Pet scan for 4mm spot on Lung

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sherrypl
sherrypl Member Posts: 33
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I had a follow-up CT scan last week for a spot 8mm on my right lung. Went to the onc and he obviously had not looked at then results before I arrived. He looked at them and started to say "you have a spot and protocol is to wait 3 months for follow-up scan". I told home this was a follow-up and he corrected himself and said the original spot was stable but now there was a 4mm spot on left lung. So he still said 3 month but talked about other possibilities like a PET scan to see if it lights up. After the exam he wrote an order for a PET, not a CT. I think he thought about it while examining me and came to the conclusion for PET. He explained if it was a new primary lung cancer it would still be curative. He said if it lights up next step would be surgery to remove, not just a biopsy but a major surgery! My husband is not working due to back surgery so me having to take a leave at work is not what we need now. I almost want to call onc and suggest we go with his first plan, Wait 3 months then CT scan but I realize that is just fear and denial.

I have the scan on June 19th and am waking at night fearing it. I hate this decease!

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  • Karen3
    Karen3 Member Posts: 307
    edited June 2012

    Hi shettypl,

    I have no words of wisdom to offer but just to say how sorry I am that you are dealing with this. How awful that these possibilities are being put forward by your onc before they know the full facts and you are left to walk away wondering what the future holds. I am sure that someone will come along soon with an informed point of view about the PET etc but just sending you best wishes and hope things turn out O.K. for you. Karen XX

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited June 2012

    I am sorry you are dealing with this.  If it gives any hope to you, I have a 3cm x 6cm spiculated lesion on my lung.  They are following with CAT and PET and the last PET had an SUV of about 3.7.  I was sent to a pulmonary doctor for a review of lung function and to review the area as well.  Pulmonary doc is waiting and watching and that is protocol .  SUV of over 2.5 are often suspicious for malignancy, but they are watching this. It has not grown or changed.

     I'd recommend a review by a pulmonary specialist. They may have other thoughts on this and may not jump right to surgery.  Generally if large enough they will biopsy before doing anything else.  I chose not to biopsy at this point. There are many risks in that.

    I know this is scary, I have been there. Waiting and watching is no fun. It can really make you anxious. Sending you wishes and hoping this all turns out well.  Please if you haven't make sure you see a pulmonologist.  Good luck and keep us posted.

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  • sherrypl
    sherrypl Member Posts: 33
    edited June 2012

    Thanks bevin I have already thought about going for a second opinion if PET scan is suspicious. Lung surgery for a 4mm spot seems radical to me. I know my doctor is being cautious as I am high risk for lung cancer. Both of my parents died from it and unfortunatey I am a former smoker , I finally quit 8 years ago.



    The waiting it worst, I try to put it out of my mind but can't shake it.



    It is my fault I am waiting two weeks I just didn't have the heart to rush right in :-)

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited June 2012

    I am so glad you are a former smoker. Both my parents smoked and my father lived a very sad last 15 years of his life connected to an oxygen compressor. 

    I am so proud of you for quitting. That is just so wonderful to hear, Congratulations to you.

    I'm sorry you're having a hard time, waiting is awful. Good luck and keep us posted.

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  • sherrypl
    sherrypl Member Posts: 33
    edited June 2012

    Scan has Been moved out a week. Another week that I can breath without fear of the doctor call.

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  • sherrypl
    sherrypl Member Posts: 33
    edited June 2012

    Tomorrow is my PET scan, I differed it as long as I could. I am sick to my stomach today with anticipation. I told my 17 yr old son because I didn't want him to feel betrayed if it goes further than this test. I just don't want to get it done at all, I am so afraid of what might be like all of us on here.

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  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 25,402
    edited June 2012

    Good luck tomorrow. All of us are rooting for you!

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  • FilterLady
    FilterLady Member Posts: 407
    edited June 2012

    Sherry:

    My Momma died of lung cancer on 12/31/06 and I still smoked after her diagnosis but I finally quit in October 2002 and have been smoke free since.  Of course, I've always been afraid that I too would have lung cancer.....but so far while I was holding my breath expecting any cancer would be lung.....this sneaky breast cancer got me!

    During pre-op x-ray for lumpectomy, a spot of something showed up on my left lung. The next day a CT was ordered, I was paralyzed with fear.  My DH was out of town for a couple of days and I chose not to tell him till after I found something out.  My daughter-in-law (now an RN) came to sit with me while I waited to get a CT.  I was a basket case. 

