need advice

Timbaylu3
Timbaylu3 Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
Have an appt for consultation monday with oncologist after having an abnormal PET scan. Not sure what to ask, what to expect. PET scan showed "a hypermetabolic 14 mm spiculatedd density in right lung apex that is conistant with malignancy. There are numerous additional small mildly hypermetabolic spiculated appearing densities in the right greater than left bilateral mid-to-upper lung zones that are highly suspicicious for metastasis. ... There is extensive hilar and medisatinal hypermetabolic lymphadenopathy.... hypermetabolic lymph node in the right inguinal region."
Freaked out... had a full body scan for screening purposes only which showed spiculated lesion in lung apex, which led to PET scan. Mom died of lung/liver caner at age 60. I am not sure what to ask, what to expect... any advice would be helpful.
Thanks....

Comments

  • stayingcalm
    stayingcalm Member Posts: 650 Member
    #2
    A few suggestions
    Do you have someone who can go with you, and maybe help you remember what the oncologist says during the appointment?, If not, do what I do and write down questions beforehand, and then make sure to ask them all.

    If the oncologist believes this is cancer he may order some more tests to determine where it originated, and he will probably offer you information about the best course of treatment.

    Here are some things you might want to ask:

    How extensive is my cancer, what stage am I?
    What treatment(s) do you suggest, and why?
    Do I have to have more tests before treatment?
    When will it start?
    Are there any clinical trials that might work for me?
    Am I going to be able to keep working during treatment?

    I'm sure you can add more questions specific to you, this is just a basic outline to get you started :) You might also want to ask him to explain the PET scan results in plain English, as well. Luck be with you,

    Deb
  • Timbaylu3
    Timbaylu3 Member Posts: 2
    #3
    stayingcalm said:

    A few suggestions
    Do you have someone who can go with you, and maybe help you remember what the oncologist says during the appointment?, If not, do what I do and write down questions beforehand, and then make sure to ask them all.

    If the oncologist believes this is cancer he may order some more tests to determine where it originated, and he will probably offer you information about the best course of treatment.

    Here are some things you might want to ask:

    How extensive is my cancer, what stage am I?
    What treatment(s) do you suggest, and why?
    Do I have to have more tests before treatment?
    When will it start?
    Are there any clinical trials that might work for me?
    Am I going to be able to keep working during treatment?

    I'm sure you can add more questions specific to you, this is just a basic outline to get you started :) You might also want to ask him to explain the PET scan results in plain English, as well. Luck be with you,

    Deb

    Advice
    Deb,
    Thanks so much for your reply. My sister is going with me. And I am trying to be as your screenname..."StayingCalm". I know that I am scared. I know that I don't even know what I have to fear at this moment and the unknown is before me. I keep reminding myself "God IS in control", even when it doesn't feel like it. I am trying to be at peace and yet prepare myself... but, I don't know what I am preparing myself for. Hence, the need for advice. I know I have a lot of fears and questions but I cannot seem to gather them into any sensible format because the fear feels overpowering.
    Please, keep me in your prayers.
    Kate
  • catcon49
    catcon49 Member Posts: 398
    #4
    Timbaylu3 said:

    Advice
    Deb,
    Thanks so much for your reply. My sister is going with me. And I am trying to be as your screenname..."StayingCalm". I know that I am scared. I know that I don't even know what I have to fear at this moment and the unknown is before me. I keep reminding myself "God IS in control", even when it doesn't feel like it. I am trying to be at peace and yet prepare myself... but, I don't know what I am preparing myself for. Hence, the need for advice. I know I have a lot of fears and questions but I cannot seem to gather them into any sensible format because the fear feels overpowering.
    Please, keep me in your prayers.
    Kate

    Kate,(my daughters name
    Kate,(my daughters name also)

    I am sorry that you have to go through this. And Staycalm gave you very good advice. If it turns out to be cancer, I would also ask if they can refer you to a specialist, or Hospital close to that specializes in lung cancer. But before you do this, you need to continue with the testing that the Dr. orders, to find out exactly what you have. If it turns out that you have lung cancer, then ask the questions. Also, one point I would like to make is that they have come along way in treating lung cancer,since your mother has passed. You may want to ask your Doctor to prescribe something for anxiety. I needed it, just for a while, until I came to grips with the cancer. Good luck, let us know how you make out. And I will be saying an extra pray for you tonight.
  • onray
    onray Member Posts: 13
    #5
    Advice
    My only advice is to make sure your Oncologist IS working WITH your Lung Doctor. My Lung Doctor actually started everything and he put me in touch with the Oncologist for the Chemo and the Cancer Doctor for the Radiation. Don't get discouraged, Cancer treatment has come along ways, and Chemo and Radiation do wonders. My non small cell Lung Cancer is in remission, and THIS month, makes 2 years given me at first, and there ARE some side effects, but my Life is going ON. Ron

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