PET Scan

kerry
kerry Member Posts: 1,313 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Well, I had my PET scan this past Wednesday and spoke with my onc. just a few minutes ago. My results showed several abnormalities in my abdomen, my chest and enlarged lymph nodes. Great news, huh?

My onc. is questioning the scan, because my CT scan came out showing NO abnormalities. Has anyone had this happen to them?

Right now, I must admit that I am sick to my stomach, my hands are shaking and knees are weak. No one is here with me and I guess this is the first place I have to turn to. Thanks for listening.

My doctor is supposed to call me back soon after he talks to the PET scan people. I just don't know what to do right now - I don't want to cry.

Kerry

Comments

  • deneenb
    deneenb Member Posts: 130
    #2
    Kerry,

    If your Doctor is questioning the scan I would try not to get upset and panic yet. The fact that he is questioning them is an indication that he has reason to believe that the results may not be reliable. I know it's easier said than done, but don't imagine the worst. It may turn out to be nothing and even if the abnormalities turn out to be something, that something isn't necessarily untreatable. My Dad's scan in August showed 2 spots on the liver and his scan in October showed no spots on the liver. As I have read on this board before, "this is just a bump in the road". You will get past this. Do you have a friend that you can call to take your mind off things until you hear from your Doctor ? Did he say he would call you back today? Hang in there. We are all here for you.

    Best Wishes,
    Deneen
  • kerry
    kerry Member Posts: 1,313 Member
    #3
    deneenb said:

    Kerry,

    If your Doctor is questioning the scan I would try not to get upset and panic yet. The fact that he is questioning them is an indication that he has reason to believe that the results may not be reliable. I know it's easier said than done, but don't imagine the worst. It may turn out to be nothing and even if the abnormalities turn out to be something, that something isn't necessarily untreatable. My Dad's scan in August showed 2 spots on the liver and his scan in October showed no spots on the liver. As I have read on this board before, "this is just a bump in the road". You will get past this. Do you have a friend that you can call to take your mind off things until you hear from your Doctor ? Did he say he would call you back today? Hang in there. We are all here for you.

    Best Wishes,
    Deneen

    Thanks Deneen,

    I just returned from the doctor's office where he did a biopsy of a lymph node in my neck. He rechecked with the radiologist and it looks like it is something to do with my lymph nodes - my organs are clear, but several lymph nodes lit up in the PET scan. I will get the results on Monday afternoon and it could either be the colon cancer recurring or lymphoma.

    Not a good day for me. I just called a friend and she is coming down right now to see me.

    Thanks for all the good thoughts.

    Kerry
  • kangatoo
    kangatoo Member Posts: 2,105 Member
    #4
    kerry said:

    Thanks Deneen,

    I just returned from the doctor's office where he did a biopsy of a lymph node in my neck. He rechecked with the radiologist and it looks like it is something to do with my lymph nodes - my organs are clear, but several lymph nodes lit up in the PET scan. I will get the results on Monday afternoon and it could either be the colon cancer recurring or lymphoma.

    Not a good day for me. I just called a friend and she is coming down right now to see me.

    Thanks for all the good thoughts.

    Kerry

    Hiya Kerry, hey, wouldn't be the first time they were wrong sweetie. I sure can understand the feeling tho. Nothing worse than getting that horrid sick feeling 'til you know all the details.
    Thinking of you Kerry--try to keep your chin up sweetie,
    luv n huggs, kanga n Jen
  • Moesimo
    Moesimo Member Posts: 1,072 Member
    #5
    Kerry, Hang in there. I know it is easier said than done. I will keep you in my prayers.
    Maureen
  • jsabol
    jsabol Member Posts: 1,145 Member
    #6
    Hi Kerry,
    Hang in there until they figure out the meaning of the findings. You are in my prayers.
    Judy
  • lindamarie53
    lindamarie53 Member Posts: 16
    #7
    Kerry,

    I got PET scan results yesterday and am having very similar feelings. Mine (done in combination with CT scan) showed lymph nodes in my neck, abdominal area and something on the dome of my liver. I had one done about 6 months ago showing the same results--and at that time I had been expecting to be NED. I've been doing chemo and Avastin and Erbitux and taking supplements, but who knows if it is working or not making any difference. It's frustrating beyond belief! I'm also feeling very alone and shakey. I've been fighting this disease off for two and a half years so far and still keep hoping that I will be able to get rid of it and move ahead with my life.

