Enlarged lymph nodes in chest on CT scan

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

The results of my last CT scan are in, and they show a lesion on my left lung, plus enlarged lymph nodes in the middle of my chest. A PET scan has been ordered.

My question is: What happens next? What kind of treatment should I expect if my PET scan is positive? I was aware that my IBC could come back in my chest wall, but had hoped I'd have more of a reprieve after the end of rads. It has been three weeks.

This week I celebrated my one year anniversary of Dx. If this is more cancer, I intend to put up a fight, but I need more information.

Bette 

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  • swimangel72
    swimangel72 Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2009

    Bette I can't help you about the next step for your tx - but I wanted to say I'm sorry you're going through this. My last cat scans also showed a lesion on my lung (very small only 2mm) and enlarged lymph nodes in my chest (the largest was 16mm) but the radiologist didn't say anything about them at all,  neither did my oncologist, other than "everything's normal", which isn't surprising since I'm "only" Stage 1 and Grade 1 - but still a person can get nervous.  Did your radiologist make a comment in his report on your cat scan about your lymph nodes and lung lesion - that these areas looked suspicious .......or did the order for a PET scan come from your oncologist?

    I hope you won't mind that I asked these questions - if I could give you a hug through the internet I would - scans just make everyone so anxious!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2009

    The oncologist ordered the PET scan. I had called her nurse to get  the report today, and the doctor herself called me, even though she was not in the office today. That has me a little concerned, because for good news, the nurse usually calls.

    I am Grade 3 and was stage IIIb before my mx last January. I so much do not to find out that I am stage IV. Apparently, everything is not normal.

    I am trying to stay calm about this. A lot of people are praying for me, and as long as I picture myself in the palm of God's hand, I am at peace. There is nothing I can do until after the scan. If something shows up, then I expect that decisions will have to be made.

    My husband is being a true support in all this.

    Bette 

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  • lexi4
    lexi4 Member Posts: 1,074
    edited June 2009

    Dear Bette,

    I am hopeful that the areas that showed up aren't bc. I am sorry that you are having to go through this so soon after finishing up txs. It stinks anytime we have a scare, but doggone it, you do deserve a break.

    Saying prayers for the spots to be gone by the time you have your PET scan.

    Hugs and Prayers,

    Lexi

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  • swimangel72
    swimangel72 Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2009

    Bette I'll pray for you too that everything is fine - I'm glad your DH is so supportive!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2009

    I am taking Femara at this time.

    This will be my first PET scan. I don't know what to expect.

    Bette 

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  • Caseysmom
    Caseysmom Member Posts: 507
    edited June 2009

    Bette:

    I'm sorry that you are going through this.  The PET scan is a machine similar to a CT or MRI machine they give you some radioactive contrast (the type you get when you have a bone scan done).  I believe it is an hour after they give you this you have your scan done. 

    I am so glade that you have Tom.

    Keeping you in my prayers and sending you big hugs.

    Laura

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2009

    Thank you for your prayers, Laura. I am much calmer about this today. Nothing can happen until Monday, so we will rest in God's peace this weekend.

    Bette 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2009

    Bonnie, thanks for your prayers.

    I will call to schedule the PET scan tomorrow. Hopefully it will be soon, so we won't have to wait long for the report.

    If they find cancer in my nodes in my chest, what is the next step? Will I have time to make informed treatment decisions? Could this mean more chemo just when my hair is getting to haircut length?

    So many thoughts are going through my mind. I just want to find out.

    Bette 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2009

    The PET scan is not until Saturday, June 27; the appointment to get the results is on July 1.

    This will seem like a long wait. It is no use worrying, for what is there is there. We have a lot of people praying that it is nothing serious. If it is stage IV IBC, I will take my inspiration from my BCO sisters and fight one day at a time.

    Bette 

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  • FloridaLady
    FloridaLady Member Posts: 2,155
    edited June 2009

    Bettelou,

    I sending you prayers of a good scan.  If this is a node in your chest wall you will be back in chemo:(    Depending on how deep?... and it looks like you did not have a lot of nodes removed originally so your surgeon may go back in. Most don't want too but I do know a few who did have additional surgery.

    Flalady

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2009

    Flalady, I suspected that a positive scan would result in more chemo. And just when I have enough hair to get a real haircut.

    Tonight I can't sleep. I'm scared. I knew that IBC could come back in my chest wall, but didn't expect to be going through this so soon after rads.

    The only things that helps is that I know a lot of women on this site who are living with stage IV. If I become one of the group, I will take it one day at a time.

    Bette 

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  • FloridaLady
    FloridaLady Member Posts: 2,155
    edited June 2009

    My returned the last week of rads...My 2nd set of chemo's were Gemzar, Carbo & Avastin. This combo was not to bad.  I'm doing Doxil with hyperthermia right now and I started loosing my hair yesterday. Believe it or not this is only my 2nd time I lost my hair out of ten chemos.

    Flalady

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2009

    Thanks for the info, Bonnie.

    I am going to ask for a copy of the PET to take to Johns Hopkins with me when I go for my follow up visit on July 2.

    Hoping to sleep tonight as I can't have anything to eat after 6:45 AM tomorrow. I need a cup of coffee at least!

    Bette 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2009

    Bonnie, So glad that your reports are good. We have several days to wait for mine.

    The scan went well. I only wish the barium they gave me had been another flavor. I don't like banana!

    I am very tired, but cannot fall asleep.

    Bette 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2009

    Bonnie, My psychiatrist prescribed 100 mg of Benadryl to fall asleep, and 1 mg of Ativan if I need it. I think tonight I need it as I realized today that it is the anniversary of my father's death. No wonder the tears are rolling.

    I went to church today and it was deeply encouraging. People gathered round me in support, and the message and music helped my spirit.  (I also cried all the way through the service, but am glad I went)

    Bette 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2009

    WEll I did not fall asleep until 3 this morning. Still went out and met a friend for coffee and have been making contacts and information gathering on the phone. Just in case I need a plan of action.

    Still waiting, but my heart is rejoicing in the Lord.

    Bette 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2009

    PET scan showed three areas of possible cancer. A biopsy is next on my schedule. If it is stage IV disease, the treatment may be hormonal or chemotherapy. I have to stop taking Femara due to side effects.

    Right now, I am at DD's home in Baltimore, resting up for a day at the Avon Foundation Breast Center at Johns Hopkins tomorrow. Emotionally I feel numb. I am making an effort to praise God for all the good things in my life, including Tom, family and friends.

    Bette

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