CT AND PET SCAN

ditto1
ditto1 Member Posts: 660
edited April 2012 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
I have an appointment on April 30th at KU Medical Center, I had a CT Scan a few weeks ago and now they want me to have a CT Scan of the Chest and a Pet Scan on Friday the 27th. Is this normal are they just trying to see if the cancer has traveled so they know what they need to do/ or is this something unusual/why both in the same day, maybe so they will have the results on Monday...So easy to go from Calm to Nervous.
«1

Comments

  • LeoS2323
    LeoS2323 Member Posts: 160
    I had
    A CT and then a CT overlaying a PET too ditto so it may not mean anything more than them getting the full picture as to where you are at. I think it is common to do CT and PET at the same time so try not to worry (easy to say I know!).

    Good luck mate

    Leo
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    Not Time...
    There isn't really any time delay of results between the PET and the CT, but not sure. I usually ask for a desk copy right after I have a CT or PET...it's available with a report and CD images in 24 hours.

    I do know that I had a CT once and the ENT had the results on his computer within an hour or so.

    Normally I have a CT once a year and the PET once a year (six months apart from each other).

    They did do a CT once during treatment to verify the tumor (secondary lymhnode) response. The first post treatment PET was about 3 months out.

    Not sure why they would have done a CT a few weeks ago, and now another....are you sure this one isn't just a PET...or a PET and chest x-ray?

    JG
  • TheOtherDitto
    TheOtherDitto Member Posts: 58
    Skiffin16 said:

    Not Time...
    There isn't really any time delay of results between the PET and the CT, but not sure. I usually ask for a desk copy right after I have a CT or PET...it's available with a report and CD images in 24 hours.

    I do know that I had a CT once and the ENT had the results on his computer within an hour or so.

    Normally I have a CT once a year and the PET once a year (six months apart from each other).

    They did do a CT once during treatment to verify the tumor (secondary lymhnode) response. The first post treatment PET was about 3 months out.

    Not sure why they would have done a CT a few weeks ago, and now another....are you sure this one isn't just a PET...or a PET and chest x-ray?

    JG

    John
    The scans scheduled for Friday are the chest CT scan as well as the PET. He's only had a sono, neck CT and needle biopsy of the left lymph node up to this point. We were told it was cancer after the sonogram, CT of the neck identified the primary as base of tongue, needle biopsy identified it as SCC. They have also told us it has metastized as at least 3 lymph nodes - they could tell that from the CT of the neck. Not sure exactly what they will be looking for with the chest CT - possibly to see if it's mets to the lungs? I think the PET is standard for the team he will be seeing - possibly to establish a baseline? Not sure as we haven't been told the what for of that one. No matter, we will have the results on Monday when we meet with KU Med.

    Have a Blessed evening!
    Diane
  • ditto1
    ditto1 Member Posts: 660

    John
    The scans scheduled for Friday are the chest CT scan as well as the PET. He's only had a sono, neck CT and needle biopsy of the left lymph node up to this point. We were told it was cancer after the sonogram, CT of the neck identified the primary as base of tongue, needle biopsy identified it as SCC. They have also told us it has metastized as at least 3 lymph nodes - they could tell that from the CT of the neck. Not sure exactly what they will be looking for with the chest CT - possibly to see if it's mets to the lungs? I think the PET is standard for the team he will be seeing - possibly to establish a baseline? Not sure as we haven't been told the what for of that one. No matter, we will have the results on Monday when we meet with KU Med.

    Have a Blessed evening!
    Diane

    WHAT SHE SAID
    Aint she great.
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member

    John
    The scans scheduled for Friday are the chest CT scan as well as the PET. He's only had a sono, neck CT and needle biopsy of the left lymph node up to this point. We were told it was cancer after the sonogram, CT of the neck identified the primary as base of tongue, needle biopsy identified it as SCC. They have also told us it has metastized as at least 3 lymph nodes - they could tell that from the CT of the neck. Not sure exactly what they will be looking for with the chest CT - possibly to see if it's mets to the lungs? I think the PET is standard for the team he will be seeing - possibly to establish a baseline? Not sure as we haven't been told the what for of that one. No matter, we will have the results on Monday when we meet with KU Med.

