Recent CT Report after 2nd anal mets

eihtak
eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
in Anal Cancer #1

Hi,

I met with my oncologist today to go over yesterdays scan that was 6 months post radiation for my second anal mets to my lung area. I've had an annoying chronic cough for several months now and pretty much figured that meant one of two things...either another growth on or near the lung (as that is often the only symptom), or a long term side effect from my most recent radiation to the hilum (air way connecting valves to the lung where my tumor was)...and although puts additional stress on the whole pulmonary system, the lesser of 2 eveils!

I am so happy to say that my scan which was chest, abdomen, and pelvis, came back great! There are still a couple small areas we're watching that remain unchanged on the lung as well as a suspected cyst on liver and kidney (but they have been there for the past several scans unchanged as well.) The only new finding (and sometimes it is just a matter of a scan being read by a different radiologist than last time) is a trace amount of free fluid present in pelvis. My doctor said we will watch that going forward as well but can be a number of reasons from too much salt, post menopause, past pelvic trauma (which we've all had) to kidney or ovary issues. He is not worried at this time so neither am I.

My white count and platlets were a bit low, but they have been before and I do also have a bit of a cold.

The cough thing he says is just something I'll live with and may relax on its own. Picture scar tissue in your airway, I'm not having any trouble breathing, just this dry random cough that doesn't go away...I'm happy for now to live with that being my biggest problem. Unless something comes up of concern, I will not see my oncologist until I am scanned once again in 6 months! Yay!!!

katheryn

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #2
    katheryn

    I am so, so happy you got such good news on your scan results!  Your doctor is watching all of your issues closely, so that's a good thing, but hopefully, nothing will develop into a problem.  I hope the cough will resolve on its own, as I'm sure it's quite aggravating.  I hope you will enjoy your 6 months off from seeing the oncologist!  Take good care!

  • Wisteria83
    Wisteria83 Member Posts: 160
    #3
    Katheryn

    Sounds like really positive news and I'm really glad for you.  I'm so sorry you've had to go through all of this.  6 months of no worries sounds like a plan!  Just keep doing what you're doing...maybe honey cough drops will help the annoying cough.

    ~Wis

  • ACinNC
    ACinNC Member Posts: 46
    #4

    YaY, Yay, Yay.  With your mets in a precarious location to treat, it's good to know they were able to successfully target it.  I hope you find a resloution to your cough.  I know how annoying and disruptive it is, having lived with a productive cough for many years that no one has figured out.  It limits social interactions because I frequently have to stop talking to cough.

    Best to you,
    BK

  • pializ
    pializ Member Posts: 508 Member
    #5
    Katheryn

    Fantastic news! You are such a trouper and a positive influence to many!  Long may it continue

    Best wishes

    Liz

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #6
    Thank you...

    Thank you all so much. I have to admit (as some of you know as well) living with cancer that has metastasized really ups the "mind game" as much as physical. I was so happy with the report and just kept thinking: I can't wait to share my news with all of you!! You have all been such a great support system over the years and I have come to know you as my virtual family, a family (unlike others who haven't walked in these shoes) who can truly relate to the rollercoaster ride that none of us intended to purchase a ticket for! But, since we're on it, I can't think of better people to ride along with.

    Thank you again, I'm hoping to enjoy my current health and not give worries any more energy than necessary for the time being.

    katheryn

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #7
    katheryn

    I am SO happy for you!

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    edited April 2019 #8
    mp327 said:

    katheryn

    I am SO happy for you!

    Martha...

    Much thanks...I was being a little nostalgic today and went back to read through some posts from when I first came here in 2011. I was not aware of this forum during my initial treatment and then not for about 6 months into recovery. When I did find it, it was such a Godsend to me and back then, just like now, you were quick to respond with encouragement to so many of us. 

    I think it is important to remember how much help one response or comment can make to someone feeling scared or anxious and often alone in this, and it only takes a few minutes to do that! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the minutes upon minutes you give. We really have stumbled into a great family here!

    katheryn

  • PainInTheBum
    PainInTheBum Member Posts: 99 Member
    #9
    Great news!!!

    Great news!!!

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    edited April 2019 #10
    eihtak said:

    Martha...

    Much thanks...I was being a little nostalgic today and went back to read through some posts from when I first came here in 2011. I was not aware of this forum during my initial treatment and then not for about 6 months into recovery. When I did find it, it was such a Godsend to me and back then, just like now, you were quick to respond with encouragement to so many of us. 

    I think it is important to remember how much help one response or comment can make to someone feeling scared or anxious and often alone in this, and it only takes a few minutes to do that! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the minutes upon minutes you give. We really have stumbled into a great family here!

    katheryn

    katheryn

    You are so sweet, my friend!  Thank you for your kind comments.  I would just like to say that YOU have been such a great support to me too.  You are always so supportive--not only to me, but everyone in this group.  I continue to be amazed at your determination and resilliance, and even when you are fighting your own battles, you are here to cheer everyone else on in their fight.  You are right about the importance of staying active in this group, especially for those like you and me who have been here for awhile.  I am not quite as active here as I used to be, perhaps in the way I sometimes respond--short, but always sincere.  Time does get away from me!  But I do check in every day and if I feel I can add something to help someone, I do.  You are a wealth of information.  I'm just sorry that a lot of it has been learned through your own experiences.  But you are obviously a person of great strength and determination--and an inspiration to me and all others here.  I am so happy for your latest good news and I hope that there are no more hiccups for you!  Take good care!  Big virtual hugs to you!

  • Ohmy
    Ohmy Member Posts: 102 Member
    #11
    Katheryn

    Katheryn, .I am so happy everything has gone so well for you.  I have had some really low days, where you fluffed me back up and kept me going.  Here I am two surgeries later, alive and well with no sign of cancer.  My next scan is in August.  I look forward to returning to work in May and having some fun.  I wish you good health and happiness.

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    #12
    Katheryn

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful news! 

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #13
    Thank you...

    Thank you all again, and as I said before this place really has become like family and while I don't like how we got here, so grateful to have the support for each other since we are.

    katheryn

  • annie4145
    annie4145 Member Posts: 218 Member
    #14
    eihtak said:

    Thank you...

    Thank you all again, and as I said before this place really has become like family and while I don't like how we got here, so grateful to have the support for each other since we are.

    katheryn

    I'm glad to hear the good

    I'm glad to hear the good news on your health.  Thank you for all your support on this forum to so many people.  

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