Read my PET results.... Please tell me what You think.... I'm Confused

idlehunters
idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I don't get to speak to my Onc. about these results until Tuesday so I thought maybe ya'll could shed some light on these results. My main concern is last week when they did an MRI they found a nodule on my middle right lung. I posted those results earlier in the week. I have been REALLY concerned about this new nodule since I feared it could be a recurrance. However, on the PET/CT it is not even mentioned... why not? Anyway, this is the report.

The low dose CT scan images demonstrate stable to decreasing conspicuity of the bilateral pulmonary nodules representing metastatic disease. The previously evident focal residual radiopharmaceutical uptake within the nodule in the superior segment of the left lower lobe has resolved, compatible with favorable therapeutic response. Heterogeneous low grade increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in bone remains evident, compatible with marrow hyperplasia from NEULASTA administration. This does limit sensitivity for detection of bone metastasis. No suspicious focal radiopharmaceutical uptake in bone can be identified. Given the findings on the recent diagnostic imaging studies, bone scanning is still advised for more complete assessment. There are new foci of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in the trochanteric regions (is that the hips??) bilaterally, left greater than right, suggesting a bursitis. Clinical correlation is advised. Scattered foci of low grade radiopharmaceitical uptake in the subcutaneous fat of the abdomen and gluteal regions is again apparent and presumably represents injection sites. (This is where they gave me all those shots while I was in the hospital. In my tummy to prevent blood clots and pain shots in my butt) Clinical correlation is advised. There is otherwise normal, physiologic uptake of the radiopharmaceutical. Activity in the oral cavity, larynx, breasts, and GI and GU tracts is within the range of normal physiologic variation. No other new areas of abnormal uptake are identified.

The low dose CT scan images again additionally demonstrate a right jugular porta-cath terminating in the SVC. Right hemocolectomy is again evident. T7 compression fracture is noted, new since 11/25/09 but evaluated on more recent MRI exams. No additional significant findings.

OK...Thats it. I sure would appreciate it anyone can translate this so I understand what it all means. Thank you...ahead of time... for helping me on this.

Jennie

Comments

  • dianetavegia
    dianetavegia Member Posts: 1,942 Member
    #2
    I have SOME medical training
    I have SOME medical training and my layman's eyes read 'some stuff shrunk', 'looks like chemo is working' and 'since the neulasta causes XYZ, I'm going to mention the bones just to cover my butt'. It all looks good to ME, Jennie!
  • coloCan
    coloCan Member Posts: 1,944 Member
    #3
    dianetavegia said:

    I have SOME medical training
    I have SOME medical training and my layman's eyes read 'some stuff shrunk', 'looks like chemo is working' and 'since the neulasta causes XYZ, I'm going to mention the bones just to cover my butt'. It all looks good to ME, Jennie!

    It sounds good but I couldn't put it in my own words:
    What little I do think I understand sounds positive but I am no doctor/scientist/expert....Hope it is good news....steve
  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    #4
    Bone Scan...
    Hi Jen

    It sounds like treatments have worked for you. They show your issue with your back and no spreading or new growth. Sounds favorable - who writes this stuff anyway? Glad I don't have to write like that, LOL:)

    Does sound like they recommend a bone scan - known as a HydaScan I believe it's called although spelling might be wrong. What they do there is inject you with another radioactive material and let it course through your body about 90-minutes and then you are ready to scan.

    You lay flat on your back on a table and the scanner passes over you for about an hour, if I recall. The test determines if there is cancer in the bone.

    I have had this test done and it's ok to do. Probably nothing there, but why chance it? Have it done and then relax when the results are negative.

    -Craig
  • idlehunters
    idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
    #5
    Sundanceh said:

    Bone Scan...
    Hi Jen

    It sounds like treatments have worked for you. They show your issue with your back and no spreading or new growth. Sounds favorable - who writes this stuff anyway? Glad I don't have to write like that, LOL:)

    Does sound like they recommend a bone scan - known as a HydaScan I believe it's called although spelling might be wrong. What they do there is inject you with another radioactive material and let it course through your body about 90-minutes and then you are ready to scan.

