CT results
I got my scan results in the mail today and as far as I can tell it looks like everything is ok. A few new findings: Vascular Anatomy shows Altherosclerotic calcification of the aorta and iliac vessels without aneurysm..scattered vascular calcification. This wasn't on my last scan a year ago, so I don't know what this means. Also... Bony Anatomy: Mild to moderate degenerative changes of the right and left hips. This may explain the hip pain I've been complaining about. The 2cm left adrenal nodule is unchanged from last scan, so thats good...at least it hasn't grown any. Lymph Nodes: Previously identified 11 mm left inguinal node is smaller on todays exam. No evident enlarged inguinal or iliac chain adenopathy. Left inguinal node now measures no greater than 4 mm short axis. Thats good...means it shrunk from 11 mm to 4 mm. Last of all is the finding in Axillary & Supracalvicular Anatomy: stable appearance to a 4-5 mm supraclavicular node on the left. Unchanged and stable, so that means the Rituxan is working. So...unless I'm missing something, I think it's a pretty good scan with nothing to worry about...don't you think? Works for me! I'll know more after I see my Doctor on the 10th, which is also my scheduled Rituxan infusion. In the meantime I'm a happy camper and don't see anything to worry about. Enjoy whats left of the weekend....I know I'm going to!
Love...Sue (FNHL-2-3a-6/10)
Comments
-
we will take it!
Hey Sue, at least there is nothing extra right! My oncologist, hates when I get my scans and start reading them, hahahaha I tell her I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV!.... I should be having my next PET scan in May, hopefully that spot on my hip is behaving!! Stay well Sue..... Vinny0 -
Scan Results
Sue,
It all sounds good,but it brings me back to ct vs.pet scan. Are they read the same,does one pick up more than the other,is one better than the other,etc. You know the questions that pop up. Some say one is better and others say the other is better. I have gotten scans back that had things said that were not mentioned on the last one. The Dr. said it depends on who reads them and what they report. He said if every thing seen they saw was reported the report would be 30 pages long. I just go to the impression at the bottom of the page and see what it says first. John0 -
CT Results
Dearest Sue,
I am so glad you can rest easy and enjoy the weekend. I have to admit, some of the
medical terms you posted I don't understand. My eyes picked up some info. I am so
sorry you have been having pain in your hips. The CT confirmed a problem. Since my
BMB, my right hip has been bothersome. But, it is duable. What great news the Rituxan
is working. 11 mm to 4 mm is awesome.
If I remember, you never had a Pet Scan, only CT scans. John also brought this up. I
will be seeing my oncologist in August. At which time she will be scheduling a Pet
Scan. I must ask her which is better, a Pet Scan or CT Scan?? Hmm, I thought they
combine a CT Scan and Pet Scan together?? Maybe someone else on this site can answer
this question for now.
I agree with you. Your CT scan looks great to me.
All my love and prayers to you. Love Maggie0 -
Difference between the scansmiss maggie said:CT Results
Dearest Sue,
I am so glad you can rest easy and enjoy the weekend. I have to admit, some of the
medical terms you posted I don't understand. My eyes picked up some info. I am so
sorry you have been having pain in your hips. The CT confirmed a problem. Since my
BMB, my right hip has been bothersome. But, it is duable. What great news the Rituxan
is working. 11 mm to 4 mm is awesome.
If I remember, you never had a Pet Scan, only CT scans. John also brought this up. I
will be seeing my oncologist in August. At which time she will be scheduling a Pet
Scan. I must ask her which is better, a Pet Scan or CT Scan?? Hmm, I thought they
combine a CT Scan and Pet Scan together?? Maybe someone else on this site can answer
this question for now.
I agree with you. Your CT scan looks great to me.
All my love and prayers to you. Love Maggie
Hi Sue, I think your results are good and congrats!
I've seen some of the same things they report on as in your case.
I think it really depends on who is interpretting/reporting the scan.
I tend to think of the CT scan as finding tumors of a certain size or larger
while I look at PET scan as showing activity of tumors. I know it's much
more involved than that but I try to keep it simple. The pet scan will
"light up" areas where the cancer cells are metabolizing glucose because
of the tracer that's used.
Here's a couple sites that discusses the difference between the two scans:
Difference between PET and CT Scans
eHow Description
Hugs and positive thoughts,
Jim
DX: DLBL 4/2011, Chemo completed 10/2011, currently in remission.
Members are sharing recipes!:
Recipe Sharing Project0 -
CONGRADULATIONS TO SUEjimwins said:Difference between the scans
Hi Sue, I think your results are good and congrats!
