CAt scan results 3 months after SBRT
i went to the patient portal and got my CAT scan report from 1/2/15. It said that the right paratracheal node measures 1.7 X 1.2 which previouslymeasured 3.4 X 2.7. My previous report said the node was 4.1 X 3.6. What great results from the SBRT. However it also said" in the right upper lobe with volume loss suggestive of radiation pneumonitis. " So that explains the prolonged cough. I also have wheezing when I lay on my right side.
I will call the radiation onocologist tomorrow to see what he recommends. It looks like the treatment is steroids to reduce the inflammation.
I cannot not get my lab report on the portal until 1/6. I expect that it will drop some more. I go to the gyn/ ono on the 13 th, but don't think he will address the radiation pneumonitis.
Pinky I already take Prilosec and sleep with an extra pillow. Thank you for the suggestion though.
I am so happy to have a reduction in the size of the lymph node. Now if I can just get the cough resolved. I will keep you updated on what I find out. Helen I hope your MRI gives you good results too. In peace and caring.
Comments
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So pleased for you, Ro
So pleased for you, Ro. What a fabulous start to 2015. That's a really good level of shrinkage and I think that radiotherapy can work for 6 months after the treatment ends, so it could get even smaller over time. At least you have a potential reason for the cough. It must be really annoying now, having gone on for so long, so I hope they can suggest some treatment to relieve it.
Thanks for your good wishes - I am hoping for similar results. We pathfinders must stick together and lead the way!
Kindest wishes
Helen xx0 -
So happy to hear this and so
So happy to hear this and so happy for you, Ro!
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Thanks for the good wishes, I appreciate themKaleena said:Good news on the node
Ro:
Good news with regard to the node. I hope you can get that pneumonia taken care of quickly and that your coughing subsides. Please keep us updated (as you usually do!) Sending you hugs!
Kathy
I called the radiation onocologist today and e- mailed the CAT scan results to them. I told her I still had my cough and had wheezing on the right side. I told her that I was still taking cough pills and codiene cough syrup. I asked her if there was anything else I could take. The nurse said she would talk to the doctor and get back to me. She said the doctor would probably order some prednisone. Unfortunately she did not call back until 5:30, and the doctor did not have clinic today, so she will talk to him tomorrow.
Kathy what I have is radiation pneumonitis ( inflammation of the lung), not pneumonia. That's why they order steroids to reduce the inflammation. The nurse asked if I had any shortness of breath, or fever. I do not have either Just the cough.
I did get my CA-125 today. My last reading was 508. The new reading is 607. That was disappointing. I was hoping for another drop in the number. Maybe the inflammation in the lungs caused the increase, although I think the irritation was probably worse before.
So I wait another day and hope I get some relief from my coughing tomorrow. I hope she calls in a prescription early tomorrow. Thanks again for the thoughts and prayers.
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Sorry about the misprint, Ro,Ro10 said:Thanks for the good wishes, I appreciate them
I called the radiation onocologist today and e- mailed the CAT scan results to them. I told her I still had my cough and had wheezing on the right side. I told her that I was still taking cough pills and codiene cough syrup. I asked her if there was anything else I could take. The nurse said she would talk to the doctor and get back to me. She said the doctor would probably order some prednisone. Unfortunately she did not call back until 5:30, and the doctor did not have clinic today, so she will talk to him tomorrow.
Kathy what I have is radiation pneumonitis ( inflammation of the lung), not pneumonia. That's why they order steroids to reduce the inflammation. The nurse asked if I had any shortness of breath, or fever. I do not have either Just the cough.
I did get my CA-125 today. My last reading was 508. The new reading is 607. That was disappointing. I was hoping for another drop in the number. Maybe the inflammation in the lungs caused the increase, although I think the irritation was probably worse before.
So I wait another day and hope I get some relief from my coughing tomorrow. I hope she calls in a prescription early tomorrow. Thanks again for the thoughts and prayers.
Sorry about the misprint, Ro, as I was typing and just shortened it, but they are definitely two different things and I should have clarified that. Either way, I want it to go away for you. Glad you do not have a fever. I hope you get your answers and much needed relief from that cough!
My best to you.
Kathy
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A couple of frustrating daysKaleena said:Sorry about the misprint, Ro,
Sorry about the misprint, Ro, as I was typing and just shortened it, but they are definitely two different things and I should have clarified that. Either way, I want it to go away for you. Glad you do not have a fever. I hope you get your answers and much needed relief from that cough!
My best to you.
Kathy
I have had several conversations with the nurse of the radiation onocologist. The doctor read the report and was more concerned about a para aortic lymph node that increased in size than he was about the radiation pnuemonitis. She wanted to know if my onocologist in Illinois would be addressing this. I told her I was in Florida and will be seeing my Florida doctor on Tuesday.
