
    katheryn

    I am so happy to hear your encouraging news!  I would take it as all good and run with it!  I'm sorry you are having to deal with the clotting issues, but it sounds like you and your docs are keeping close watch and that it's under control.  I'm glad you have a couple of months off before you return to your doctor and I hope you will be able to recoup during that time.  Scans are wonderful tools for diagnosis and follow-up after treatment.  However, I think we'd all agree that we really were fine not knowing about all of those little "freckles" (as my med onc calls them) that are insignificant but still there inside of us!  I guess no one is perfect!  Frown

    Take care and thanks for the update.  Hugs!

    Martha

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #3
    mp327 said:

    katheryn

    I am so happy to hear your encouraging news!  I would take it as all good and run with it!  I'm sorry you are having to deal with the clotting issues, but it sounds like you and your docs are keeping close watch and that it's under control.  I'm glad you have a couple of months off before you return to your doctor and I hope you will be able to recoup during that time.  Scans are wonderful tools for diagnosis and follow-up after treatment.  However, I think we'd all agree that we really were fine not knowing about all of those little "freckles" (as my med onc calls them) that are insignificant but still there inside of us!  I guess no one is perfect!  Frown

    Take care and thanks for the update.  Hugs!

    Martha

    Martha....

    Thank you, I do see it as good news and am running with it......literally running this afternoon to pick up one grandson and then to the ice rink to watch another play hockey!

    Its beautiful outside here in Wisconsin (which is short lived) and I'll be sitting in a cold ice rink, lol!!

    katheryn

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #4
    eihtak said:

    Martha....

    Thank you, I do see it as good news and am running with it......literally running this afternoon to pick up one grandson and then to the ice rink to watch another play hockey!

    Its beautiful outside here in Wisconsin (which is short lived) and I'll be sitting in a cold ice rink, lol!!

    katheryn

    katheryn

    Enjoy the hockey game.  I hope your grandson's team wins!

  • pializ
    pializ Member Posts: 508 Member
    #5
    mp327 said:

    katheryn

    Enjoy the hockey game.  I hope your grandson's team wins!

    Katheryn

    What great news (except for the clot of course ......just a blip there)! I think a couple of months to chill is more than well deserved. The weather here too has picked up and we have had some sunshine today. Hopefully a sign of summer on its way. 

    Keep doing what you are doing! It's working

    Kind regards

    Liz

  • TraceyUSA
    TraceyUSA Member Posts: 316
    #6
    Good to hear from you, Kathryn!

    Sorry to hear about the clot but otherwise glad to hear you are feeling well and have a "good" report.

    -Tracey

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