Hi everybody,Had my middle right lobe removed in March and was staged as 1-A. No chemo recommended. I felt SO lucky.
Just came back from appt w/ my oncologist and my 1st post-surgical Pet scan results show a small (8mm)"structure" near the surgical clips. It is "quite" hypermetaboloic. Now I have to wait 2 months to get a CAT scan and another PET. Feeling scared. Maribeth
Hi Maribeth, So sorry you didn't have a good scan and now have to go through the waiting period (again!). Did they say it could be an infection or are they withholding their opinion at this point? I had read an article awhile back how infection can send the SUV (metabolic) rate up even higher than cancer. I really hope it turns out to be nothing more than a bad scare. Try to stay sane the next 2 months. I'll be thinking of you. ~Linda
Hi Maribeth,
I am so sorry to hear your news. It sad to get good news right after surgery and things looks so much better than they have been and wham. A pet scan picks up a suspicious structure or nodule. I know that fear you are feeling all to well. I know it's going to be hard to do but right now you need to find a way to not worry to much. Many things can happen right after surgery and the structure they saw may not have anything to do with your cancer. If I remember correctly they saw a few new nodules right after my mastectomy, around the area where my clips where to. They where constantly watched through cat scans and I am now 7 year Breast Cancer survivor. Don't loose faith. This is still a very good time for you. Your recent cancer DX was a T1a and no chemo was needed. That is absolutely a great outcome for you and if by chance there is something to worry about with this new structure or nodule. They will be able to take care of that while it is still in it's infancy, which can make your prognosis a very good one.
So please hang in there and know that every one is right there to help you though these trying times.
I'm sorry to hear this - why didn't they do adjunctive chemo?
Hey Maribeth,
Same thing is happening to my husband who was diagnosed 1b and had surgery and 4 cycles of chemo. First Pet scan showed a 1.2 cm place that is suspicious, but not lighting up enough to call cancer.
We have been told to wait 3 months and repeat the scan. Waiting that long seems absolutely ridiculous, but that's what we've been told.
I went to Dr. West's web site and this is what he said about it http://cancergrace.org/forums/index.php?topic=498.0
so he concurred and felt like we should wait also.
Waiting is brutal--hang in there.
Khari
How scary for you. In case you didn't already know this, PET scans can OFTEN show up things that look suspicious but turn out to be nothing. My last PET looked like I had something " glowing " in my pelvis...but turned out to be nothing ( uterine fibroid). Infection as well as inflamation also glow with PET. Why are they waiting 2 months for a ct if it looks suspicious now?? What about an MRI? Seems to me like a long time to wait as you hang on by your fingernails....
Hi Maribeth:
I just joined today, also had a lobectomy 5/07 nsc 1b
I have had neg. scans so far but they did mention in the report that I had "nodules" in the other lung that didn't mean anything. Also had a little light up on my adrenal gland which they also said didn't mean anything. But of course, all of it means something TO US patients. I will be thinking of you and watching for a good report from you. Bless you.
BrendaMousey (my dogs name is Mousey)
They don't usually do chemo with Stage 1A and I also had a fairly new test done which shows levels of ERCC1. If your levels are high, which mine are, chemo is ineffective. Thanks for writing.
Dear Terry, They are waiting because it is too small right now to determine anything. If it's harmless, it will likely go away. If not, it will grow. Thanks
Thank you all for your support and encouragement.
I haven't had a pet scan since the scan I had before my surgery in May 2005. My doctors don't do pet scans again unless there is something on the ct scan to be concerned about. Pet scans pick up all sorts of things - I would try not to worry if I were you - it's a tough thing not to worry but the way I usually do it is to keep busy and get really involved with living. If you could talk to another doctor just to put your mind at ease sometimes that helps. These doctors sometimes don't understand how hard it is to deal with these "waits." And another doctor might be able to explain what is on the scan better and put your mind at ease.
Sharon
Hi Marybeth....
Try not to panic...I had a scare myself about a year ago and I also was Stage1A...but Thank God it turned out to be nothing....I know it's hard not to worry because I am a nut case when it comes to scan's....but try anway...
hugs...nonni
There is possitively no need for chemo at Stage 1A...every expert that I have ever talked too agree's...as well as Dr West with his expertise....no chemo for stage 1a
thanks ..nonni
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