    Have a Blessed evening!
    Diane

    IC....
    More than likely a baseline I presume, and to make sure nothing going on anywhere else.

    Waiting is always the hard part...I usually always get the desk copy the next day.

    Best,
    John
  • Ingrid K
    Ingrid K Member Posts: 813

    John
    The scans scheduled for Friday are the chest CT scan as well as the PET. He's only had a sono, neck CT and needle biopsy of the left lymph node up to this point. We were told it was cancer after the sonogram, CT of the neck identified the primary as base of tongue, needle biopsy identified it as SCC. They have also told us it has metastized as at least 3 lymph nodes - they could tell that from the CT of the neck. Not sure exactly what they will be looking for with the chest CT - possibly to see if it's mets to the lungs? I think the PET is standard for the team he will be seeing - possibly to establish a baseline? Not sure as we haven't been told the what for of that one. No matter, we will have the results on Monday when we meet with KU Med.

    Have a Blessed evening!
    Diane

    Good Luck tomorrow
    Good Luck ditto1 and dittoII -- wishing you the best possible outcome on your scan(s) tomorrow. sending healing vibes your way.
  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716

    John
    The scans scheduled for Friday are the chest CT scan as well as the PET. He's only had a sono, neck CT and needle biopsy of the left lymph node up to this point. We were told it was cancer after the sonogram, CT of the neck identified the primary as base of tongue, needle biopsy identified it as SCC. They have also told us it has metastized as at least 3 lymph nodes - they could tell that from the CT of the neck. Not sure exactly what they will be looking for with the chest CT - possibly to see if it's mets to the lungs? I think the PET is standard for the team he will be seeing - possibly to establish a baseline? Not sure as we haven't been told the what for of that one. No matter, we will have the results on Monday when we meet with KU Med.

    Have a Blessed evening!
    Diane

    This is Friday....so it must be scan day!
    I think that the PET scan after a positive biopsy is standard for everbody, from what I've read on here, and how they did mine. Then my oncologist had me get a non-contrast and contrast MRI t'boot a month after the PET, to make sure everything was still status quo before I started the chemo.

    I'm glad you don't have to do a wait for the results (remember I had to fight for a 1 week wait, when my ENT didn't have any openings for another month)...These are what your rad-onc works from, too...I think...

    A PET scan is very relaxing I thought.. :) When they asked if they could get me a warm blannket, I ordered two...LOL...and snoozed thru the wait on the injection and the scan both.

    p
  • ditto1
    ditto1 Member Posts: 660
    Ingrid K said:

    Good Luck tomorrow
    Good Luck ditto1 and dittoII -- wishing you the best possible outcome on your scan(s) tomorrow. sending healing vibes your way.

    VIBES WELCOMED
    Thank you IK. Will be a long weekend waiting for Monday, one day at a time... God Bless
  • ditto1
    ditto1 Member Posts: 660

    This is Friday....so it must be scan day!
    I think that the PET scan after a positive biopsy is standard for everbody, from what I've read on here, and how they did mine. Then my oncologist had me get a non-contrast and contrast MRI t'boot a month after the PET, to make sure everything was still status quo before I started the chemo.

    I'm glad you don't have to do a wait for the results (remember I had to fight for a 1 week wait, when my ENT didn't have any openings for another month)...These are what your rad-onc works from, too...I think...

    A PET scan is very relaxing I thought.. :) When they asked if they could get me a warm blannket, I ordered two...LOL...and snoozed thru the wait on the injection and the scan both.

    p

    HEY P51
    Thanks for your reply, hope you are feeling well, me and TOD (The Other Ditto) are always looking for your updates. Will park the Bus for the weekend why you rest and we wait for Monday....
  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    ditto1 said:

    HEY P51
    Thanks for your reply, hope you are feeling well, me and TOD (The Other Ditto) are always looking for your updates. Will park the Bus for the weekend why you rest and we wait for Monday....

