CAT scan, will it show everything, everywhere?

Lori1967
Lori1967 Member Posts: 66

I am going for my CAT scan next week for my lumpectomy on the 11th of August.

3 years ago I had tightness in my throat and after seeing an endocrinologist I was told I  had 9 nodules on my thyroid. She had me coming in every 6 months to examine me, but there were never any changes and I didn't have the tight feeling anymore. My last app't with her was booked in July for the next year.....I did not have a calendar yet for the next year. So when I remembered I should have an app't coming I called to check and was told I had missed it two days before.

It was going to be $50. to come back, and I couldn't afford it at the time so I didn't return.

Now that I have been IDC I have been noticing that my throat feels tight again. It could be paranoia thinking that the cancer has spread everywhere, it could be because I'm on the edge of tears....

Will the CAT scan show if there's anything in my thyroid too, or will they just concentrate on my chest?

Comments

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2014

    Typically we think it would focus on the chest, although you should discuss with them if they are looking in other places as well. Perhaps you could discuss this option beforehand (call on Monday?). 

    Here is a page about CAT scans:  CAT Scans

    Best, 

    The Mods

  • HomeMom
    HomeMom Member Posts: 1,198
    edited August 2014

    I had a PET Scan first which went from the base of your scull to mid thigh. I had a CT scan as a follow up and it only focused on my chest because they saw a small (too small to measure) nodule on my lung the first time. It's been a while since you posted this, did you have surgery? I had my PET scan after my lumpectomy and SNB showed I had node involvement.

  • iammommy
    iammommy Member Posts: 213
    edited August 2014

    I had a chest CT and it did pick up thyroid nodules.

  • Lori1967
    Lori1967 Member Posts: 66
    edited August 2014

    Thanks everyone!

    I had my physical with my Dr. and he felt around and didn't feel anything different. 

    If the CAT doesn't show anything, he's going to send me for an ultrasound when I'm thru with surgery...just to set my mind at peace  :)

    It's probably all the weight I've gained in the last few years, one stressful event after another!!  I wish I was one of those people who lost pounds when stressed instead of gain!!  Now I have a double chin, and it's really bothering me!

  • HomeMom
    HomeMom Member Posts: 1,198
    edited August 2014

    I'm one of those that loses weight when stressed. I lost 10 lbs when I started this journey - I've since added it back!

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