First "scan"

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tkmj914
tkmj914 Member Posts: 43
in Kidney Cancer #1

I am thrilled that my first scan episode (chest xray, blood and ua) have all come back clean! I am confused about one thing though, I am scheduled for my 6 mo scan in January. It is for a CT with/without contrast. Is that normal? I thought we were not meant to have contrast with one kidney? Thank you in advance for any insight.

Melanie

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  • Allochka
    Allochka Member Posts: 1,062 Member
    #2
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    Congrats with good scans!
    as

    Congrats with good scans!

    as for the contrast - not sure about one kidney, but most probably they'll check your kidney function in advance to see if you can tolerate it. Contrast gives so much valuable info, better to have it if possible.

  • Footstomper
    Footstomper Member Posts: 1,237 Member
    #3
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    Allochka said:

    Congrats with good scans!
    as

    Congrats with good scans!

    as for the contrast - not sure about one kidney, but most probably they'll check your kidney function in advance to see if you can tolerate it. Contrast gives so much valuable info, better to have it if possible.

    Contrast

    Always have it despite having one kidney

  • Richgels1
    Richgels1 Member Posts: 26 Member
    #4
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    Both

    Hi, I've had it both ways since kidney removal. If they do it with contrast they may give you fluids before and after. I think it depends some on your blood work results also. I've heard my doctor say they will do it without contrast because I only have one kidney but then I've had it both ways too. Scott

  • tkmj914
    tkmj914 Member Posts: 43
    #5
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    Footstomper said:

    Contrast

    Always have it despite having one kidney

    Thank you fellas! Will do!

    Thank you fellas! Will do!

  • tkmj914
    tkmj914 Member Posts: 43
    #6
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    Richgels1 said:

    Both

    Hi, I've had it both ways since kidney removal. If they do it with contrast they may give you fluids before and after. I think it depends some on your blood work results also. I've heard my doctor say they will do it without contrast because I only have one kidney but then I've had it both ways too. Scott

    Ok, thank you Scott.

    Ok, thank you Scott.

  • foroughsh
    foroughsh Member Posts: 779 Member
    #7
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    Congratulations, It's great

    Congratulations, It's great news.

    if your Cratinine is within normal range then they use contrast to be able to have a better view on your inside organs. Even with one kidnery and if it's working fine you can handle contrast

    Forough

  • dhs1963
    dhs1963 Member Posts: 513
    #8
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    foroughsh said:

    Congratulations, It's great

    Congratulations, It's great news.

    if your Cratinine is within normal range then they use contrast to be able to have a better view on your inside organs. Even with one kidnery and if it's working fine you can handle contrast

    Forough

    If creatinine is 1.5 or less...

    CT with contrast.  I run around 1.5, and when we can't do it, we do the MRI.  But there are reasons to prefer the CT.  I am starting to hydrate for my next set of scans.

  • tkmj914
    tkmj914 Member Posts: 43
    #9
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    dhs1963 said:

    If creatinine is 1.5 or less...

    CT with contrast.  I run around 1.5, and when we can't do it, we do the MRI.  But there are reasons to prefer the CT.  I am starting to hydrate for my next set of scans.

    Thanks guys. I don't know why

    Thanks guys. I don't know why I was thinking I could not have contrast. I thought it was an absolute. Good to know, I sure hope I can have it because they will surely have to kill me to get me in an MRI machine. I've tried....four times and lots of xanax. I just freak out.

  • Footstomper
    Footstomper Member Posts: 1,237 Member
    #10
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    tkmj914 said:

    Thanks guys. I don't know why

    Thanks guys. I don't know why I was thinking I could not have contrast. I thought it was an absolute. Good to know, I sure hope I can have it because they will surely have to kill me to get me in an MRI machine. I've tried....four times and lots of xanax. I just freak out.

    MRI

    I just close my eyes and have a nap

  • mrou50
    mrou50 Member Posts: 389 Member
    #11
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    Contrast

    Melanie I have one kidney left so I drink the contrast rather than do the IV, they put in what the call delicious lemon flavored water, me I think it tasts like water with a hint of contrast in it.  I have my scans every three months since I am in stage IV and so far I have been fine except for a little memory loss.

     I have my scans every three months since I am in stage IV and so far I have been fine except for a little memory loss. I have my scans every three months since I am in stage IV and so far I have been fine except for a little memory loss.  LOL

  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member
    #12
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    mrou50 said:

    Contrast

    Melanie I have one kidney left so I drink the contrast rather than do the IV, they put in what the call delicious lemon flavored water, me I think it tasts like water with a hint of contrast in it.  I have my scans every three months since I am in stage IV and so far I have been fine except for a little memory loss.

     I have my scans every three months since I am in stage IV and so far I have been fine except for a little memory loss. I have my scans every three months since I am in stage IV and so far I have been fine except for a little memory loss.  LOL

    contrast

    I get my ct scan and mri in the same afternoon. Both with contrast. Only one kidney. Creatinine and gfr are always perfect or better.

  • tkmj914
    tkmj914 Member Posts: 43
    #13
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    Footstomper said:

    MRI

    I just close my eyes and have a nap

    Footstomper, I envy you that.

    Footstomper, I envy you that. I freak out and can't breathe and act like a lunatic!!! LOL

  • tkmj914
    tkmj914 Member Posts: 43
    #14
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    mrou50 said:

    Contrast

    Melanie I have one kidney left so I drink the contrast rather than do the IV, they put in what the call delicious lemon flavored water, me I think it tasts like water with a hint of contrast in it.  I have my scans every three months since I am in stage IV and so far I have been fine except for a little memory loss.

     I have my scans every three months since I am in stage IV and so far I have been fine except for a little memory loss. I have my scans every three months since I am in stage IV and so far I have been fine except for a little memory loss.  LOL

    Mrou50, this made me laugh

    Mrou50, this made me laugh out loud.....thank you!

  • tkmj914
    tkmj914 Member Posts: 43
    #15
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    foxhd said:

    contrast

    I get my ct scan and mri in the same afternoon. Both with contrast. Only one kidney. Creatinine and gfr are always perfect or better.

    Foxhd, maybe some time they

    Foxhd, maybe some time they will be able to medicate me enough for that. My anxiety was bad before the DX and ten fold after. I wish I wasn't like that but it's how I am. So happy your levels are good. I hope mine will be too!

     

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