    You lay flat on your back on a table and the scanner passes over you for about an hour, if I recall. The test determines if there is cancer in the bone.

    I have had this test done and it's ok to do. Probably nothing there, but why chance it? Have it done and then relax when the results are negative.

    -Craig

    QUESTION
    What about nodule shown on MRI in middle right lung....why didn't PET results say anything about that????????????????????????

    Jennie
  • dianetavegia
    dianetavegia Member Posts: 1,942 Member
    #6
    The previously evident focal
    The previously evident focal residual radiopharmaceutical uptake within the nodule in the superior segment of the left lower lobe has resolved, compatible with favorable therapeutic response.

    Previously evident........ what we saw before....... has resolved (healed or disappeared)

    Radiopharmaceuticals is the stuff used in the PET Scan.

    Superior segment is the top portion of the lower (or upper) lobe.

    It's GONE, Jennie!

    Right or left, it isn't there!
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #7
    dianetavegia said:

    The previously evident focal
    The previously evident focal residual radiopharmaceutical uptake within the nodule in the superior segment of the left lower lobe has resolved, compatible with favorable therapeutic response.

    Previously evident........ what we saw before....... has resolved (healed or disappeared)

    Radiopharmaceuticals is the stuff used in the PET Scan.

    Superior segment is the top portion of the lower (or upper) lobe.

    It's GONE, Jennie!

    Right or left, it isn't there!

    What it means to Dr Buzzard................
    IT SOUNDS LIKE IT MAY BE TIME TO DO SOME NEKKID DANCING..............


    That will be 39.95, but I will let ya slide just because its you.......really it sounds great sweetie........
  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #8
    Jennie
    I put my thinking cap on, read your post twice, didn't understand most of it but all in all sounds like a good report to me. Sounds like they want you to get a bone scan. That's all I got, just wanted to say "good job" beating this monster down. Take care - Tina
  • robinvan
    robinvan Member Posts: 1,012
    #9
    Yah! It looks good!
    Something must be working. Must be all that nice pure venison you're eating.

    I think you can look forward to a positive meeting with your onc. Make sure he uses English or American or some language that makes sense!

    BE WELL!!! Rob; in Vancouver
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #10
    Yay
    I'm glad others were able to interpret. *grins* I like that everybody thinks it's good news!

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • thready
    thready Member Posts: 474
    #11
    Yep time to dance
    If I were you I would talk to my Dr and ask about the lung thing on past tests, but your tests say:
    CT scan images demonstrate stable to decreasing conspicuity of the bilateral pulmonary nodules representing metastatic disease. The previously evident focal residual radiopharmaceutical uptake within the nodule in the superior segment of the left lower lobe has resolved, compatible with favorable therapeutic response.
    I think you should ask your dr if you can put a fork in this one and call it DONE.
    I think I hear the band playing, so got to go!
    Jan
  • idlehunters
    idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
    #12
    tootsie1 said:

    Yay
    I'm glad others were able to interpret. *grins* I like that everybody thinks it's good news!

    *hugs*
    Gail

    OMG!!
    OK...before I yelled and screamed and cried I wanted to be sure you all were seeing what I was seeing. My ONLY concern was the MRI report. I knew I had a nonactive tumor left on the left lower lobe. It was there when they said I was in remission in December. It was just not fully dissolved yet. But when that MRI said middle right lung and described it so fully (9mm, noncalcified...and new) well, I thought it was new...cause it ain't in the same place as the old one...BUT, you all are saying it's nothing....right Diane??? GONE...NOT THERE....it only appeared last week....but GONE?????? Why am I having such a hard time believing this FANTASTIC news???????? crap! This means I am STILL in remission?????? Also means then that ALL chemo (xeloda and avastin) will stop in June.... and port out in September.... man...I just ...man... I think I need a pill... LOL. Thanks you guys... love you all!!!

