Waiting Game

My experience
I am four weeks out from treatment today. Stanford said that they wanted to scope at six weeks, would consider doing an MRI at eight weeks out, but that they do not want to do a PET-CT until the three month point.

Deb

No sooner than 3 months
Hi Steve,

I echo what others have said in the past, scans any earlier then 3 months can cause a false positive. I was fortunate to have a Surgeon and Radiation Oncologist that were believers of that. But, I guess some Doctors work differently then others.

I know that we go through all the surgery, then treatments in hopes we are free of any reoccurance. The stress level meter gets pegged when we hear anything other then " All Clear "

I Pray that it is the early scan test that is a false reading. I know when my brother had his prostate removed, he had to have blood work done after that. The Surgeon had him get some blood work done before 3 months. It came back high even after the surgery. I mentioned to him that he should not get radiation until a second blood work was done in another 3 months. His radiation oncologist agreed and the results were good on the second PSA level. He then went into the wait and watch part of keeping an eye on the PSA levels after the surgery.

My Best to You and Everyone Here

Pumakitty said:

Deb
Thanks

You answered some of my questions also. My dad should finish up on the 25th and I was wondering about a time frame for tests also.

Pet scan
I finished up June 8th of 2009......had my 1st Pet Scan on Sept. 9th, of 2009. Almost exactly 3 months (totally negative and no "hot spots"). Steve's was way, way too soon in my opinion.

Larry

Hondo said:

Hi Steve
There is a lot of scar tissue still there and sometime it will show up as cancer or give a false positive. As in my case the PET scan and the biopsies showed positive but there was nothing there. That is when the doctors at MD Anderson told me that the old cancer scar tissue can still show up or light up as cancer. I know it is hard not to worry so just hang in there and keep praying, you are still on my pray list.

Take care

Ditto
Same here Steve, Power of Prayer....you have mine as well.

Hi Steve
I have my PET next week which will be 6.5 weeks out for my neck, the radiologiest said not to expect a clean scan that I would be still healing. She also told me that it will give them a good idea how the treatment went. Stay stong and prayer are with ya.

Brad

Greg53 said:

PET kinda early
Steve,

After all the discussion on here previously about what is too early or not, I asked all 3 of my doc's what was the correct protocol in their opinion. They said 3 months was the earliest you should have a PET. If you remember I had my first CTscan about same time as you. They say they do this one at 6 weeks to get a baseline for the remaining scans. My CT came back clear, but I don't know if that means anything. My first PET is scheduled for 3 months out. Don't know if that helps or not, but that's what my team of doc's told me.
Good luck!
Greg

Support, but no input.
Steve, I want to respond to let you know I am with you in your pursuit of this matter. I will leave the feedback and input to those more experienced than me. My two cents is that doctors cover their a**es...and he/she would not throw out 10% carelessly. Deep breaths.
Kim

steve, i also had a pet too
steve, i also had a pet too soon and it came back positive (falsely). I think your scan was probably also done to early and you have nothing to worry about, altho I know you will worry. Try not to let your thots run away with you. I really think all will be fine. You are in my prayers.
God Bless you friend,
debbie