    I often wish that those of us who are going through this alone--that is without a constant companion--could at least be there for each other. I fantasize about living in a setting where companionship, help and support are there when you need it--without having to ask for it, drive to it, or schedule appointments for it. As I read your posting, I wish I could at least be there to give you a hug and keep you company.

    Linda
  • lindamarie53
    lindamarie53 Member Posts: 16
    #8
    Kerry, I forgot to mention that it is good to know that your CT didn't show anything. Mine did. Linda
  • Kanort
    Kanort Member Posts: 1,272 Member
    #9
    Dear Kerry,

    I'm sorry for not posting sooner, but my mother was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday with chest pains. One of her bypass grafts failed and she had to have a stent put in.

    I was thinking of you yesterday because I knew that you would have heard from your PET scan by now. I'm am so very sorry to hear that they are checking for a recurrance or for lymphoma. I do know that lymph nodes can light up when only an infection is the cause. I pray that is the case for you.

    The waiting is awful, and it seems that a weekend is usually involved in the mix. Please know that you are in my heart and in my prayers.

    Thinking of you,

    Kay
  • 2bhealed
    2bhealed Member Posts: 2,064 Member
    #10
    (((((((KERRY)))))))))

    I am so sorry honey that you are going through this.

    A year ago May I had a spot show up in CT and PET. It was right at the original site. I was so bummed but not defeated. Turned out it was an ovarian cyst that was confirmed with an ultrasound and followed up on. The fear and dread that settled on my spirit fot those few days is part of this colon cancer journey that follows us. I resent that.

    So I understand the fear you may be experiencing that makes you sick to your stomach.

    So without wanting to pass along wimpy platitudes of everything will be ok, and don't worry, you're fine....I just say HANG IN THERE!

    I am glad there is this place to share our struggles. Know we are here for you.

    As for the limioted knowledge I know of lymphs they clean out infections and maybe they are just doing their job right now. Maybe your body is fighting something that you don't even know it's fighting. Especially since the CT scan showed nothing. Let's just hope so, eh?

    You are in my prayers. Keep us posted.

    peace, emily who is hoping for the best
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #11
    I am late in responding, and you may already have more information. As most of us know all too well, waiting for test results/discussion is one of the hardest things any of us face. I am so glad we have each other, as well as our other friends/networks, to help us through that. I'm 19 mos post-surgery. Being followed up by both my surgeon and my oncologist. They get along ok, but they also have differences of opinion re: the value of various follow-up tests. For what it is worth, my surgeon is opposed to me having PET as a routine follow-up because of its HIGH FALSE POSITIVE RATE (i.e. may suggest mets or malignancies where none really exist). If you don't have further information at this stage, I hope this might offer you some comfort.

    Also: I had an enlarged lymph node in my groin, at some stage shortly after my diagnosis. It concerned me, and I had it removed -- turned out to be fine. Those lymph nodes are sometimes on "high alert".

    Thinking of you during this difficult Waiting Game.

    Tara
  • Lisa Rose
    Lisa Rose Member Posts: 598 Member
    #12
    taraHK said:

    I am late in responding, and you may already have more information. As most of us know all too well, waiting for test results/discussion is one of the hardest things any of us face. I am so glad we have each other, as well as our other friends/networks, to help us through that. I'm 19 mos post-surgery. Being followed up by both my surgeon and my oncologist. They get along ok, but they also have differences of opinion re: the value of various follow-up tests. For what it is worth, my surgeon is opposed to me having PET as a routine follow-up because of its HIGH FALSE POSITIVE RATE (i.e. may suggest mets or malignancies where none really exist). If you don't have further information at this stage, I hope this might offer you some comfort.

    Also: I had an enlarged lymph node in my groin, at some stage shortly after my diagnosis. It concerned me, and I had it removed -- turned out to be fine. Those lymph nodes are sometimes on "high alert".

    Thinking of you during this difficult Waiting Game.

    Tara

    Hey Kerry , I know your feeling a little down now but please check out this " LINK "

    http://www.frithjof.de/blessed/

    Love Semi- Colon,
    Lisa

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