carolhg Posted January 11, 2006 Posted January 11, 2006 I got the results of my 6 month scans today. I had a brain ct and a chest ct. The brain ct was fine. The chest ct showed a "7 mm subpleural abnormality" on my right middle lobe that was not present before. My surgeon was not at all concerned about it, but I must admit it does trouble me. The IMPRESSION was: "Relatively stable appearing CT when compared to last CT of 10/4/05. Quote
karen335 Posted January 11, 2006 Posted January 11, 2006 Could just be scar tissue from radiation. Praying it goes away by your next scan. Doctor doesn't seen worried, so don't you worry. Just give it away and let it go, believe and claim your healing. Blessings have come down... God Bless and prayers, Karen Quote
Don Wood Posted January 12, 2006 Posted January 12, 2006 Carol, congratulations on your one year of survivorship. Don't borrow trouble until trouble comes. Don Quote
Don M Posted January 12, 2006 Posted January 12, 2006 Carol: it is probably nothing to worry about, but if it were me, I would ask for the next ct scan in 3 months instead of 6. Don M Quote
carolhg Posted January 12, 2006 Author Posted January 12, 2006 I am still doing scans every 3 months. This was my second(6 month) post surgery scan. Quote
bunny Posted January 12, 2006 Posted January 12, 2006 I love the way don put it. hopefully, the boogie with disappear by the next scan. hang in there. xoxo amie Quote
Kasey Posted January 12, 2006 Posted January 12, 2006 (((Carol))), You know, EVERY followup I have has had SOMETHING that the doctor and I needed to discuss and go over. The first couple of times I borrowed trouble and fussed excessively. If you have confidence in your doctor, as I do mine, you will take the report as GOOD news and try not to concern yourself. That is my approach now. If the doc ain't worried....me neither!!!! Easier said than done, I know. This is GOOD news, Carol. Enjoy it. Love, KAsey Quote
Ann Posted January 12, 2006 Posted January 12, 2006 Carol... No bad news is certainly good news in my book. I love Don Wood's way with words! I'm so glad you have good news! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! Quote
cindi o'h Posted January 12, 2006 Posted January 12, 2006 Carol, I know exactly what you are saying. I was in your same shoes. It takes awhile to get comfortable with the language that the radiologists use on our CT scans. Every CT scan of mine that I have had for 3+ years, it sounds as if the sky is falling. At first I listened and agreed that the sky was falling. I have learned to listen to the onc. about his evaluation of the scan and trust when he says there is nothing there. Even now, when he says there is something there, I say bullsh**! When the ER says there is something there I say bullsh**. I have learned to trust ME over this time. There is something inside that tells me when something is up or not. So far, this voice has been pretty clued and smarter than some of the most educated. Helps to detatch emotionally from the words of the scan and look at things objectively. ps. I am tired of declaring foul on this onc. Time for a change. I will try a different one come Feb. It is important that we are in agreement. And if we are not, then someone has some 'splaining to do. And if he is not ready to explain, then off I go to another one who will. ( I have had some strange experiences with this onc., I must say) Quote
carolhg Posted January 13, 2006 Author Posted January 13, 2006 Thank you all so very much for your advice. I am going to get not only a second opion but also a third. My surgeon is going to have the chief of radiology here at Kaiser examine my film and the report. When he comes up with his answer. I am going to have my oncologist and my radiology oncologist examine the film and report also. The problem is that it says in one place:"There is a small subpleural abnormality in the lateral segment of the right middle lobe on image #29, measuring 7mm on lung window setting that was not present on the previous examination and is of some concern". In another place it says:The abnormalty in the right middle lobe is also present and relatively unchanged in appearance since 10/4/05, as seen on images #28 and #29 of the most recent previous study. IMPRESSION: "Relatively stable appearing CT when compared to 10/4/05." My October 4th scan says: A small patch of opacity at the superior segment of the right lower lobe is seen peripherally, not definitely present on prior exam. It is ill-defined in appearance and may represent postoperative or posttreatment change. This should be followed on subsequent studies. These reports were written by two different radiologists. When I was first diagnosed my HMO sent me to an oncologist outside of their network because they were just filled to the brim with patients. That contract expired at the end of the year. I will now see the HMO oncologist. I will take the report that I get back to my first oncologist for a second opinion and also to my radiation oncologist who is also outside of the HMO network. I am one scared Carol Quote
Lisa O Posted January 13, 2006 Posted January 13, 2006 I too would agree that although it is likely nothing to worry about, it can't hurt to ask to move the CT up to three or four months from now. It would certainly alleviate some of your stress. Lisa Quote
carolhg Posted January 13, 2006 Author Posted January 13, 2006 This is a three month scan. It is my second scan since my surgery so I just called it my 6 month scan the next one will be my 9 month scan. Sorry about the confusion. Quote
slinaresholz Posted January 14, 2006 Posted January 14, 2006 Carol, Hope everything will be fine for you. Prayers headed your way! Sharon Quote
carolhg Posted January 19, 2006 Author Posted January 19, 2006 Thank you all for your concern and prayers. The Chief of Radiology at Kaiser went over my films and assured me that nothing new shows on the scans to be concerned about. He said that what is there is most likely scar tissue, and that there is nothing new there since my last scan in October. I truly thank God. More time and attention needs to be given to writing ct scan reports that are not contradictory and confusing. Carol Quote
Maryanne Posted January 19, 2006 Posted January 19, 2006 Hi Carol, So glad for the good news. Now you could relax and enjoy it. Time for a little celebration at Cindi's. Your turn to buy. Maryanne Quote
blaze100 Posted January 19, 2006 Posted January 19, 2006 Hi Carolhg, I wanted to mention that the radiation burn area inside the chest can continue to grow/change shape for a long time after treatments stop. This change could be what the scan is picking up. I wish that the good people who read my scans will get LC someday too, so they can understand what it feels like to get a "doom and gloom" report from radiology just because someone is trying to cover their butt. HA. Barb Quote
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