I've seen some of the same things they report on as in your case.
I think it really depends on who is interpretting/reporting the scan.
I tend to think of the CT scan as finding tumors of a certain size or larger
while I look at PET scan as showing activity of tumors. I know it's much
more involved than that but I try to keep it simple. The pet scan will
"light up" areas where the cancer cells are metabolizing glucose because
of the tracer that's used.
Here's a couple sites that discusses the difference between the two scans:
Difference between PET and CT Scans
eHow Description
Hugs and positive thoughts,
Jim
DX: DLBL 4/2011, Chemo completed 10/2011, currently in remission.
Members are sharing recipes!:
Recipe Sharing Project
your scans are great, the retuxib deos wear you down but its worth it.never give up hope. this is my third time around, my next step is the transplant using my own cells, the chaplin at the hospital said his wife had this and seven years later she is cancer free and cooking him dinner every night. i intend on hanging on(with help) for the cure. jim is right the pet scans show activity but it also shows the size to, i would rather have the pet scans. blessings denise0 -
CONGRADULATIONS TO SUEjimwins said:Difference between the scans
Hi Sue, I think your results are good and congrats!
I've seen some of the same things they report on as in your case.
I think it really depends on who is interpretting/reporting the scan.
I tend to think of the CT scan as finding tumors of a certain size or larger
while I look at PET scan as showing activity of tumors. I know it's much
more involved than that but I try to keep it simple. The pet scan will
"light up" areas where the cancer cells are metabolizing glucose because
of the tracer that's used.
Here's a couple sites that discusses the difference between the two scans:
Difference between PET and CT Scans
eHow Description
Hugs and positive thoughts,
Jim
DX: DLBL 4/2011, Chemo completed 10/2011, currently in remission.
Members are sharing recipes!:
Recipe Sharing Project
your scans are great, the retuxib deos wear you down but its worth it.never give up hope. this is my third time around, my next step is the transplant using my own cells, the chaplin at the hospital said his wife had this and seven years later she is cancer free and cooking him dinner every night. i intend on hanging on(with help) for the cure. jim is right the pet scans show activity but it also shows the size to, i would rather have the pet scans. blessings denise0 -
CT and PETjimwins said:Difference between the scans
Hi Sue, I think your results are good and congrats!
I've seen some of the same things they report on as in your case.
I think it really depends on who is interpretting/reporting the scan.
I tend to think of the CT scan as finding tumors of a certain size or larger
while I look at PET scan as showing activity of tumors. I know it's much
more involved than that but I try to keep it simple. The pet scan will
"light up" areas where the cancer cells are metabolizing glucose because
of the tracer that's used.
Here's a couple sites that discusses the difference between the two scans:
Difference between PET and CT Scans
eHow Description
Hugs and positive thoughts,
Jim
DX: DLBL 4/2011, Chemo completed 10/2011, currently in remission.
Members are sharing recipes!:
Recipe Sharing Project
Jim and Sue,
I did not go to any of the sites yet,but will shortly. I was thinking the same thing because I think I remember hearing that somewhere,but wasn't sure. As far as tumors go I do not think they ever completely go away because of scar tissue, They can still be there and no activity. Again I may be wrong,not positive. Thats why I wonder why they don't do a PET scan on everybody because it shows the activity if there is any. Activity is what they want to know isn't it. Then again if the tumor is still there with no activity does it mean it will come back and become active. Anybody can jump in. All the info is appreciated. John0 -
PET versus CT...COBRA666 said:CT and PET
Jim and Sue,
I did not go to any of the sites yet,but will shortly. I was thinking the same thing because I think I remember hearing that somewhere,but wasn't sure. As far as tumors go I do not think they ever completely go away because of scar tissue, They can still be there and no activity. Again I may be wrong,not positive. Thats why I wonder why they don't do a PET scan on everybody because it shows the activity if there is any. Activity is what they want to know isn't it. Then again if the tumor is still there with no activity does it mean it will come back and become active. Anybody can jump in. All the info is appreciated. John
I asked my doctor about this and he said that my CT scan is done using 100CC of Contrast Isovue administered intravenous which basically shows what a PET would show. He said my bi-monthly lab work also monitors any changes that may crop up. So...I have to trust his decisions on what scan is done. I feel pretty good,other than the fatigue and hip pain. I plan to discuss with him the new findings of scattered vascular calcification found in the abdomen and also Atherosclerotic calcification of the aorta and iliac vessels. I did a little research on this, but need him to explain it in terms I can understand. Anyways...I think all is good and will know more on the 10th. Thanks for caring guys.
