PET scan was good execpt for one thing

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Dean54
Dean54 Member Posts: 160 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Was so hoping I could celebrate with Curlyn, Byebyecancer, OKCnative, and the few others that finished up their treatments about the same time as myself but I had one thing that turned out alarming on the scan.

There was a "bright" spot ( SUV of 3.3) showing up on my colon that concerned the radiation doctor and now I have to get in for a colonoscopy as soon as I can and knowing how busy they are at endoscopy center, that may be a while. More worrying.

I guess it's my own fault for putting off that test for so long and the news sure puts a damper on the positive outcome of the tonsil cancer.

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  • Frances_S
    Frances_S Member Posts: 54
    edited February 2018 #2
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    Stay Positive

    Stay Positive. Pet scans will often light up inflamation to. It happened to my husband prior to his treatment with lymph nodes on the other side of his neck. He did have to go for a biopsies, but all were benign. 

    Sending prayers your way!

  • OKCnative
    OKCnative Member Posts: 326 Member
    #3
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    Sorry to hear that. You may

    Sorry to hear that. You may have read my other post where I was literally told I had terminal lung cancer after my first post treatment PET scan. Turned out to be just infection from walking pneumonia. Lesson learned, don't panic until bad news is confirmed.

    Plus, you have tons on colon. I've known several people with colon cancer and it was just a minor speed bump for them. Good luck and hope for false positive PET scan.

  • Curlyn
    Curlyn Member Posts: 189
    #4
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    Dean, I'm so sorry that you

    Dean, I'm so sorry that you have this added worry. But try to stay positive. Could be anything. Read, watch tv, spend time c friends. It will take your mind off things. Hang in there until you have real answers. Hugs!

  • jakesaround
    jakesaround Member Posts: 34
    edited February 2018 #5
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    Sorry to hear but...

    Glad to hear the H&N cancer is Ned. like everyone else is saying don’t get too worked up until you get your colonoscopy. It could be something as simple as a benign polyp. 

    Those are very common and usually an easy removal during the colonoscopy.

    celebrate the good stuff and don’t worry about the maybes.

    best wishes.

    jake

  • Dean54
    Dean54 Member Posts: 160 Member
    #6
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    Thanks everybody

    I wouldn't be so worried but my mother died of colon cancer and I am way past due for my colonoscopy plus I don't have any other symtoms that would go along with it if it was inflammation like diarrhea. I also don't think benign polyps "light up" on  PET scan.

    I know I shouldn't worry so much but just want this cancer journey to be over and thought I was there.

  • Curlyn
    Curlyn Member Posts: 189
    #7
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    Well, Dean, I can understand

    Well, Dean, I can understand why you would worry, but if it is something that needs to be dealt with, it's caught early. The truth is that anyone of us could find something on our next pet scan. I think if it were me, I would try to concentrate on getting as much nutrition into me as possible. Have you heard of Michael Sealey? He has meditations that you can listen to before sleep (plug your phone in) that I found very helpful. Also has meditations for the day. These might give your mind a break from wondering in troublesome directions. 

  • OKCnative
    OKCnative Member Posts: 326 Member
    #8
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    Dean54 said:

    Thanks everybody

    I wouldn't be so worried but my mother died of colon cancer and I am way past due for my colonoscopy plus I don't have any other symtoms that would go along with it if it was inflammation like diarrhea. I also don't think benign polyps "light up" on  PET scan.

    I know I shouldn't worry so much but just want this cancer journey to be over and thought I was there.

    My PET lit up like a

    My PET lit up like a Christmas tree in my lungs - all 6's and higher (higher than 3 is concerning). I had zero symptoms of infection (no temperature, no aches, nothing) - let alone something as severe as pneumonia. My lab work didn't even show it - which is why they were convinced it was cancer until the CT scan told them it was not. 

    If it is colon cancer, looks like you've detected it early and thus making it very treatable.

  • RachelMarie
    RachelMarie Member Posts: 10 Member
    edited March 2018 #9
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    Husband's Pet Scan

    Maybe someone can help me with this. My husband went through 35 radiation treatments and 2 chemos for Base of Tongue cancer that was also in the lymph nodes on the right side. The dr put him at Stage 3 or 4.  This was one year ago. Pet scan in July, came back NED. Had a pet scan last friday and today we received the report and it said "there is a tiny lymph node in the left axilla measuring no more than about 5 to 6 mm with somewhat hazy appearance on CT. This demonstrates instense tracer activity with peak SUV of 9. It is most consistent with nodal metastatic disease". 

    Can someone explain this to me. As far as we can tell, he has cancer in one of the lymph nodes in his armpit. How serious and dangerous is this? We don't see the doc until Friday. 

    My husband eats solely through his peg tube. He cannot swallow... he has been evaluated but of course everything moves slowly through the insurance process, and I also believe he is afraid. He has lost over 100 lbs. He takes pain medication every 4 hours, has no energy and sleeps about 16 to 18 hours a day. I don't know how much of this is depression and/or the cancer.

  • Story1945
    Story1945 Member Posts: 12
    #10
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    My FIL just received a very

    My FIL just received a very similar diagnosis.  We meet with the oncologist this Thursday.  I'll try to remember to update you on the results of the visit.

  • Suez39
    Suez39 Member Posts: 162 Member
    #11
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    Sorry to hear Dean

    Dean try to stay postie and try not to worry. You need to wait and get concrete answers from your doctor. I will keep you in my prayers and hope for a good outcome.

  • Dean54
    Dean54 Member Posts: 160 Member
    #12
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    Thanks everybody

    I guess I must have posted the outcome on a different thread so sorry and will update here. I was so relieved and happy to finally get my way over due colonoscopy over with and got great news. The "hot spot" turned out to be nothing and only one small benign polyp and don't have to go back for 5 years. That greats news for somebody with a history of colon cancer.

    Now if I can get good news on the MRI of my neck in June I might be able to enjoy my summer.

  • Suez39
    Suez39 Member Posts: 162 Member
    edited March 2018 #13
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    Great news Dean!

    Was very happy to hear about your results. Sometimes we get very worried when we don't have our final answers. I have'nt had a colonoscopy even though my old doctor urged me for years to gave it done. You had enough strength to get through that MRI for your neck? Worst test I ever had to take. Ugh.. I will keep you in my thoughts and hope that the results come out good! Hugs to you!

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