PET results - Mets to liver, and a worrisome spot in the rectum - UPDATE April 17th

I've heard about the Cemitidine also although I didn't know the name of it until Laz said it.  I wish I had taken it before my surgery.  I'm not sure why it's not encouraged by more doctors.  How do they confirm what you're seeing is actually cancer?  I have some "lumps" just under my skin that I have to have checked out but my doctor said they can be a virus which is not uncommon after radiation and chemo so I'm betting on that.  I'll go on Thursday.  Is it possible the rectal scan could be something like that, a virus or a cyst? Let's see what happens with the colonoscopy.  And hopefully the liver will turn out to be nothing as well.  Gotta keep hope going until you actually have confirmation.  I'll be thinking about you this week.

Trubrit said:

Expensive and painful way to find out

I guess having a liver resection is an expensive and somewhat painful way to find out if its cancer or not.  But, the Doctor said the spot 'lit up' on the PET scan, plus my CEA jumped from .5 to 10.9 and then quickly to 19.6. Something is going on, for sure.

My GI Doctor thinks that the spot that looked 'Worrisome' in the rectum is probably the radiation damage he saw during my January Colonoscopy. So instead of another Colonoscopy, I will have a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy.

I got a call from the hospital this morning telling me that the Flexi Sig procedure costs $29,450.00   Insurance will pick up some of it and I need to come up with $8,000 (thank the Lord for The Credit Card).  I'm really hoping that the insurance will cover 100% of my Liver Resection. I need to give them a call.  

Ah well! Of we jolly well go (said in my best English accent). 

Hey Sue,

I am so very sorry to hear of your recurrence, it truly hurt my heart to think that you’re back in the fight so soon.  I wish you well on your upcoming operation, and I’m sure that you’ll do just fine and it will be all over before you know it. 

All my best,

Cynthia

Trubrit said:

Expensive and painful way to find out

I guess having a liver resection is an expensive and somewhat painful way to find out if its cancer or not.  But, the Doctor said the spot 'lit up' on the PET scan, plus my CEA jumped from .5 to 10.9 and then quickly to 19.6. Something is going on, for sure.

My GI Doctor thinks that the spot that looked 'Worrisome' in the rectum is probably the radiation damage he saw during my January Colonoscopy. So instead of another Colonoscopy, I will have a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy.

I got a call from the hospital this morning telling me that the Flexi Sig procedure costs $29,450.00   Insurance will pick up some of it and I need to come up with $8,000 (thank the Lord for The Credit Card).  I'm really hoping that the insurance will cover 100% of my Liver Resection. I need to give them a call.  

Ah well! Of we jolly well go (said in my best English accent). 

Can't believe a flex sig would cost that much.  Last mine was around 2,000 and mine is all out of pocket so I'm responsible for the whole thing.  Guess I'd get a second opinion on an amount because that just seems too high.  I'm paying for my colonoscopy this year and it's going to be about $2,500.  My deductible is so high so I'm responsible for the first $7,000.  Maybe there is another hospital that you can go too. 

Kim

Trubrit said:

Going to check it out

Living in rural Nevada, I know the hospitals hike their prices, but compared to what you quote, and what I've been reading on the web, $29,000 is far beyond the exreme. I ended up paying up front, almost $3,200.

Even if this included hospital fee, sedation (which I won't be getting as it never works) and Doctor's fees, it really shouldn't get anywhere close to that price. 

I don't want to cancel, as my Oncologist wants to get on with the liver resection, but he wants me to get the spot in the rectum checked out first. Living in the rurals really has its drawbacks. 

I will definitely be asking for a breakdown of the fee. It is truly ridiculous. 

UPDATE - I called the hospital, but of course, its a weekend and nobody was available.  My procedure is Monday, and I will probably go ahead with it, but you can bet I will be making waves about the price. 

...test like that should not be more than $3000. Come on! It's a test that takes a half an hour.

Please, double check! I wish you the best possible outcome.

Laz

Be strong Trubrit.   Sending best thoughts your way!  My liver rx was last month.   Walk as much as you can after surgery.  It helps.