PET scan results - Confused!

cindyruggs
cindyruggs Member Posts: 24
in Esophageal Cancer #1
We went to the doctor and the repeat PET scan showed a complete response. We were thrilled! Then the doctor went on to say this is palliative treatment and will prolong life, it is not a cure. He said the original prognosis of 6-9 months was now more like 12-18 months because my husband responded to chemotherapy. My question is this? What does complete response mean? We asked and I was more confused by the doctors answer. If there is no cancer seen on the PET how do we know he is not cured? They want to continue chemo for as long as he tolerates it or until the cancer stops responding. We are very confused?

Thanks,

Cindy

Caregiver of husband DX Stage IV - mets to liver and nodes

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #2
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • Callaloo
    Callaloo Member Posts: 135
    #3
    PET scans
    Just want to add one point to Sherry's response. A clean PET scan does not mean there is no cancer present. It can only detect cancer tumors of maybe a million cells. Anything smaller can't be seen and has to grow some before it will show up on the scan. I know this is disappointing, but, it's something you will learn to live with.

    For example, most of my major organs have never shown any signs of cancer, but my doctors have told me that the cancer could already be in the liver and we can't see it yet.

    Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

    Lu, Stage IV
  • AngieD
    AngieD Member Posts: 493
    #4
    Callaloo said:

    PET scans
    Just want to add one point to Sherry's response. A clean PET scan does not mean there is no cancer present. It can only detect cancer tumors of maybe a million cells. Anything smaller can't be seen and has to grow some before it will show up on the scan. I know this is disappointing, but, it's something you will learn to live with.

    For example, most of my major organs have never shown any signs of cancer, but my doctors have told me that the cancer could already be in the liver and we can't see it yet.

    Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

    Lu, Stage IV

    Congratulations, Cindy, on
    Congratulations, Cindy, on the complete response report! You both have every right to be thrilled. Please don't get hung up on the words. "No cure" "Palliative" "No honeymoon for Stage IVs" All JUST words! EC is a horrible cancer and Stage IV is the worst diagnosis, we all know that. But some Stage II and III's also have it come back in a heartbreaking manner after all the chemo, radiation, and surgery. And some Stage IVs have a number of good years. If your husband is able to feel well and enjoy life, just rejoice and be grateful for every good day that comes.

    Angie--wife of Larry Stage IV DX June 21 2011
  • NikiMo
    NikiMo Member Posts: 342
    #5
    AngieD said:

    Congratulations, Cindy, on
    Congratulations, Cindy, on the complete response report! You both have every right to be thrilled. Please don't get hung up on the words. "No cure" "Palliative" "No honeymoon for Stage IVs" All JUST words! EC is a horrible cancer and Stage IV is the worst diagnosis, we all know that. But some Stage II and III's also have it come back in a heartbreaking manner after all the chemo, radiation, and surgery. And some Stage IVs have a number of good years. If your husband is able to feel well and enjoy life, just rejoice and be grateful for every good day that comes.

    Angie--wife of Larry Stage IV DX June 21 2011

    Amen!!
    Angie,

    I liked reading your post, keep hope alive!! I hope both you and Larry are doing well.

    Niki
  • JaneO
    JaneO Member Posts: 40
    #6
    Cindy
    Take it and enjoy today! I am with Angie.. Jack is stage IV and is just into his second round of chemo. He responded well the first round and was able to eat without alot of difficulty. We enjoy our victories as they come, but am realistic that this is a roller coaster ride. We have learned to expect the unexpected. Our first PET showed the lymph nodes were not 'HOT' anymore, but his tumor in the esophagus started to close up again. He is doing radiation now and we will see how much it helps. Chemo should continue for at least a year is what his onc told us. They will try and zap as many cancer cells as they can. He did have a feeding tube put in and uses it to keep his weight up. Try to enjoy everyday and appreciate the positive days. We are all here for you for the good, the bad and the ugly. We are all going through this together.
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #7
    So glad to hear the good
    So glad to hear the good news. We all know we only have today ,whether we are cancer free or still active, so we live for today and pray for quality so that we can enjoy life. That is my prayer ,that your husbands days be good with lots of quality time to be spent with you and other loved ones.
    May God continually bless,
    Sandra

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