The nurse called me back in the afternoon and said the doctor wanted to see the actual CAT scan disc. He said the report did not definetly say it was " radiation pneumonitis". The treatment would be high doses of prednisone, and he was reluctant to order that. I emphasized my frequent coughing and wheezing when I lay on my right side. She said she understood, but could not do anything about it.
The nurse told me to have the doctor here in Florida handle the CAT scan Report. I told her he would not handle the pneumonitis. She said he won't. And I said NO he would not . I did not say he is a Gyn/ono. When I had my pulmonary embolism which was caused by Cancer he referred me to the ambultory clinic and said another doctor should handle the medicine for it. I asked for an antibiotic for a sinus infection and he did not want to order an antibiotic for me. He finally did since itwas a Thursday and I had chemo all day Thursday and Friday, and would not be able to see the primary care until Monday.
She said she would try to have the CAT scan Fed exed to them and get back to me. She said some facilities do not always want to do that. I have not heard from her today, so I don't know if she was able to obtain the CAT scan or not.
Last night I had another severe coughing spell after I had already taken my cough pill ( Tessalon) and my codiene cough syrup. After a couple of cough drops it subsided.
I decided I would contact my onocologist in Illinois and see if he will order anything. I tried to e- mail the report using the patient portal, but couldn't do it. So I called his office for an e- mail address, but he is out of the office today! If he won't do anything, I'll call my primary. I would just like some relief from this coughing.
Sorry for the long post. I am just very frustrated.
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FrustratedRo10 said:A couple of frustrating days
I have had several conversations with the nurse of the radiation onocologist. The doctor read the report and was more concerned about a para aortic lymph node that increased in size than he was about the radiation pnuemonitis. She wanted to know if my onocologist in Illinois would be addressing this. I told her I was in Florida and will be seeing my Florida doctor on Tuesday.
The nurse called me back in the afternoon and said the doctor wanted to see the actual CAT scan disc. He said the report did not definetly say it was " radiation pneumonitis". The treatment would be high doses of prednisone, and he was reluctant to order that. I emphasized my frequent coughing and wheezing when I lay on my right side. She said she understood, but could not do anything about it.
The nurse told me to have the doctor here in Florida handle the CAT scan Report. I told her he would not handle the pneumonitis. She said he won't. And I said NO he would not . I did not say he is a Gyn/ono. When I had my pulmonary embolism which was caused by Cancer he referred me to the ambultory clinic and said another doctor should handle the medicine for it. I asked for an antibiotic for a sinus infection and he did not want to order an antibiotic for me. He finally did since itwas a Thursday and I had chemo all day Thursday and Friday, and would not be able to see the primary care until Monday.
She said she would try to have the CAT scan Fed exed to them and get back to me. She said some facilities do not always want to do that. I have not heard from her today, so I don't know if she was able to obtain the CAT scan or not.
Last night I had another severe coughing spell after I had already taken my cough pill ( Tessalon) and my codiene cough syrup. After a couple of cough drops it subsided.
I decided I would contact my onocologist in Illinois and see if he will order anything. I tried to e- mail the report using the patient portal, but couldn't do it. So I called his office for an e- mail address, but he is out of the office today! If he won't do anything, I'll call my primary. I would just like some relief from this coughing.
Sorry for the long post. I am just very frustrated.
And who wouldn't be. Geesh! Coughing is so exhausting and poor sleep must really be getting to you.
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I'm frustrated for you, Ro.ConnieSW said:Frustrated
And who wouldn't be. Geesh! Coughing is so exhausting and poor sleep must really be getting to you.
I have been so surprised by how many things our oncologists WON'T do. My gyn onc told me back in 2010 that they pass us off like a baton. They are all focused only on the area they're focused on and nothing else, it seems. Your pneumonitis may have been caused by treatments for cancer, but it's not cancer (thank goodness). It may depend on how large a practice you're being seen in, but if a group has an oncologist, they probably have other subspecialists for another body part.
Gads, I hope you get to the bottom of this. Must be very anxiety producing. Hope tomorrow is a better day and you hear first thing in the a.m. When I get up on this coast and check my messages, I hope to see that someone is looking after you.
Suzanne
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You've been through so much, RoRo10 said:A couple of frustrating days
I have had several conversations with the nurse of the radiation onocologist. The doctor read the report and was more concerned about a para aortic lymph node that increased in size than he was about the radiation pnuemonitis. She wanted to know if my onocologist in Illinois would be addressing this. I told her I was in Florida and will be seeing my Florida doctor on Tuesday.
