troublesome PET scan

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paintedlady
paintedlady Member Posts: 252
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Hi Sisters

I am quite upset right now. I had a PET scan May 31 because I have increasing bone pain in my left leg. My doctor called me today and told me that a problem in my right lung was detected and he is making arrangements for a lung biospy. I have had several bouts with pneumonia. I am wondering if the PET scan can differentiate between scar tissue and cancer cells? I can't believe it could cancer because I just completed chemo in February and just finished 7 weeks of rads last Friday. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I feel like a nervous wreck

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  • lorieg
    lorieg Member Posts: 802
    edited June 2011

    I would press for more info because the words "a problem" in my lung would drive me insane.  PET scans can have many falso positives especially if you had recent pneumonia and rads.  PET scans will light up all kinds of inflammation.  I would call and get more info or a copy of the report.  I hope it turns out to be nothing.  Sorry I jumped in here.  I am not triple negative but your post was at the top of the active post thingy!

    Best of luck,

    Lori

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited June 2011

    HI Painted lady, I am also going through somthing similar.  Did you find out from the doctor what the uptake was. on my Pet/CT combo scan mine was 3.8 and anything over 2 they watch and evaluate and need to determine if it could be cancerous or benign.  My lesion is a bit large but instead of  immediate biopsy, I am having another CT later this month.  If there were changes, Then we may consider biopsy to confirm what it is.  Another thought is to see a pulmonary doctor for their opinion.   I'd ask them why the rush to biospy and is doing a repeat scan more appropriate ?  There are several folks who will be along soon to share their experience with biopsy  that can speak to that procedure.  Just to keep in your thoughts, many lung issues can be benign, and especially after radiation you can have pneumonitis or scaring from it. 

    Good luck to you and stay in touch if you'd like . Its good to know someone else going along this path.  I'll say a prayer for you and send along wishes for strength as you go through this.

    Bevin

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  • paintedlady
    paintedlady Member Posts: 252
    edited June 2011

    Bevin

    Thanks for the info and encouragement

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  • ebann
    ebann Member Posts: 3,026
    edited June 2011

    Paintedlady; I know that PET scans detect inflammation in the body. I know there are some false reading but there are also true readings. Biopsy is best to rule cancer out. And yes the cancer can come back that quick. I have a friend that it would be clear then it would be back in no time. She has been battling this since 2005. I hope that it is nothing. I do wish you the best. I did not mean to scare you but I needed to tell you.

    Blessings, Elizabeth

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  • pennylane
    pennylane Member Posts: 177
    edited June 2011

    Hi Painted Lady, I too had troubling issues with my lungs...Back in 2006 after treatment a routine x-ray revealed numerous bi-lateral subcentimeter nodules splattered all over my lungs...Pulmonary Dr was rather grim and really scared me...My oncologist was much more hopeful...Anyway I did scans every 6-months for the next 2-years and am still here to talk about it (knock on wood)...Like you I had pneumonia which probably caused scarring, but more importantly I have met many women on these boards who had scarring on their lungs after rads and it turned out to be nothing...I notice you are early stage and hope that will also give you some comfort that this will turn out okay...This is a rough waiting game for you..Hang in there and stay in touch...Wishing you lots of best wishes, P

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  • paintedlady
    paintedlady Member Posts: 252
    edited June 2011

    Thank you Sisters for your caring words and support. I see the medical onc Monday. I am going to try and stay busy all weekend so I wont think about it too much

    Have a good weekend Sisters

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited June 2011

    HI Panted lady - I hope you were able to have a nice weekend and not worry too mucy.  How did your Onco visit go today.  I hope you had good news. Let us know how you;re doing.

    Bevin

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  • paintedlady
    paintedlady Member Posts: 252
    edited June 2011

    Hi Bevin

    Thank you for remembering my appointment today with the Onc. After reviewing the PET scan results   and listening to my lungs, the Onc thinks I have pneumonia: So he is sending me to a Pulmonologist.   I am so relieved that I do not need a biopsy.

    I appreciate your concern.

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  • bak94
    bak94 Member Posts: 1,846
    edited June 2011

    Great news paintedlady!

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited June 2011

    Very good news!!!  I am so happy for you. Hope that the peumonia clears up quickly!

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