Andrewsmom Posted December 13, 2005 Share Posted December 13, 2005 OK, I know this is silly but my onc mentioned at my appointment 4 mos. ago that he wanted to send me for a spiral CT after my next visit. He said that he sent two other long term survivors with no symptoms and the scans found SCLC growths in both. I will reach my 4 years since dx next month. I've had no recurrences and feel great. So, now it is time to go back for my quarterly appointment with my onc next week and I am scared to death that he is going to remember to send me for the scan. I don't think I want to know if there is anything there. I know this is ridiculous because the whole point of the Spiral CT is to catch the cancer early enough to have a chance at successful treatment. So, why am I such a coward? Thanks for letting me vent. My friends and family just don't understand how I could feel this way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted December 13, 2005 Share Posted December 13, 2005 My DH and I discovered why these new spiral CT's are so controversial. My DH had NO symptoms and had the scan in July. It noted 2 nodules. I will spare you details....but short version is they are too tiny to do anything about. He went back in October for his followup scan. Yep...still there only this rad found a third one which he said WAS actually there in July and was missed. STILL too tiny. Now DH goes back in April. My point is...if they are too tiny to do anything about, why even find them, you know? We feel we are just waiting for these to grow large enough to determine what kind of LC they are. In which case we probably could have just had a chest x-ray every 6 months until they FINALLY would show up there. Sorry to go on, but I am with you. It is devastating to KNOW something is there and just have to wait and wait and wait. Let us know what is decided. I will be thinking and hoping for you. Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted December 13, 2005 Share Posted December 13, 2005 They also show what they call false positives.One time they are there and the next time they are not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted December 14, 2005 Share Posted December 14, 2005 What you don't know CAN kill you. I'd rather know. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nancy B Posted December 14, 2005 Share Posted December 14, 2005 I'd rather know too. If anything gets big enough for an x-ray it may be too late. I know test time is scary but it is something that I HAVE to do or I can't sleep. Do what feels right for you. Take care, Nancy B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted December 14, 2005 Share Posted December 14, 2005 Charlie's stage IV LC didn't even show up on X-rays. I wish I had known about spiral CT scans and would want to know ASAP if I had LC. But, I understand the frustration and anxiety of false positives, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrewsmom Posted December 14, 2005 Author Share Posted December 14, 2005 If my onc recommends it when I see him next Wednesday, I'll have the test...but I won't like it. Thanks for all the advice and support. I am looking forward to celebrating year 4 since dx on January 22. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyoung20 Posted December 14, 2005 Share Posted December 14, 2005 I know you are. CONGRATULATIONS to four years!! That is awesome!! Have a blast and try not to worry about anything. You definately deserve it!!! GOD BLESS!! Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joanie55 Posted December 14, 2005 Share Posted December 14, 2005 I wish someone had wanted me to go for a spiral CT scan. I would consider yourself so lucky that you can be monitored to this extent. I also know that feeling, but at the end of the day, better safe than sorry. Best of luck and congrats on 4 years!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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