The nurse called me back in the afternoon and said the doctor wanted to see the actual CAT scan disc. He said the report did not definetly say it was " radiation pneumonitis". The treatment would be high doses of prednisone, and he was reluctant to order that. I emphasized my frequent coughing and wheezing when I lay on my right side. She said she understood, but could not do anything about it.
The nurse told me to have the doctor here in Florida handle the CAT scan Report. I told her he would not handle the pneumonitis. She said he won't. And I said NO he would not . I did not say he is a Gyn/ono. When I had my pulmonary embolism which was caused by Cancer he referred me to the ambultory clinic and said another doctor should handle the medicine for it. I asked for an antibiotic for a sinus infection and he did not want to order an antibiotic for me. He finally did since itwas a Thursday and I had chemo all day Thursday and Friday, and would not be able to see the primary care until Monday.
She said she would try to have the CAT scan Fed exed to them and get back to me. She said some facilities do not always want to do that. I have not heard from her today, so I don't know if she was able to obtain the CAT scan or not.
Last night I had another severe coughing spell after I had already taken my cough pill ( Tessalon) and my codiene cough syrup. After a couple of cough drops it subsided.
I decided I would contact my onocologist in Illinois and see if he will order anything. I tried to e- mail the report using the patient portal, but couldn't do it. So I called his office for an e- mail address, but he is out of the office today! If he won't do anything, I'll call my primary. I would just like some relief from this coughing.
Sorry for the long post. I am just very frustrated.
Ro,
I am so sorry to hear about your frustrating experience in getting appropriate medical Tx for your pneumonitis and the rise in your Ca-125, as well as the concern over your para-aortic lymph node. Sometimes it seems that when it rains it pours, but I am hopeful that all of your concerns will be addressed with successful medical care. You are in my prayers, Ro. Please keep us posted.
Warm Wishes,
Cathy
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Hugs to youRo10 said:A couple of frustrating days
I have had several conversations with the nurse of the radiation onocologist. The doctor read the report and was more concerned about a para aortic lymph node that increased in size than he was about the radiation pnuemonitis. She wanted to know if my onocologist in Illinois would be addressing this. I told her I was in Florida and will be seeing my Florida doctor on Tuesday.
The nurse called me back in the afternoon and said the doctor wanted to see the actual CAT scan disc. He said the report did not definetly say it was " radiation pneumonitis". The treatment would be high doses of prednisone, and he was reluctant to order that. I emphasized my frequent coughing and wheezing when I lay on my right side. She said she understood, but could not do anything about it.
The nurse told me to have the doctor here in Florida handle the CAT scan Report. I told her he would not handle the pneumonitis. She said he won't. And I said NO he would not . I did not say he is a Gyn/ono. When I had my pulmonary embolism which was caused by Cancer he referred me to the ambultory clinic and said another doctor should handle the medicine for it. I asked for an antibiotic for a sinus infection and he did not want to order an antibiotic for me. He finally did since itwas a Thursday and I had chemo all day Thursday and Friday, and would not be able to see the primary care until Monday.
She said she would try to have the CAT scan Fed exed to them and get back to me. She said some facilities do not always want to do that. I have not heard from her today, so I don't know if she was able to obtain the CAT scan or not.
Last night I had another severe coughing spell after I had already taken my cough pill ( Tessalon) and my codiene cough syrup. After a couple of cough drops it subsided.
I decided I would contact my onocologist in Illinois and see if he will order anything. I tried to e- mail the report using the patient portal, but couldn't do it. So I called his office for an e- mail address, but he is out of the office today! If he won't do anything, I'll call my primary. I would just like some relief from this coughing.
Sorry for the long post. I am just very frustrated.
So sorry to read about your latest news. Keeping you in my prayers and sending hugs. Anne
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I was happy to read
the comments of the decrease in size but am disappointed at the other issues you are dealing with. I pray that you will finally get resolution on your coughing. You help us keep our chins up, we're encouraging you to keep your chin up.
You are such a trooper.
Jeanette
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Grrrh!Ro10 said:A couple of frustrating days
I have had several conversations with the nurse of the radiation onocologist. The doctor read the report and was more concerned about a para aortic lymph node that increased in size than he was about the radiation pnuemonitis. She wanted to know if my onocologist in Illinois would be addressing this. I told her I was in Florida and will be seeing my Florida doctor on Tuesday.
The nurse called me back in the afternoon and said the doctor wanted to see the actual CAT scan disc. He said the report did not definetly say it was " radiation pneumonitis". The treatment would be high doses of prednisone, and he was reluctant to order that. I emphasized my frequent coughing and wheezing when I lay on my right side. She said she understood, but could not do anything about it.
