PET scan results... need a hug!

Laralyn
Laralyn Member Posts: 532
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

I got a call while I was in a team playtest at work, so I couldn't answer. When I got the message, it was from the H&N specialist with the results of the PET scan. He said it was basically negative but showed some uptake in the nasopharangeal area. He asked me to come in and so he can examine me again to check it out. At the end of the message, he said again that it was basically negative. I listened to the message when I was walking home, after business hours, so I couldn't call right then.

I was kind of proud of how calm and unanxious I stayed before the scan and while waiting for results. Now some of that is out the window, although I haven't cried yet. I know--it's nothing to worry about until a doctor tells me that it's something to worry about. I had that bad sinus infection a month ago and my allergies are super bad right now so I may have another one... so I wonder if that could have caused a reaction on the PET. Of course, the flip side is that nasopharangeal cancer is another prime location for HPV related disease.

So tonight I'm telling myself that worrying does no good. Beating myself up about eating sugary foods and not taking my supplements also does no good beyond reminding me that I need to take better care of myself. Even if it IS cancer, it's probably a new primary and not a recurrance since the original was in my tonsil, palate and lymph nodes. This is not in my lymph nodes so if it IS cancer, it's probably Stage I or II--so much earlier than the previous Stage IV. 

I debated about whether to post until I had more information, but I think I may need a hug to tide me over until I can see the doctor, get scoped, and find out more. Deep breath, then another, then onward and upward, right? :-)

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Comments

  • Tim6003
    Tim6003 Member Posts: 1,514 Member
    #2
    You said it best

    Everything you said is all any of us would say. And I believe just the one sinus infection could show that uptick!  Bottom line is we care, big ol hug and of course I did whisper a prayer all would be negative for the bad Stuff.  And it will!!!  :).  Keep us posted. We r right theryou hiyou hi

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #3
    I'm up, and ready to open

    my arms wide and give you a great big hug...and then I'll hug you again!  I'm glad you didn't try to carry this on your own, when you have all of us here to listen, and to walk this anxious time with you.  My ENT said because I go every month that he'd "see" NPC before I'd get into a scan....so if it IS something, the Dr. will be able to see it with mirrors or mirrors and scope.  My personal opinion is....if lung infections can show up as hot spots....and if throat infections can show up as hot spots....then it's logical to think that a bad sinus infection can do the exact same thing. 

    Now quit beating yourself up....you didn't live on sugary foods, and if supplements prevented cancer we'd all be stuffing ourselves full of them.  As for worrying....well, I believe that some of us are just born to worry (I say that because both my twin sister and my mom have never bothered to worry over things that out of their control....my little sister and I .... and my dad....never had it so lucky....so it isn't enviroment, it's gotta be nature).  The only thing for us to do is use this forum as a sounding board....the more we talk about something, the less power it has over us.

    HUGS....HUGS....HUGS!!!

    p  

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #4
    Hug

    Laralyn,

    I’ll go with the negative comment and blame the sinus infection and allergies for the uptake and I have a BIG hug for our favorite Laralyn.

    The doctor is just being cautious, that is why we go.

    Take care, you will be fine.

    Matt

  • Duggie88
    Duggie88 Member Posts: 760 Member
    #5
    Laralyn

    I agree with the rest. Since my throat overhaul I feel things I never felt before and you can't help but think Ocrap. I believe those PET scans not only show cancer but also pick up on other crap like you state, allergies and sinus issues. I did take notice that I have allergy issues that never existed before my cancer. I truly believe that you're having an Ocrap moment but a big old hug never hurt anyone. One coming your way.

          Jeff

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    #6
    Positively

    Hi Laralyn,

    I concur with what P said. It makes sense that it's a remnant of your sinus infection. Take a deep breath and relax. I'm sure everything will be fine :) 

    Hugs, positive thoughts and prayers.

    "T"

     

  • Ingrid K
    Ingrid K Member Posts: 813
    #7
    sending hugs

    Hey Laralynn:

    HUGS ON THE WAY !!

    Infections tend to light up on PETs all the time, so let's hope that is the case for you.

    Stay positive; we are all here for you.

  • MarineE5
    MarineE5 Member Posts: 1,034 Member
    #8
    I'll probably get in trouble..

    My wife might get a little steamed, but I'll take the chance to give you a HUG....

    My Best to You and Everyone Here

  • Janetyoung
    Janetyoung Member Posts: 4
    #9
    Your pet scan results

    I am not a doctor,  but I have had tonsil and nasal pharanyx cancer stage IV. Don't worry about the PET scan.  If it is negative, it is negative!  Probably just showing some signs of inflammation (which is normal) that can be treated with a short course of steroids.  I had so much inflammation a year after treatment that I had to take 30 hyperbaric treatments.  I am 8 years cancer free.

  • Janetyoung
    Janetyoung Member Posts: 4
    #10
    Your pet scan results

    I am not a doctor,  but I have had tonsil and nasal pharanyx cancer stage IV. Don't worry about the PET scan.  If it is negative, it is negative!  Probably just showing some signs of inflammation (which is normal) that can be treated with a short course of steroids.  I had so much inflammation a year after treatment that I had to take 30 hyperbaric treatments.  I am 8 years cancer free.

