New to this site and slightly worried

Dean54
Dean54 Member Posts: 160 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1

A little background. I just completed treatment for tosil cancer back in late Nov. which I'm still recovering from and had my first PET scan last week to find out if the treatments worked or not.

Good news they did but the bad news a place lit up on my ascending colon with a maximum SUV of 3.3 that had my radiation doctor concerned so they are sending me for a long over due colonoscopy.

I can't get in for a least 3 weeks so I am rather worried especially since my Mother died of colon cancer and I sure don't want to go thru months more of treatments when I haven't even recovered from the last ones.

Has anybody experienced a false positive on a scan like this? On my first scan last Aug. nothing like this showed up.

Comments

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    edited February 2018 #2
    Scans

    My CT scan didn't show the 2.2 cm tumour that was in my liver, but the PET scan did. That of course is not a false positive, and probably no help. I do know PET scans, as horrible as they are, seem to be pretty reliable.  Have you had the blood test, CEA, done? That might be of help, if the numbers are high 

    I did have a false positive blood test, but again, not much help for you. 

    I would definitely push for a closer colonoscopy test. Bug them. Tell them you'll take a cancelation, anything to get in earlier.  But, as far as Cancer is concerned, I don't think three weeks will make too much of a difference unless it is really agressive. 

    Good luck as you move forward.  

    Let us know how you're doing, and we can support you on your way. 

    Tru

  • plsletitrain
    plsletitrain Member Posts: 252 Member
    edited February 2018 #3
    Worries

    I think it is normal for us to worry, especially given our history.  What I would suggest is to hope for the better, but prepare for any bump.  Push for the colonoscopy so everything will be cleared.  I've heard a 3.3 SUV uptake is still considered normal range but I may be wrong.  Definitely get additional tests will sort everything.  Good luck and wishing you good results.

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #4
    Colonoscopy

    Definitely a good thing that you are going in for a colonoscopy especially since you have a family history.  I'm not sure what to tell you about your scan but wishing you well.  As Tru suggested a CEA test could be a place to start but it is not very reliable (especially for me) and therefore cannot be relied on solely, but if it is reliable for you it's a good place to start.  Keep us updated as to how you are doing.  Best of luck.

    Kim

  • Dean54
    Dean54 Member Posts: 160 Member
    #5
    To all who took time to write

    Thanks for the kind words and I guess all I can do is wait it out and hope for the best after the colonoscopy. Just so hoping it does as I sure don't want to go thru cancer treatments again!

  • lizard44
    lizard44 Member Posts: 409 Member
    #6
    Sorry you have to wait

    for the colonoscopy, but glad you have one scheduled, given your  family history.  I've heard that several factors can affect  PET scan readings, which is why the preparation instructions  before receiving the scan  call for a high protein/no carb/no sugar diet the day before and  have you avoid strenuous exercise and to  take nothing by mouth except water  on the day of the exam.  I hope you  get the results you're hoping for from th colonoscopy.

    Grace/lizard44

  • Dean54
    Dean54 Member Posts: 160 Member
    #7
    Just thought I'd follow up on

    Just thought I'd follow up on my original post about the concern I had. I finally had my colonoscopy yesterday and the gastro doc didn't find anything on the ascending colon where the hot-spot was on my PET scan and only one small polyp on my descending colon that he wasn't too concerned about.

    Thanks so much to everybody that took the time to write, I really appreciated it and can now, hopefully have some peace for a while. 

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #8
    Happy Day!

    Thank you for coming back on with your wonderful report. 

    Now off you go, living life to its fullest. This is the one forum where we are happy when people say 'see ya' and go on their merry way. 

    Blessings!

    Tru

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #9
    WooHooo

    Wonderful news and so glad that things are ok.  Time to celebrate and take a deep breath.  Wishing you continued good health.

    Kim

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