    The next day before surgery, the doctor said the CT was "indeterminate" and he wanted me to get a PET scan.  He thought it might be granuloma.  It was almost 3 weeks later before I could get the PET scan.  Again, I was terrified.  The place did not "light up" on the PET scan and it was determined it was granuloma.  My MO and RO said there were lots of people walking around with it and didn't know it.  We are keeping an eye on it to make sure nothing changes and in August I'll have CT #4 to confirm it's not getting bigger, moving, etc.  Then according to my MO....we'll leave it alone for a while.  All CT's have come back the same.....granular tissue.....could be from an old infections, etc.

    I'm saying a prayer that you get a good report.  My thinking about it was I'd rather know (even if it was bad news) than not since not knowing doesn't change what is there.  At least knowing, a plan of action can be put in place.

    We'll be waiting for you to post any results you get....you'll find lots of support here.

    LaDonna

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  • pennylane
    pennylane Member Posts: 177
    edited June 2012

    Good luck with PET scan today, Sherry...I was in a very similar place as you around 6-years ago...was just a few months out of treatment when a rountine lung x-ray showed "numerous diffuse sub-centimeter lung nodules"...Pulminary Dr strolled in to tell me findings  with the dreaded assistant (witness to the bad news)...I am also a former smoker and the Dr would only give me a 50-50 chance ...Well, I followed the usual scan and wait 2-year schedule as you are on, but more importantly came on these boards and met so many women who had been thru the same experience and the huge majority were just fine...I just dont understand why Drs continue to be so dense on this topic...Surely they must have the same facts as the women on these boards have...they seem to almost relish the witholding of some very important information..and that being that most early stage bc women (which you are)...who have these shadowy suspicious x-rays come out of it just fine....After my bad x-ray I too had a PET scan and was so very scared that I kind of blocked out the experience...But it was pretty easy..just a bit of sitting around before the actual scan...and knock on wood, I bet the technician doing the scan is going to be in a good mood, as mine was, afterwards...because you know, we all love good news...after today, the watch and wait schedule will get much easier for you...best of luck...P

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  • sherrypl
    sherrypl Member Posts: 33
    edited June 2012

    Thanks Pennylane.

    I am done with the Scan, I actually had a nice 1/2 nap after the injection.  She said just sit back and relax, no music, no book, we find that best. I told the tech that I never had to be told twice to sit back and relax.  I nodded off and it seemed she was back in seconds.

     Now if only I could nod off until the Dr. calls.  Every phone call will make my heart stop.  Tech said I should know within 24 hours if not sooner.

     Sherry

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  • sherrypl
    sherrypl Member Posts: 33
    edited June 2012

    Thanks Filterlady.  All done with the scan, now it is waiting on those pins and needles waiting for phone to ring.

    I'll dig into my work and hopefully forget about it until they call.

    Sherry

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  • FilterLady
    FilterLady Member Posts: 407
    edited June 2012

    Hi Sherry:  Glad the PET went well for you.  We'll wait with you while you wait on the phone to ring.....I just hate that....I'm not known for my patience, lol

    Here's praying you get a good report!

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  • sherrypl
    sherrypl Member Posts: 33
    edited June 2012

    Thanks everyone, you really are making it easier to wait this out.  This is a great board to belong to.

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  • sherrypl
    sherrypl Member Posts: 33
    edited July 2012

    Negative is the word for the day.  PET scan was negative, recheck with CT scan in 6 months since the spots on the lungs are so small doctor wants to keep checking just in case they were too small for uptake.    But until December, I am going to breath easy again.  Thanks everyone and my thoughts are with anyone going through this type of thing now or in the future.

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  • FilterLady
    FilterLady Member Posts: 407
    edited July 2012

    Sherry,

    What wonderful news!!!!!!! I'm doing a happy dance for you!

    My next CT is in August....I'm not worried....and per my MO and RO....when that one comes back the same, we'll leave it alone for a while.  Can't be soon enough for me, lol

    Have a great day!

    LaDonna

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  • littlecatsfeet
    littlecatsfeet Member Posts: 87
    edited July 2012

    Sherrypl I am rejoicing with you and your results! 

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  • debbie6122
    debbie6122 Member Posts: 5,161
    edited July 2012

    Another one here to hear the good news for you. My sister had the same thing and was told a year later it did not grow at all so they are not worried hers was small like yours. I myself had lung cancer so I was waiting to hear word on how you were doing. Big Hugs to you!

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited July 2012

    so happy for you Sherry. Thanks for sharing your good news. Enjoy.

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