    Yes.....a parked bus sounds restful....
    I know you're eager to get onto Monday, tho....and I sure do relate to that!! Myself...I'm looking forward to a day or two off from the amifostine blues (if that's what I have...I keep forgetting I'm only 3 days out of chemo...weird, huh, to forget so easily?).

    I'm doing all tricks for no nausea...my sister made me a bunch of ginger icecubes to melt into a tea of sorts...I bought the wrist bands that helped Linda (as well as her ginger capsules)...and tho I'm trying to think of something good to eat, all thoughts get caught in that area right where my breast bone starts...get stuck and say no way Jose...did manage some homemade noodles and chicken broth this morning tho.

    My appointment today is at 11:30, so won't get home until almost 3:00...work was easier...LOL, longer, but easier.

    p
  • ditto1
    ditto1 Member Posts: 660

    Yes.....a parked bus sounds restful....
    I know you're eager to get onto Monday, tho....and I sure do relate to that!! Myself...I'm looking forward to a day or two off from the amifostine blues (if that's what I have...I keep forgetting I'm only 3 days out of chemo...weird, huh, to forget so easily?).

    I'm doing all tricks for no nausea...my sister made me a bunch of ginger icecubes to melt into a tea of sorts...I bought the wrist bands that helped Linda (as well as her ginger capsules)...and tho I'm trying to think of something good to eat, all thoughts get caught in that area right where my breast bone starts...get stuck and say no way Jose...did manage some homemade noodles and chicken broth this morning tho.

    My appointment today is at 11:30, so won't get home until almost 3:00...work was easier...LOL, longer, but easier.

    p

    SCANS ARE DONE, NOW JUST WAIT
    Went to KU Medical Center yesterday to get the Scan/CT, wow my wife said it was like going to the Airport, these places are humongus, since I have not been sick much in my life and most trips other than surgery were at a smaller hospital.... seemed a bit overwelming at 1st. Since its a learning hospital I felt like we were in an episode of Graces Anatomy, or HOUSE, either way got the Scans done, they had one machine that did both the CT and PET so that was good, a little small so had a few moments to chill mild panic feelings. So now somewhere sits my pictures of my Body, which will be revealed to us on Monday. So I like others will take a Prayer thrown our way, funny I know I have cancer but what a joy it would be to know it has not spread....
  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    ditto1 said:

    SCANS ARE DONE, NOW JUST WAIT
    Went to KU Medical Center yesterday to get the Scan/CT, wow my wife said it was like going to the Airport, these places are humongus, since I have not been sick much in my life and most trips other than surgery were at a smaller hospital.... seemed a bit overwelming at 1st. Since its a learning hospital I felt like we were in an episode of Graces Anatomy, or HOUSE, either way got the Scans done, they had one machine that did both the CT and PET so that was good, a little small so had a few moments to chill mild panic feelings. So now somewhere sits my pictures of my Body, which will be revealed to us on Monday. So I like others will take a Prayer thrown our way, funny I know I have cancer but what a joy it would be to know it has not spread....

    prayers lifted
    for good results and peace of mind while waiting.
  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    ditto1 said:

    SCANS ARE DONE, NOW JUST WAIT
    Went to KU Medical Center yesterday to get the Scan/CT, wow my wife said it was like going to the Airport, these places are humongus, since I have not been sick much in my life and most trips other than surgery were at a smaller hospital.... seemed a bit overwelming at 1st. Since its a learning hospital I felt like we were in an episode of Graces Anatomy, or HOUSE, either way got the Scans done, they had one machine that did both the CT and PET so that was good, a little small so had a few moments to chill mild panic feelings. So now somewhere sits my pictures of my Body, which will be revealed to us on Monday. So I like others will take a Prayer thrown our way, funny I know I have cancer but what a joy it would be to know it has not spread....