    Jennie
  • snommintj
    snommintj Member Posts: 601
    #13
    thready said:

    Yep time to dance
    If I were you I would talk to my Dr and ask about the lung thing on past tests, but your tests say:
    CT scan images demonstrate stable to decreasing conspicuity of the bilateral pulmonary nodules representing metastatic disease. The previously evident focal residual radiopharmaceutical uptake within the nodule in the superior segment of the left lower lobe has resolved, compatible with favorable therapeutic response.
    I think you should ask your dr if you can put a fork in this one and call it DONE.
    I think I hear the band playing, so got to go!
    Jan

    Maybe something or not
    The PET/CT is a good imagining tool but it's resolution is not the greatest. The very best PET/CT machines image in 5mm increments. I find it hard to believe a PET/CT would miss a 9mm met, unless it is 9mm long and positioned length wise in one of those increments. You definitely need to ask your Dr about a high resolution CT with contrast. That will image your lung much better and give you a definitive answer. Don't worry if it is a met/target. It's only one and in a very workable area for RFA, VATS, or radio surgery. It sounds as if you are responding well and this won't set you back any.
  • idlehunters
    idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
    #14
    snommintj said:

    Maybe something or not
    The PET/CT is a good imagining tool but it's resolution is not the greatest. The very best PET/CT machines image in 5mm increments. I find it hard to believe a PET/CT would miss a 9mm met, unless it is 9mm long and positioned length wise in one of those increments. You definitely need to ask your Dr about a high resolution CT with contrast. That will image your lung much better and give you a definitive answer. Don't worry if it is a met/target. It's only one and in a very workable area for RFA, VATS, or radio surgery. It sounds as if you are responding well and this won't set you back any.

    John
    Actually.... I also had CT with and without contrast on the same day I had MRI. My error...it WAS the CT scan that showed the nodule. The MRI was to check the T7 fracture. So...it is possible then that the PET/CT just missed it?

    Jennie

    PS..... wouldn't it have showed on PET if cancerous????
  • snommintj
    snommintj Member Posts: 601
    #15
    idlehunters said:

    John
    Actually.... I also had CT with and without contrast on the same day I had MRI. My error...it WAS the CT scan that showed the nodule. The MRI was to check the T7 fracture. So...it is possible then that the PET/CT just missed it?

    Jennie

    PS..... wouldn't it have showed on PET if cancerous????

    Check with your onc
    If the Hi Res CT showed something you need to monitor it very closely. It may be positioned in such a manner that it did not show up in the PET/CT, or it could be scar tissue, or infection of some kind. Your Dr will probably go back and compare your most recent CT to any other CTs you've had to determine if it is something you've had like scar tissue or other abnormality. He will probably also check your PET for any increased metabolic activity in the area of concern. It may have had some uptake but not enough to flag the radiologist. But I really don't think you should be too concerned with it. It appears to be small, not to active and in a place that is easily accessible.
  • idlehunters
    idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
    #16
    snommintj said:

    Check with your onc
    If the Hi Res CT showed something you need to monitor it very closely. It may be positioned in such a manner that it did not show up in the PET/CT, or it could be scar tissue, or infection of some kind. Your Dr will probably go back and compare your most recent CT to any other CTs you've had to determine if it is something you've had like scar tissue or other abnormality. He will probably also check your PET for any increased metabolic activity in the area of concern. It may have had some uptake but not enough to flag the radiologist. But I really don't think you should be too concerned with it. It appears to be small, not to active and in a place that is easily accessible.

    Thanks to You All
    Thanks John....and to you all. I really take to heart ALL of your opinions..... and Buzz...checks in the mail.... YEAH RIGHT!!! :) luv ya's

    Jennie
  • dianetavegia
    dianetavegia Member Posts: 1,942 Member
    #17
    idlehunters said:

    Thanks to You All
    Thanks John....and to you all. I really take to heart ALL of your opinions..... and Buzz...checks in the mail.... YEAH RIGHT!!! :) luv ya's

    Jennie

    Jennie
    Also, did you READ the previous or did the doctor tell you about it. He could have said right lung because if you look down on your chest, it's on the right side. The radiologist might have said left because when they view a scan (think of an xray hanging up on t.v.) the right lung is on the left side of the screen.

    If you know anyone who was in the army, have them explain 'military right or military left'.

    You can talk to your onc, but it's gone, Jennie, and you and I know who took it away!

Discussion Boards