Love ya....Sue (FNHL-2-3a-6/10)0 -
Good news!
Hi Sue,
Thanks for sharing the great news! It all sounds very positive! Thank God! Boy the waiting that we do can be so hard- I hate that!
My doctor has done 2 pet scans on me in 2 years. One CAT in between. So they seem to use both. ? I know it was explained to me at the time but I just don't remember what they said. They seem to rely on blood work and symptoms for the most part.
Your report certainly does seem to show that the Rituxan is keeping everything stable and is actually reducing the one node! That's great!!
Enjoy!! So happy!
Love,
Donna0 -
Yeahallmost60 said:PET versus CT...
I asked my doctor about this and he said that my CT scan is done using 100CC of Contrast Isovue administered intravenous which basically shows what a PET would show. He said my bi-monthly lab work also monitors any changes that may crop up. So...I have to trust his decisions on what scan is done. I feel pretty good,other than the fatigue and hip pain. I plan to discuss with him the new findings of scattered vascular calcification found in the abdomen and also Atherosclerotic calcification of the aorta and iliac vessels. I did a little research on this, but need him to explain it in terms I can understand. Anyways...I think all is good and will know more on the 10th. Thanks for caring guys.
Love ya....Sue (FNHL-2-3a-6/10)
I have no idea about most of what you were reporting on except the best sentence that you were going to enjoy the rest of your weekend. Thank you God. Love Joanie0 -
Yeahallmost60 said:PET versus CT...
I asked my doctor about this and he said that my CT scan is done using 100CC of Contrast Isovue administered intravenous which basically shows what a PET would show. He said my bi-monthly lab work also monitors any changes that may crop up. So...I have to trust his decisions on what scan is done. I feel pretty good,other than the fatigue and hip pain. I plan to discuss with him the new findings of scattered vascular calcification found in the abdomen and also Atherosclerotic calcification of the aorta and iliac vessels. I did a little research on this, but need him to explain it in terms I can understand. Anyways...I think all is good and will know more on the 10th. Thanks for caring guys.
Love ya....Sue (FNHL-2-3a-6/10)
I have no idea about most of what you were reporting on except the best sentence that you were going to enjoy the rest of your weekend. Thank you God. Love Joanie0 -
CT versus Pet Scanjimwins said:Difference between the scans
Hi Sue, I think your results are good and congrats!
I've seen some of the same things they report on as in your case.
I think it really depends on who is interpretting/reporting the scan.
I tend to think of the CT scan as finding tumors of a certain size or larger
while I look at PET scan as showing activity of tumors. I know it's much
more involved than that but I try to keep it simple. The pet scan will
"light up" areas where the cancer cells are metabolizing glucose because
of the tracer that's used.
Here's a couple sites that discusses the difference between the two scans:
Difference between PET and CT Scans
eHow Description
Hugs and positive thoughts,
Jim
DX: DLBL 4/2011, Chemo completed 10/2011, currently in remission.
Members are sharing recipes!:
Recipe Sharing Project
Hi Jim,
Thanks for forwarding the info on CT and Pet Scans.
Maggie0 -
Pet and CT Scansallmost60 said:PET versus CT...
I asked my doctor about this and he said that my CT scan is done using 100CC of Contrast Isovue administered intravenous which basically shows what a PET would show. He said my bi-monthly lab work also monitors any changes that may crop up. So...I have to trust his decisions on what scan is done. I feel pretty good,other than the fatigue and hip pain. I plan to discuss with him the new findings of scattered vascular calcification found in the abdomen and also Atherosclerotic calcification of the aorta and iliac vessels. I did a little research on this, but need him to explain it in terms I can understand. Anyways...I think all is good and will know more on the 10th. Thanks for caring guys.
Love ya....Sue (FNHL-2-3a-6/10)
Dear Sue,
I am so glad you questioned your doctor about using a CT Scan instead of a Pet Scan. I
was going to question my doctor about this when I see her in August. My oncologist never
gave me the option of a Ct Scan. I always had a Pet Scan. Since you are doing so well, and
trust your doctor, I suppose it is the way to go.
I would be wrong in not forwarding the info I found on the site that Jim forwarded. I am
pasting below 2 short paragraphs. I am sure by now you also went to both sites. I was
really surprised and shocked to read radiation exposure is less in Pet Scans.
