Help me make sense of this please

Growth
Valerie,

I have been watching 2 spots on my lungs for 2 years. We're waiting to see if they grow because they are too small to biopsy. It makes sense that it could be the same with the liver. Biopsy also carries the risk of seeding. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion if you aren't comfortable with what you're hearing. The more docs involved the more options you have. Go with your gut - trust yourself.

Keep us updated,

Kimby

KathiM said:

I have had 3 'spots' found at original dx....
over 5 years ago...lol...

all CT scans 'see' them, but since they were checked out at the beginning, and the size, etc noted, as long as nothing changes, which it hasn't, there is no concern...

I know waiting is the hardest thing...and thinking gets you to scary places...

I'm sending hugs and hopes that this is nothing!!!

Hugs, Kathi

Its all about National Guidelines.....
and the guidelines are subjected to every Dr to go by as far as how many scans etc...it sucks, but I think thats most likely his reasoning for not scanning...But however, I did have a talk with my Onc my last checkup (2 weeks ago) and he told me that CEA levels were a good indicator for me and when I asked about lungs liver etc he said that CEA levels were not used for the detection of breast cancer or other cancers or problems...The variable tests shows activity in areas that are tested during blood draws, one of them being the alkaline Phosphatase...you have to know that it is high when the bone growth is at its peak in both adults and children , especially around puberty. He informed me that unless it was a real high spike that there wasn't any real need to scan. But those tests are also other baselines to watch during checkups and treatments to catch anything that may be getting out of kilter...

This was googled...take it with a grain of salt...it shows various reasons for elevated enzyme levels....remember I said various, not one so don't dwell on one, there are many many reasons why it might elevate...

Alkaline Phosphatase
An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test measures the amount of the enzyme ALP in the blood. ALP is made mostly in the liver and in bone with some made in the intestines and kidneys. It also is made by the placenta of a pregnant woman.

The liver makes more ALP than the other organs or the bones. Some conditions cause large amounts of ALP in the blood. These conditions include rapid bone growth (during puberty), bone disease (osteomalacia or Paget's disease), or a disease that affects how much calcium is in the blood (hyperparathyroidism), or damaged liver cells.

If the ALP level is high, more tests may be done to find the cause.

Why It Is Done
A test for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is done to:

Check for liver disease or damage to the liver. Symptoms of liver disease can include jaundice, belly pain, nausea, and vomiting. An ALP test may also be used to check the liver when medicines that can damage the liver are taken.
Check bone problems (sometimes found on X-rays), such as rickets, osteomalacia, bone tumors, Paget's disease, or too much of the hormone that controls bone growth (parathyroid hormone). The ALP level can be used to check how well treatment for Paget's disease is working.

vchildbeloved said:

Thanks Kimby. So 2 years?
Thanks Kimby. So 2 years? In that time there's been no growth? I've been with this medical staff since 4/08. I don't know why I'm now questioning them so. The thought of anything there with the potential to grow and cause me more harm is a very uncomfortable thought. How do you go about getting a second opinion?

Thanks again, Valerie

2nd Opinion
Valerie,

I got a second opinion by calling a cancer center that I respected. I had an appointment within 2 weeks and ended up moving to that onc because I was so impressed. Just pick some places and start callling, simple as that.

Good Luck,

Kimby