The nurse told me to have the doctor here in Florida handle the CAT scan Report. I told her he would not handle the pneumonitis. She said he won't. And I said NO he would not . I did not say he is a Gyn/ono. When I had my pulmonary embolism which was caused by Cancer he referred me to the ambultory clinic and said another doctor should handle the medicine for it. I asked for an antibiotic for a sinus infection and he did not want to order an antibiotic for me. He finally did since itwas a Thursday and I had chemo all day Thursday and Friday, and would not be able to see the primary care until Monday.
She said she would try to have the CAT scan Fed exed to them and get back to me. She said some facilities do not always want to do that. I have not heard from her today, so I don't know if she was able to obtain the CAT scan or not.
Last night I had another severe coughing spell after I had already taken my cough pill ( Tessalon) and my codiene cough syrup. After a couple of cough drops it subsided.
I decided I would contact my onocologist in Illinois and see if he will order anything. I tried to e- mail the report using the patient portal, but couldn't do it. So I called his office for an e- mail address, but he is out of the office today! If he won't do anything, I'll call my primary. I would just like some relief from this coughing.
Sorry for the long post. I am just very frustrated.
Oh Ro - so many issues and, as yet, no solutions - you must feel like you are playing "pass the parcel" at the moment. I do hope you are able to get someone to help you with that cough - it must be getting you down now.
As far as the slight raise in CA 125 - I wouldn't worry too much about that for now (easier said than done, I know!). If there is inflammation in/around the lung, then that could explain the rise. If you can, it may be better to try to "park" it and wait for the next test to see if it is trending upwards or not.
I hope and pray that you can get some relief from the cough (and someone in the medical profession to deal with it instead of passing it on!).
Kindest wishes
Helen xx0 -
Finally am getting some new medicine for my coughHellieC said:Grrrh!
Oh Ro - so many issues and, as yet, no solutions - you must feel like you are playing "pass the parcel" at the moment. I do hope you are able to get someone to help you with that cough - it must be getting you down now.
As far as the slight raise in CA 125 - I wouldn't worry too much about that for now (easier said than done, I know!). If there is inflammation in/around the lung, then that could explain the rise. If you can, it may be better to try to "park" it and wait for the next test to see if it is trending upwards or not.
I hope and pray that you can get some relief from the cough (and someone in the medical profession to deal with it instead of passing it on!).
Kindest wishes
Helen xxMy medical onocologist in Illinois is ordering a " medrol - dose pack" for my cough. You take decreasing doses of the steroid each day. I sure hope it works. Last night I coughed from 2 to 6:00 Am. Not fun. Naturally my husband did not sleep either. I took my cough pill and codiene cough syrup about 10:30. I have not heard anything from the radiation onocologist.
I am not worried about the increase in my CA-125. For me that is a minimal rise. I was just disappointed it did not drop some more. I go to the doctor on Tuesday to see what he has to say.
I am just wanting this cough to go away. Maybe it will now. Thanks for all your comments. In peace and caring.
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Ro, so sorryRo10 said:Finally am getting some new medicine for my cough
My medical onocologist in Illinois is ordering a " medrol - dose pack" for my cough. You take decreasing doses of the steroid each day. I sure hope it works. Last night I coughed from 2 to 6:00 Am. Not fun. Naturally my husband did not sleep either. I took my cough pill and codiene cough syrup about 10:30. I have not heard anything from the radiation onocologist.
I am not worried about the increase in my CA-125. For me that is a minimal rise. I was just disappointed it did not drop some more. I go to the doctor on Tuesday to see what he has to say.
I am just wanting this cough to go away. Maybe it will now. Thanks for all your comments. In peace and caring.
Ro, I'm so sorry to hear about your pneumonitis and your terrible cough, it's so good your Illinois dr to help you out. Hopefully the Medrol pack will do the trick.
i too am still having problems with my digestion problems, I take a drug that I get from Canada called Domperidone which helps the stomach to stimulate the nerves move the food out of the stomach, all this from the chemo I received in 2012, it's one of the side effects, it damaged the lining and mucosa in my stomach.. It didn't happen right away, when stress was added to my life, it caused my stomach to produce a aboundance of acid, causing severe gastritis. I was on for 7 months, it's stronger than Plilosec. We don't releive all the bad side effects from chemo and radiation right away.
i hope you get some relief from that cough, and start enjoying your time at your winter home in Florida. Enjoy the warm sunny weather, cause this cold weather here is very depressing.
I'm still unable to travel to Florida with my condition as it is now.
please keep us posted,
love and caring, Irene
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Thinking of You
You don't need the frustration. Take it a day at a time. Wishing you the best.
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