"According to the Mayo Clinic, except in the case of pregnant women, radiation exposure during a PET scan is too low to pose a risk. Radiation exposure during a CT scan, however, potentially raises your lifetime risk of developing cancer."
"Uses
As the Mayo Clinic explains, PET scans are most often used in diagnosing and treating heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders. CT uses include cancer and heart disease as well as additional applications such as examining infections and injuries and diagnosing muscle or bone problems."
I am not a doctor. I am only pasting the info I found because I care. I would be
remiss in not sending the info I found. Love you Sue.. Maggie0 -
Hi Sue
Hi Sue, I think as long as the tumors are not growing and the ones that you have are getting smaller this is great news! Just the other stuff that you mentioned, let us know what the Onc says about that and what it means. Take care sweetie sending you hugs and positive thoughts!
Sincerely,
Liz0 -
Wonderful
Hi Sue,
A little late in reading about your scan report, but am very relieved with what it says. Sounds so great to me.
One of my regular docs always tells me that every time you get a scan something new will be there that didn't show up before. He said it has to do with a combination of things. The machine and it's age and how and who reads the report. He told me that if everyone, not just folks with cancer, had scans all the time, they would keep finding little things that really don't need to be concerned about.
For you, it's reassuring to see that there is likely another reason for your hip pain. Not wishing you any pain, but a non cancer reason is great.
The joys of aging and having our joints and bones age too..
Do you have a warm water therapy pool anywhere near where you live? I have found that the really warm water and weightless effect really help alot. You may remember that I have a horrible knee that needs to be replaced, but is now on the very back of my to do list. Lately I have not been able to use the pool, but if you can find one to use once or twice a week, you may get some relief of your hip pain and get the added benefit of keeping your hip joints flexible too. Our area therapy pool has evening water exercise classes. It's an indoor pool also.
Wow, didn't mean to go on and on. Just so great to read about your super scan report.
Love and hugs
Lisha0 -
Hi Sue,miss maggie said:Pet and CT Scans
Dear Sue,
I am so glad you questioned your doctor about using a CT Scan instead of a Pet Scan. I
was going to question my doctor about this when I see her in August. My oncologist never
gave me the option of a Ct Scan. I always had a Pet Scan. Since you are doing so well, and
trust your doctor, I suppose it is the way to go.
I would be wrong in not forwarding the info I found on the site that Jim forwarded. I am
pasting below 2 short paragraphs. I am sure by now you also went to both sites. I was
really surprised and shocked to read radiation exposure is less in Pet Scans.
"According to the Mayo Clinic, except in the case of pregnant women, radiation exposure during a PET scan is too low to pose a risk. Radiation exposure during a CT scan, however, potentially raises your lifetime risk of developing cancer."
"Uses
As the Mayo Clinic explains, PET scans are most often used in diagnosing and treating heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders. CT uses include cancer and heart disease as well as additional applications such as examining infections and injuries and diagnosing muscle or bone problems."
I am not a doctor. I am only pasting the info I found because I care. I would be
remiss in not sending the info I found. Love you Sue.. Maggie
I just read Lisha's post. I agree with everything she wrote. I can't wait until
the weather gets warmer and my club opens. I always find it so helpful when I am
in the water swimming. Unfortunately, since the weather is too cold at this time
in NY, I would find it hard to go to the Y for indoor swimming. I always get sick.
If you are brave enough and have the time, maybe you could go to an indoor pool.
Swimming always helped my right hip and right knee.
This weekend I helped a friend move the little things from one home to another. It
was a bad move for me. Stupid. Right now I am taking Aleve for the pain. It does
help.
Luv you. How is baby Lizzie? Love Maggie0 -
Spot on!jimwins said:Difference between the scans
Hi Sue, I think your results are good and congrats!
I've seen some of the same things they report on as in your case.
I think it really depends on who is interpretting/reporting the scan.
I tend to think of the CT scan as finding tumors of a certain size or larger
while I look at PET scan as showing activity of tumors. I know it's much
more involved than that but I try to keep it simple. The pet scan will
"light up" areas where the cancer cells are metabolizing glucose because
of the tracer that's used.
Here's a couple sites that discusses the difference between the two scans:
Difference between PET and CT Scans
eHow Description
Hugs and positive thoughts,
Jim
DX: DLBL 4/2011, Chemo completed 10/2011, currently in remission.
Members are sharing recipes!:
Recipe Sharing Project
Your info is exactly correct. CT and PET scans are different tests and for different reasons. They are not interchangeable though they are used together. They lay the PET over the CT to give them a very clear picture of findings versus activity. Mary0
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