NED/REMISSION? what does it all mean?

MJ6266

Hi Ladies,

I just finished 6 months of chemo...now I'm off to dealing with having my ovaries removed and being put on an aromatase inhibitor (Oh joy!)....

Ever since I got diagonised in March 09 I have been confused.  My PET scan lite up like a christmas tree- it was easier to see where cancer wasn't....not where cancer was. The scan showed the cancer to be on every bone in my spine, in my pelvis, ribs, scapula, femurs....she was ready to insert metal rods into my femurs to prevent fractures!  It even showed 3 spots on my uterus (but these spot turned out to be ovarian cysts!).

So I do 2 months of chemotherapy and I do alternative juicing (The Gerson Therapy)...and suddenly after two months- my scan shows no cancer activity.  The doctor is calling it "remissiion".  ....I thought it would be called NED.  What is the difference between remission & NED?

Well- cross your fingers- my next scan is in a few days!  I hope its remission or NED or whatever anyone wants to call it when it looks good.

I am leaving for a week to try an alternative juicing therapy.  Its the Gerson...I'll let you know how it feels

Mary

pitanga

Mary, I dont know the difference either but whatever you call it, your news is just fabulous, sister! Congratulations! Lisa 

mthomp2020

I think remission and NED are pretty much the same thing.  HUGE congratulations on your excellent results!  I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that your next scans are just as good!

I've got my scans today to see if my chemo is still doing it's job.

RobinWendy

It is pretty much the same thing.  I believe the reason the term remission has been somewhat replaced with NED is that although state of the art scans may show no cancer activity, it is always possible that active cancer cells are still circulating in the bloodstream, but not yet doing any damage.  I believe it is a matter of accuracy... no evidence of disease rather than no disease at all.  However, no matter what you call it... it is freakin' awesome!!!!  Enjoy it and congratulations!!

Robin 

CarynRose

First, CONGRATS on your good news!!!  May it continue indefinitely!!

 NED and remission are interchangeable.  Most laypeople don't understand what NED means (it doesn't mean  cancer free -- no one has NO cancer cells in their body), but everyone understands remission. 

 And, if you are in remission or NED long enough (like until you die of something else), you are cured!

 Hugs,

Caryn

MJLToday

"Remission" is kind of an old-fashioned, non-medical term.  I'm surprised your doctor used the term, but maybe he is old-school in communicating with patients

 "NED" is kind of a more conservative concept -- it means the scans aren't showing active cancer, but you can never tell what the future will bring.  Which is true for 100% of humans alive, so I'm glad you are what you are today -- NED/remission / alive + feeling well!

heatherpalmerton

I say either way, is awesome news,  I had my ovaries and tubes taken out. It was done laporscopic and went very smoothly. It really helps when you wake up to a very good looking Doc with a radiant smile.  Here is to many great scans. Glad to hear such fabulous news. Heather

ConnieWaylene

I have been told if I am NED for 5 years I will be considered in remission.