No hot spots in PET scan

[kimblanchard]

Clean PET scan. It took a week and I had to nag the lab, but Monday they sent preliminary PET scan data to my radiation onc. He called Tuesday to say that there were no hot spots visible in the scan. Hurrah!

My euphoria over the good result was dampened by his insistence that I need 30 more radiation treatments to my original tumor cite. I had received only 9 burns when I was forced to interrupt radiation because of extreme anemia. My esophagus was in very bad shape from the chemo, even before radiation.

I have been receiving treatment with Prilosec for esophageal reflux (GERD) for at lest seven years prior to any cancer problem. I don’t think I can stand 30 doses of radiation and wonder if I should even start it, if I can not complete it? It has been two months since my last chemotherapy. Is radiation to the primary site effective after such a long delay? This radiation onc said he would not do PCI on me unless I received the full radiation dose to my chest. He would give no opinion on the probable outcomes of treatments. This last week was the first time since Oct. that I began to eat well and feel almost normal, I hate to see it end.

[pritchie]

Good news on the pet scan. Hope that radiation

will go better for you this time.

Take care.

Pamela

[Heather J]

Great news on the Scan!!!!!!!

[betplace]

Why don't you go to another radiation onc for a second opinion before you make a decision? Sounds like this one is not paying attention to your quality of life issues. Can't hurt to find out what another Doc has to say.

Godd Luck

Blessings

Betty

[gerbil runner]

My mom is about to start 25 sessions of radiation. Stats are usually not posted around here, but...my mother pressed the radiologist for stats concerning the radiation. He said without radiation, the 2-year survival rate is 10-20%. With radiation, the THREE year survival rate is 10-20%. Don't know where the stats came from, and I'd take 'em with a grain of salt (if not half the shaker).

I don't think you're likely to get answers on whether radiation is effective if broken up by a long pause like yours - it's still debated when is best to start and whether once-daily or twice-daily radiation is better.

I'd try to talk to another radiologist. Maybe a gastroenterologist as well. I think GERD does matter in the decision, but I'm no doctor.

[Don Wood]

Dan, great news on the PET scan. Euphoria is in order. Wishing you well on the radiation. Don

[MO_Sugar]

I had the 30+ radiation treatments done and then had the PCI. My throat was awful for about 2 months and so far I have lost 70 pounds (which I could stand to lose) and if I had it to do over I would be first in line. Everyone has to decided what is best for them. Prayers and good wishes coming your way.

God Bless,

MO

[Joe B]

Dan,

Congrats on the PET results !

Please get another opnion on the radiation. It can't do any harm... and you will have the satisfaction of knowing you are making an informed decision about your care......

[wenna]

I agree with everyone, second opinions can help if nothing but for information, which is a powerful tool.

I had acid reflux and my bronchial tubes weren't that great to start with. So, yes, when the radiation treatments started, so didn't the pain. Eating has never been a problem for me.. but swallowing became intolerable! They gave me some stuff (mix) that numbed the area and made the swallowing so much better. Tasted terrible, but then you consider the alternative.... I believe your chances of getting better and keeping it that way are greatly enhanced by the radiation treatments. But that is my opinion and you will have to make the decision for yourself. Just do alot of research on it and then make your mind up.

Here's hoping for your continued good news!!

[BeckyCW]

Dan, I've been watching to see what your scans showed, and am so happy for the results! I agree with everyone about getting a second opinion about treatment, in light of your GERD. Can't hurt to have more info to consider. Anyway, go, Dan, go!

BeckyCW