    Lots of prayers coming your way, Ditto1....
    another "edge of your seat" time. But, Monday will be here soon enough....eat, my friend....eat your food bucket list :). I'm so glad you came up with that idea, I'm still munching on my mexican dinner from last night. Now I have onion rings on my mind...LOL.

    If I'd taken your trip to the BIG hospital I'd realize what a hick I really am...LOL. I would have needed a hired guide...LOL.

    I know the feeling of wondering "how bad"...just when you're trying to put your name and cancer into the same sentence and have THAT make sense, the sub catagories come in...how bad, how many nodes, is it anywhere else...hard to wrap a head around. I've already done one chemo and 4 rads, and still "phrannie and cancer" don't go together in my head.

    I'll be thinking of you on Monday....and waiting to hear the results...

    Hugs to Mrs. Ditto, too.........and the baby Ditto's....

    p
  • ditto1
    ditto1 Member Posts: 660

    Lots of prayers coming your way, Ditto1....
    another "edge of your seat" time. But, Monday will be here soon enough....eat, my friend....eat your food bucket list :). I'm so glad you came up with that idea, I'm still munching on my mexican dinner from last night. Now I have onion rings on my mind...LOL.

    If I'd taken your trip to the BIG hospital I'd realize what a hick I really am...LOL. I would have needed a hired guide...LOL.

    I know the feeling of wondering "how bad"...just when you're trying to put your name and cancer into the same sentence and have THAT make sense, the sub catagories come in...how bad, how many nodes, is it anywhere else...hard to wrap a head around. I've already done one chemo and 4 rads, and still "phrannie and cancer" don't go together in my head.

    I'll be thinking of you on Monday....and waiting to hear the results...

    Hugs to Mrs. Ditto, too.........and the baby Ditto's....

    p

    Thank you
    P51, we really appreciate you, wow Onion Rings, thank I may need to make a quick trip to Sonic, luv their rings. Have a great weekend and get some rest. Will post Monday about what the doc says.
  • Irishgypsie
    Irishgypsie Member Posts: 333
    ditto1 said:

    Thank you
    P51, we really appreciate you, wow Onion Rings, thank I may need to make a quick trip to Sonic, luv their rings. Have a great weekend and get some rest. Will post Monday about what the doc says.

    Good Luck!
    Good Luck with your results!! :)

    Charles
  • Tonsil Dad
    Tonsil Dad Member Posts: 488

    Good Luck!
    Good Luck with your results!! :)

    Charles

    Heading your way..
    Thoughts and prayers are heading your way ditto1,
    Think positive and have faith and God will do his part..

    KEEP CALM and CARRY ON.

    God bless
    Tonsil Dad,

    Dan.
  • LeoS2323
    LeoS2323 Member Posts: 160

    Heading your way..
    Thoughts and prayers are heading your way ditto1,
    Think positive and have faith and God will do his part..

    KEEP CALM and CARRY ON.

    God bless
    Tonsil Dad,

    Dan.

    Just like Dan Said
    Couldn't have put it better.

    All the very best of British fellow newbie, we will get through this whatever it brings.
  • LeoS2323
    LeoS2323 Member Posts: 160

    Heading your way..
    Thoughts and prayers are heading your way ditto1,
    Think positive and have faith and God will do his part..

    KEEP CALM and CARRY ON.

    God bless
    Tonsil Dad,

    Dan.

    PS
    PS you will definitely get through it with mrs ditto at your side; she is great :-)
  • ditto1
    ditto1 Member Posts: 660
    LeoS2323 said:

    PS
    PS you will definitely get through it with mrs ditto at your side; she is great :-)

    Thanks to all
    Thanks to all of you for your prayers Leo hoping you get home soon, your right I am blessed to have Ditto II at my side.
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    Thoughts & Prayers...
    Coming your way for Ditto1 & the OtherDitto1...

    Best,
    John