Just when i thought it was safe to walk on the ice...

jcortney
jcortney Member Posts: 503
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Just got back from the MedOnc and the results of my 1 yr post treatment CT was less than stellar.  It seems that a ground glass nodule, that has been present in all of my scans, has increased in size by a millimeter since the last scan three months ago.  Now he could not have been more reassuring that it is probably due to me having the flu and may have aspirated but he is concerned enough to order a PET.  From my perspective I agree with him.  The plan is if it comes back a 1-4 we can not worry about it at all.  if it comes back in the 4-6 range we can watch it closely.  Anything hotter and it needs to come out.

So, while I'm a member of the "don't borrow tomorrow's troubles today" club, I can't say I'm not rattled.

Stay safe and hug your family every day.

Joe

Comments

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #2
    Hard Azz Ice...

    Hard not to get rattled anytime we have a less than expected scan.

    But I'm putting my money on your condition at the time influenced the results, and nothing to be concerned with.

    Thoughts & Prayers...

    John

     

  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #3
    OK, but remember

    That the scans take slices at a set interval, say 1cm.  And they don't align to hit exactly the same spot the next scan you have.  These lesions are shaped like a potato, not  a sphere.  So 1mm change in size, either up or down, is of no meaning whatsoever. The minor change in size generally means they just measured a different diameter of the same potato.   Its fine to get the PET, but really your scan just said "no change."  They followed a lung mass in me for several years.  First it was 2mm, then it was 3mm, then it was 4mm.  But then it was  2mm.  They got disinterested at that  time.

     

    Best to you.

     

    Pat

  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    #4
    Don't be too rattled

    (The real smart guy and I posted almost at the same time)

    A one millimeter change is impossible to diagnose. Where is the nodule? I have 4 of them in the 4mm range in the lungs, no change in four years. Don't waste too much time on rumination with this finding. Here is the way a very smart person explained it to me. Picture a potatoe shaped like a bowling pin. This is your nodule. On one scan the CT slices thru the fat part of the bowling pin and now all of a sudden we have an increase of 1mm. Your last scan you were positioned a hair different and the machine sliced the pin on the slim neck area. A 1mm change is insignificant for that reason. Your result was more unchanged than anything else!

  • jcortney
    jcortney Member Posts: 503
    #5
    And I quote:

    "A ground glass nodule seen within the periphery of the right lower lobe on image 89 has increased in size and density when compared to the prior exam, now measuring 1.6 cm in maximum dimension.  These findings remain indeterminate, and while infectious, inflammatory processes could give this appearance, given the slow interval progression of these findings as well as the enlarging ground glass nodule within the right lower lobe which is also increasing in density, malignancy cannot be excluded.  Consider PET-CT for further evaluation."

    I was pretty sure he said it was a 1mm gain, but I wouldn't be shocked if he might have said 5mm.  I wasn't listening that closely at that point.

     

     

     

     

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #6
    Acknowledged At Last...

    Splinter....

    I'm glad you finally acknolwedged me as the smart guy......

    Oh, hmmm...

    Did you mean that Massey Ferguson tractor drving, Trapper John MD Gardner on here...., LOL.

     

    Hope you are both doing well, and hope to see Pat and his wife again down the road, as well as you of course...

    JG

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #7
    jcortney said:

    And I quote:

    "A ground glass nodule seen within the periphery of the right lower lobe on image 89 has increased in size and density when compared to the prior exam, now measuring 1.6 cm in maximum dimension.  These findings remain indeterminate, and while infectious, inflammatory processes could give this appearance, given the slow interval progression of these findings as well as the enlarging ground glass nodule within the right lower lobe which is also increasing in density, malignancy cannot be excluded.  Consider PET-CT for further evaluation."

    I was pretty sure he said it was a 1mm gain, but I wouldn't be shocked if he might have said 5mm.  I wasn't listening that closely at that point.

     

     

     

     

    Malignancy Cannot be Excluded

    Ahh, the old "malignancy cannot be excluded, consider further evaluation", catch all phrase to cover their butt.....

    I believe that I have seen that more than once...

    Each time leading to a PET, CT, EUS, Colonoscopy once, ummm and if I think hard I can pretty much think of 2 - 3 more follow-ups from that phrase... "consider this that or the other to further rule out this that or the other.

    Of course, what in the hell else are you going to do , other than follow-up...?

    JG

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #8
    scan for safety

    Joe,

    It looks like I am going to side with the brains before me and predict that it is not serious.  Remember  Tim from Idaho, went through something similar and he turned out ok.

    I do feel your angsts, I have had a slight sore throat for the past week and what at one time would generate no concern has me wanting to call my ENT.

    Be safe my friend,

    Matt

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,773 Member
    #9
    voting for no worries

    Hey Joe,

    Easy to say not being in your position but 1mm does seem pretty inconclusive. I think it is hard to draw any conclusion from such a small measurement. Live on until the next routine check. Best to you, don

  • jcortney
    jcortney Member Posts: 503
    #10
    Talked to my MedOnc last night

    He's a great guy (and doc) and has become almost a buddy.  Anyway we texted last night and he basically told me I'd be stupid not to take the PET.  His point I believe was well taken, if it's nothing, great.  If it's something, get it out now while it's curable.  Hard to argue with that logic when it's just a bit more radiation and a copay.

    I'm reasonably sure I am aspirating.  I was laying in bed last night having a coughing fit from mucous flowing down my throat from this freakin' flu.  There's almost no way I wasn't taking some of that in. So, to my mind an infection is very likely.

    More to come.

  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #11
    praying for a good outcome

    praying for a good outcome and comfort unti you get results

     

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #12
    joe, praying that's its

    joe, praying that's its nothing and glad you're getting the PET.  try not to worry, i know easier said than done.  let us know the results.

    God bless you,

    dj

  • j4mie
    j4mie Member Posts: 218
    #13
    Sending prayers...

    I side with the smart ones before me Wink Most likely nothing, but please keep us posted! I'll keep you in my prayers until we hear from you.

    Jamie

  • hawk711
    hawk711 Member Posts: 566
    #14
    j4mie said:

    Sending prayers...

    I side with the smart ones before me Wink Most likely nothing, but please keep us posted! I'll keep you in my prayers until we hear from you.

    Jamie

    Hey Joe Cort

    I always am anxious at any changes in the body, but I don't always trust a guy looking at CT or Xrays, or other exam and giving his opinion on your condition.  Like John says, they all cover their butts by saying better check further.  I have had a couple PET scares and they came out o.k.    I'm with you to go forward, but don't let it rule your life.  As I always says "it ain't a problem till it's a problem".   So enjoy life and each day until it's a real problem.

    Best Regards

    Steve

  • Duggie88
    Duggie88 Member Posts: 760 Member
    #15
    Hi Joe

    I'm sure if he thought it was the enemy he would have went with the PET right away. I am banking with John (he has more money than me)

    PET = NED

          Jeff

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #16
    Duggie88 said:

    Hi Joe

    I'm sure if he thought it was the enemy he would have went with the PET right away. I am banking with John (he has more money than me)

    PET = NED

          Jeff

    Joe

    Prayers for a clean PET

  • cureitall66
    cureitall66 Member Posts: 913
    #17
    Hard not to think the worst...

     

    It's hard not to think the worst because we've been down that road of fear.  I'm betting that this is related to your flu sickness..stay calm and count your blessings for having a proactive doctor. Soon you will be at ease.

    Prayers and thoughts for you,

    ~C

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