  • Janetyoung
    Janetyoung Member Posts: 4
    #11
    Your pet scan results

    I am not a doctor,  but I have had tonsil and nasal pharanyx cancer stage IV. Don't worry about the PET scan.  If it is negative, it is negative!  Probably just showing some signs of inflammation (which is normal) that can be treated with a short course of steroids.  I had so much inflammation a year after treatment that I had to take 30 hyperbaric treatments.  I am 8 years cancer free.

  • Laralyn
    Laralyn Member Posts: 532
    #12
    Thanks everyone!

    Thanks for both the reassurances and for the hugs. It's just what I needed to see this morning. :-)

    I did some research last night and it helped me relax enough to get some sleep. I'm calling as soon as they open (9 am) to set up the appointment. In the mean time, I'm looking at this as a reminder to do the things I know I should be doing: eat the right foods, exercise, drink coffee (the one thing I never neglected, LOL!), take supplements on schedule, etc. I needed the reminder for sure--I was slipping back into old, less healthy habits.

    This can all be a big kick in the butt, can't it? ;-)

  • rachel12yrsuv
    rachel12yrsuv Member Posts: 435
    #13
    Laralyn said:

    Thanks everyone!

    Thanks for both the reassurances and for the hugs. It's just what I needed to see this morning. :-)

    I did some research last night and it helped me relax enough to get some sleep. I'm calling as soon as they open (9 am) to set up the appointment. In the mean time, I'm looking at this as a reminder to do the things I know I should be doing: eat the right foods, exercise, drink coffee (the one thing I never neglected, LOL!), take supplements on schedule, etc. I needed the reminder for sure--I was slipping back into old, less healthy habits.

    This can all be a big kick in the butt, can't it? ;-)

    Laralyn,
    i dont really think

    Laralyn,

    i dont really think i woukdve heard anything besides"negative" if he was worried he wouldnt want an office exam he would have wanted another test.  Rest easy sweet lady i am sure its just as the others said allergies , left overs from infection!

     

    BIG BEAR HUG!

    Rachel

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #14
    rachel12yrsuv said:

    Laralyn,
    i dont really think

    Laralyn,

    i dont really think i woukdve heard anything besides"negative" if he was worried he wouldnt want an office exam he would have wanted another test.  Rest easy sweet lady i am sure its just as the others said allergies , left overs from infection!

     

    BIG BEAR HUG!

    Rachel

    Laralyn

    Positive thoughts sent your way. Prayers too!

    Candi

  • hawk711
    hawk711 Member Posts: 566
    #15
    hwt said:

    Laralyn

    Positive thoughts sent your way. Prayers too!

    Candi

    Hey Laralyn

     PET's light up or infection, inflamation, etc also.  So go confidently to your Dr and have all this put behind you.  As someone said, negative is negative until you hear or see something different..oh yeah, BIG hug for you too.....

    keep positive, it is a prescription no one can write for you, but you !!!

    All the best,

    Steve

  • Laralyn
    Laralyn Member Posts: 532
    #16
    Thanks again, everyone!

    I shook off most of the worry this morning like a dog shakes off water... well, hopefully not EXACTLY like that because then my kitchen would be covered in worry. ;-)

    My appointment with the ENT is tomorrow at 4 PST, so I'll post when I find out more!

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #17
    Laralyn said:

    Thanks again, everyone!

    I shook off most of the worry this morning like a dog shakes off water... well, hopefully not EXACTLY like that because then my kitchen would be covered in worry. ;-)

    My appointment with the ENT is tomorrow at 4 PST, so I'll post when I find out more!

    hugs & good luck

    Laralyn,

    That is funny.

    More hugs and more good luck.

    Matt

  • cadharose
    cadharose Member Posts: 52
    #18
    ((((HUGS))))
    My understanding

    ((((HUGS))))

    My understanding is that PET scan abnormalities can be due to simple irritation or inflammation, from a variety of reasons (and not necessarily cancer reasons), so perhaps a sinus infection and allergies could be the cause. I went for a PET scan that showed questionable area in a location nowhere near the primary tumor and it turned out to be benign and from something totally unrelated to the cancer.

  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #19
    Hey Laralyn !

    I so wish I could take away the fear of the unknown for all of us.  Dang unless a person has walked this walk they have no idea do they ?  I'm sending you an enourmous hug, and only positive thoughts !  I have allergies too....and usually around scan time.  Agggh !  Let us know.  Hugs sent !  Katie

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #20
    Super Hugs...

    Sorry I'm late for your party, so super hugs for you....

    I'll be there with you tomorrow..., and when needed.

    I'm willing to bet that you probably already figured out that the activity more than likley is from your recent sinus issues.

    Looking forward to some good news.

    John

  • cureitall66
    cureitall66 Member Posts: 913
    #21
    In agreement with the rest...

    Laralyn,

    I, too, am in agreement with the rest. We were told also that infections and inflamation can show on PET's. We had an area near the stomach that turned out to be a gastreo thing. Then the PET after tx showed fluid at the bottom of one of his lungs...which is common regardless of whether you had cancer or not.

    I know the first response is to worry...that's only human. But, rest assured that those uptakes can be so many other things non-related to cancer. 

    I also wanted to note that I never saw that nasopharangeal cancer was related to the HPV disease....found that interesting with all my research I never fell upon that information. May I ask where you got that information?

    I'm sure your follow up with the doctor will have the uptake justified. Prayers for peace until then.

     

    ~C

     

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